What's Laird Drinking Now?

So this weekend we headed down south to "Get Pasturized". Bath county Virginia is, to me, one of the holy places. I'll put it right up there with any place on Earth for beauty and for some reason it seems to both calm and awaken the senses. We arrived Friday and pitched our tent. That done we relaxed by going down to the Cow Pasture river on the front of the property. We took the golf cart down the precarious hill and through the pasture, trying not to scare the cows. The river is a meandering affair running clear as glass right to the bottom and tasting of limestone. We got in and took a swim with Kate and John's dog Turley herding us all. We grudgingly got out in order to head back up to the cabin to make dinner. There were burgers, beef and bison, homemade French fries and John's wicked blue cheese Caesar salad to accompany a few good wines. The evening went long into the night with a fire built in the old camp lodge fire place, a free standing chimney, now the only evidence of the lodge. 

We woke up on Saturday to coffee and donuts. After an hour to rally the troops we set about making turkey subs for an afternoon on the river. We had loads of great ingredients and about five of us quickly turned out a dozen large hoagies. We packed up the food and some beverages and headed for the water. Ever have a perfect afternoon? When time, place, and friends all come together just right. We had cheap wine and played in the river, it couldn't have been better.

John had arranged for the evening meal to be catered so that everyone could just enjoy the food and company. We met many locals and shared stories and tall tales. As it got late another fire was built and a bunch of fireworks were set off. Many folks camped out and ran the evening into the wee hours. I am always amazed by the generosity of friends, old and new. We enjoyed great hospitality and met many new people,hence the lack of any tasting notes. I am also always struck by the aching beauty of Bath County. Entering it is a tonic for the spirit and leaving always a bit melancholy. I don't know why it has so strong an effect, but it has from the first time I went.

I loved the weekend and am indebted to both Johns, Kate, and Mary. I have always loved coming to the cabin and always think of each visit as a very special gift. I hope I will have many more trips down, it has a real place in my heart, and you are blessed to have it.