Before my blogging break, a few weeks ago Gregg said he would like to go for a drive along the Snickersville Turnpike. I always enjoy that area. We did a shorter version this time and I only took a few photos. The weather was sunny and in the mid 70s. 
There were bales of hay in the fields, always a pretty sight in the countryside.
Forever curious I did a search on them. At one place I read that “bales are often wrapped in plastic and stored out in the fields until needed for livestock. The outside edge of a hay bale may be damaged by the weather, but the interior of the bale will stay suitable for animal food. Outdoor storage has reduced the costs of building and maintaining hay barns, so the classic wooden barns are slowly disappearing.” When I read this I thought well, that makes sense but I would be sad to see those old wooden barns disappear completely.
On another website I read that these round bales can weigh from 600 to 2000 pounds. They are either left in the field until they are used or may be moved to a covered storage area. Also, sheep and goats will not eat trampled hay. Horses and cattle are not so picky. I also read that hay is the largest field crop in Virginia.
We drove along the fence line of this property, and it went on for quite a distance. There were small US. flags attached to each post, and banners on the gate as you can see.
I have mentioned before but I often wonder who lives at the end of these driveways.
Some gates had an intercom. I'm just snapping pictures as we drive along. Even on country roads there always seem to be cars behind us, with not many opportunities to stop. Just as well for the nosey parkers who like to take photos on drive-bys from the passenger seat, of stone pillars with planters on top of them! When the opportunity arises, we will pull over to allow the cars following us to pass. And then we travel at a more leisurely pace, until the next car arrives. These are narrower country roads than those nearer the freeways, and generally these followers live here and probably know all the twists and turns, and go faster than we are prepared to.
I can't remember the name of this small town, but I was interested in the mailboxes that had a small roof over them. Each mailbox belongs to a different home, this info in case you are living outside of the States. People come to their individual box and get their mail, as the mailman doesn’t deliver them through a slot in the door. This may change in the bigger cities. Everyone in my community has an individual mailbox at the end of their driveway, attached to the top of a wooden post, waist high.
I enjoyed these pretty flowers climbing over the wall.
Shortly afterwards we turned off the turnpike and headed back. It was a nice ride, although shorter than usual, but even the short ones are very enjoyable. If you ever want to visit the area I found this website with vacation rentals and Airbnbs. They were fun to look at too. Here is a photo looking beyond an old stone wall…
We stopped off at Wendy's not too far from home, and deciding to have a fast-food meal instead of putting one together ourselves. We were both feeling a bit tired. It was a nice change as we rarely go to Wendy's. We ordered the same thing, a baked potato and small container of chili. They were very good and piping hot.
Waffling over with! Thanks for stopping by. Hopefully you're having good weather where you are. I have missed visiting but I am catching up ever so slowly. I am eager to see all your photos and writings.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
