Barn at Montpelier

Took the (very beautiful) backroads again, heading from Charlottesville to Bethesda. Really intended to visit Montpelier, but got seduced by the Barbour Vineyards and wine tasting along the way (cautiously on my part, as the driver). This meant that we only had time to drive up to the Montpelier Visitor Centre, appreciate the wonderful views and peace and quiet and read boards that juxtaposition events in American and James Madison's histories with inventions and happenings elsewhere.

Then on, in growing foreboding of the Washington Beltway - which turned out not to be too bad - and thanks to good directions and asking a few times along the way, found our way to our friends' house n Bethesda. Possibly the most beautiful house I have ever been in, full of light , books, paintings and other delights. Will try to post a shot tomorrow, the ones I took this evening were all duds.