When the world shut down, we escaped to the lake! Our Happy Place…

Dave and I have been going to Smith Mountain Lake in the Blue Mountains of Virginia since the very first summer that we started dating, almost 19 years ago! His family has been going to this lake since before Dave was born, and they now call it home. We try to go down as often as possible to not only enjoy the lake, but visit with his parents and make sure that the kids get to see them.

This summer was extra special as EVERYONE was at the lake hiding out from Covid-19! It’s easy to stay pretty secluded there! It’s 40 minutes to the nearest grocery store! Dave is one of four kids. All of his siblings plus his sister’s husband, and their 8 month old baby girl were there.

We spent hours and hours and HOURS boating around the lake, with everyone learning how to Wakesurf behind the new surf boat. dave of course was a natural as he is with all things watersports, Brooke gave it a shot, got frustrated that she wasn’t a professional by her second try and went back to wake boarding, and Nathan, since he’s a pipsqueak still and the board is too big for him went with dad and LOVED it! I tried too, but of course there are no pictures… except maybe on Dave’s cell phone? I’ll have to check. I did pretty well, until that one time that I fell and the surfboard cracked me right in the cheek resulting in ridiculous black eye, a scar, and permanent black mark under my eye… lesson learned, I may be too old for new tricks 😉

If you ever find yourself looking for somewhere to go during the summer for sure get on AirBNB and search for a Smith Mountain Lake vacation rental! You won’t be disappointed! AND if you find yourself in need of a photographer while you’re there I’d be happy to meet up with you! Any excuse for a lake trip is a good excuse! Oh, and be sure to go get the fudge from the bridge… AMAZING!

xx,

Ashley

Ashley is a lifestyle family photographer based in Sussex County NJ and available to travel! Let’s chat about your Smith Mountain Lake family pictures! Use the “let’s Chat” button at the top of the page.