#7: [30-Oct-16]

#6: [20-Apr-11]

#5: [04-Oct-08]

#4: [29-Nov-06]

#2: [22-May-04]

#1: [26-Nov-98]

04-Sep-2006 -- Near the southern end of Augusta County, Virginia, another cp becomes available to some lucky homebuilder!

After my “no unexpected surprises” visit to 38N 80W earlier in the day, I was unprepared for the pace of change I encountered just one degree to the east! When the DCP last checked on 38N 79W in May 2004, the point was in a nondescript field of grass, clover, and weeds, behind a hedge row with no shoulder pull off along Highway 610. Imagine my shock when I wheeled past impressive stone gates into “Shannon Lea at Kennedy Creek,” a new development of 80 building lots and three open space lots zoned “Single Family Residential,” located immediately adjacent to “The Hamptons” at Kennedy Creek Subdivision, on the north side of HowardsvilleTurnpike (Route 610) in Augusta County’s South River District. The local Board of Supervisors approved the master plan in November 2004, just six months after the previous visit, and the development now has paved roads in place and one home under construction. In fact, I arrived on the last day of the “Grand Opening” sale, with “reduced prices through Labor Day.”

"Thoughtful Planning Enhances Quality Living."For those readers who have always dreamed of living near or ON a degree confluence, I offer the following marketing information on the project, and its many proposed "great things to come":

”Shannon Lea is a place where everything has been planned for your comfort and ease, creating a harmonic balance that reflects a superior natural living environment. Shannon Lea is a carefully planned community by two of Atlanta Georgia's most visionary developers and builders, National Developers, LLC and White Mountain Partners, Inc. Shannon Lea has been planned from its inception to be an environmentally conscious, pedestrian friendly community that incorporates amenities with green spaces to provide a high quality residential community.

”Life is Good! There is something for every member of the family! The finest features come naturally at Shannon Lea; it will be like a gorgeous, year-round vacation for everyone! The gentle rolling landscape of Shannon Lea is perfect for a walk around the block. Tree lined sidewalks on both sides of the street will make your walk enjoyable and stress free as you greet your neighbors. The early American style lighting and 360 degree view of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains will make your walk great, night or day!

”Amenities will include: a Professionally Designed Pool (with Professionally designed and fenced children's playground), Clubhouse, Lighted Tennis Courts, Picnic Pavilion with a large rock fireplace (Perfect for family reunions!), and Stocked pond with fishing deck. Open space will include Gazebos, Paved Jogging, Walking, and Biking trails.”

Obviously this cp sits in an area of dynamic change. Interstate Highway 81 is only eight miles to the northwest, while the world famous Appalachian Trail is just 10km to the southeast. Living here would certainly be convenient for a number of activities. But what will Americans do when all their farm land is covered up by houses? And if the Appalachian Trail itself is somehow able to survive in the middle of all this development, who will want to hike a former wilderness path whose experience has become only a constant view of urban sprawl…