South Fork wildfire north of Luray

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv82-t-hRA1EhnH37Qtwr9EQ44Wb_-_dwp-pvpnRrs1_WAPXMpZoG88g9rHvJhm52QJkpmkBSCg23Ll2Vjscnz878sVlCehYixrJb0uxPkpbYVCRHdzNyonQyhMhz6u0W8O2stkg8S3NW/s1600/National+Park+Service+emblem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv82-t-hRA1EhnH37Qtwr9EQ44Wb_-_dwp-pvpnRrs1_WAPXMpZoG88g9rHvJhm52QJkpmkBSCg23Ll2Vjscnz878sVlCehYixrJb0uxPkpbYVCRHdzNyonQyhMhz6u0W8O2stkg8S3NW/s1600/National+Park+Service+emblem.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />A forest fire is raging north of Luray on 450 acres in both Page and Shenandoah Counties. Over 100 personnel are involved in the wildfire whose origin is unknown. From the National Park Service's <a href="http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3753/" target="_blank">Incident Information System</a>:<br /><blockquote>The South Fork Fire was reported on Monday November 18 2013. This fire is located fourteen miles north of Luray VA. It is north of Habron Gap south of Indian Grave Ridge and west of State Road 717 in both Page and Shenandoah Counties.<br /><br />There is no containment date. <br /><br />Areas temporarily closed:<br />Massanutten National Recreation Trail (#408) from Habron Gap to Indian Grave Ridge and areas west to the Forest Service boundary and Habron Gap Trail and Indian Grave Ridge Trails are closed as is Forest Service Area west of SR 684 and 717 in the fire area.<br /><br />Habron Gap Trail #559<br /><br />Indian Grave Ridge Trail # 597<br /><br /><i>Hunting is not permitted adjacent to the active fire under Virginia State law.</i><br />Safety of the public and firefighters is always the number one priority when dealing with wildfires. Trails adjacent and within the fire area are closed. Observe all posted closures.</blockquote>Conditions involve steep and rocky terrain with light winds and temperatures in the low 40s.

Luray Massanutten National Park Service Page County Shenandoah County South Fork Fire wildfires South Fork wildfire north of Luray

A forest fire is raging north of Luray on 450 acres in both Page and Shenandoah Counties. Over 100 personnel are involved in the wildfire whose origin is unknown. From the National Park Service's Incident Information System:The South Fork Fire was re…

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Free entrance to national parks this weekend

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QdyLK0bjnnZ0OU4wgcVg8T4JbbK5nS5Xc-VygYpT_XStj6h-Hj1W-T72cteS2_00g0_uBWYJsNU2KewQDMqM5TzZPkxT8LrK8kMjCq-NPvgMF_4XdAcqKMgS-9Z5C1z0CN-2WgG8EaaW/s1600/National+Park+Service+emblem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QdyLK0bjnnZ0OU4wgcVg8T4JbbK5nS5Xc-VygYpT_XStj6h-Hj1W-T72cteS2_00g0_uBWYJsNU2KewQDMqM5TzZPkxT8LrK8kMjCq-NPvgMF_4XdAcqKMgS-9Z5C1z0CN-2WgG8EaaW/s200/National+Park+Service+emblem.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/2013-fee-free-days.htm">National Parks will offer free entrance</a> this weekend, November 9-11, for Veterans Day. For those in the Shenandoah Valley, that includes Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive.<br /><br /><b>Virginia</b> <br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.nps.gov/apco">Appomattox Court House National Historical Park</a><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/asis">Assateague Island National Seashore</a><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/colo">Colonial National Historical Park</a><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/grfa">George Washington Memorial Parkway's Great Falls Park</a><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/mana">Manassas National Battlefield Park</a><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/pete">Petersburg National Battlefield</a><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/prwi">Prince William Forest Park</a><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/shen">Shenandoah National Park</a></blockquote><b>West Virginia</b><br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.nps.gov/hafe">Harpers Ferry National Historical Park</a></blockquote><a href="http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm">A complete list of all national parks is here.</a> Enjoy a weekend discovering America's outdoors!

free entrance to national parks National Park Service Shenandoah National Park Virginia Free entrance to national parks this weekend

National Parks will offer free entrance this weekend, November 9-11, for Veterans Day. For those in the Shenandoah Valley, that includes Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive.Virginia Appomattox Court House National Historical ParkAssateague…

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Mabry Mill Restaurant reopened amid government shutdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkJzD8KjOSz-l7i3dN3qyBkwrD5YLebf3aEZWwvQkZjr9mZOhyphenhyphenQW7y6AIPC13Yy4S6k01f1NJugH1caxre8NVU2kYfY5gZq868Hu_i2-FinMsC0TzDgMtc0iBrEQ2-43INPjmchYQwI2V/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkJzD8KjOSz-l7i3dN3qyBkwrD5YLebf3aEZWwvQkZjr9mZOhyphenhyphenQW7y6AIPC13Yy4S6k01f1NJugH1caxre8NVU2kYfY5gZq868Hu_i2-FinMsC0TzDgMtc0iBrEQ2-43INPjmchYQwI2V/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Mabry Mill</i></div><br />Breakfast on the Blue Ridge Parkway is available again (along with lunch and dinner) at Mabry Mill Restaurant at the historic mill. <br /><br /><i><a href="http://www.blueridgemuse.com/node/20182">Blue Ridge Muse</a></i> Douglas Thompson reported that the coffee is perking and pancakes are again on the grill.<br /><br />There was this puzzling comment from the National Park Service:<br /><blockquote>A spokesman for the National Park Service said Thursday they are not encouraging businesses operated by private vendors to reopen, they won’t stop those who do.</blockquote>Thankfully, for travelers and locals, Mabry Mill is back on the grid although the government shutdown didn't help things: <br /><blockquote>Radcliff said Mabry Mill is “definitely open through Oct. 31″ but lost at least $65,000 for the 10 days that it was closed because of the continuing government shutdown.<br /><br />The attraction was closed last weekend at what was considered the “peak” time for autumn colors on this part of the Parkway.</blockquote><a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/peaks-of-otter-lodge-now-open.html">Peaks of Otter Lodge has also reopened</a> amid the shutdown.

Blue Ridge Muse Douglas Thompson government shutdown Mabry Mill Mabry Mill Restaurant National Park Service Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Mabry Mill Restaurant reopened amid government shutdown

 Mabry MillBreakfast on the Blue Ridge Parkway is available again (along with lunch and dinner) at Mabry Mill Restaurant at the historic mill. Blue Ridge Muse Douglas Thompson reported that the coffee is perking and pancakes are again on the grill.Th…

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Peaks of Otter Lodge now OPEN

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETuN4mBg3I5xbroAvZEAHMD25TMlpURJCWgVEK8ZQLy4b67TDb5FkawTCx7DCXEG2R8b73amv9GY_Ea-YZuQIomamxdv3L8C3c3UC2diY-dAb1knuWyYDZJFtAOlZtjgDjc4cBsslbDWF/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETuN4mBg3I5xbroAvZEAHMD25TMlpURJCWgVEK8ZQLy4b67TDb5FkawTCx7DCXEG2R8b73amv9GY_Ea-YZuQIomamxdv3L8C3c3UC2diY-dAb1knuWyYDZJFtAOlZtjgDjc4cBsslbDWF/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Peaks of Otter Lodge with Sharp Top Mountain in the background.</i></div><br />Good news! Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant have reopened amid the continued government shutdown, good news for travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak autumn leaf season.<br /><br />The company that runs the concession released a statement, according to <a href="http://www.wset.com/story/23675586/peaks-of-otter-lodge-re-opens">WSET TV-13</a>:<br /><blockquote><i>"Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is thrilled to announce the re-opening of Peaks of Otter Lodge effective noon Saturday, October 12. The restaurant will open with a limited menu for dinner service. The shuttle to Sharp Top Mountain will not be operating as all National Park Service services remain closed. We would like to thank our employees and our guests for their support and loyalty. <br /><br />Our employees are excited to get back to work serving guests and creating memorable experiences. Fall is a beautiful time to visit Peaks of Otter Lodge and we look forward to continuing a successful first season as operators. <br /><br />Peaks of Otter Lodge is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway - an open and gate-free commuter road. Because of its unique position, we were able to re-open the iconic and popular property just in time for the best views of fall foliage. The Lodge is open through December 1.<br /><br /> Shenandoah National Park, among other national parks where Delaware North operates, remains closed due to the government shutdown. We remain hopeful for a resolution in the near future."</i></blockquote>

Blue Ridge Parkway Delaware North Companies & Resorts government shutdown National Park Service Peaks of Otter reopening tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Peaks of Otter Lodge now OPEN

 Peaks of Otter Lodge with Sharp Top Mountain in the background.Good news! Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant have reopened amid the continued government shutdown, good news for travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak autumn leaf season.The …

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Just reopened, Peaks of Otter now a victim of government shutdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8IuKVsgcPO25YS8QQrJgaTptcSCxDUV5Z4jsvX6FzjRutF_eS8DiEDpyXbCHjeF5d4xiNHKW-eTqQ96BSFjMAbMHBSwFU0x6ha0iTm0lQ43mpKHWfltrq5KJLPW65RDPOlnfn7QYvICL/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8IuKVsgcPO25YS8QQrJgaTptcSCxDUV5Z4jsvX6FzjRutF_eS8DiEDpyXbCHjeF5d4xiNHKW-eTqQ96BSFjMAbMHBSwFU0x6ha0iTm0lQ43mpKHWfltrq5KJLPW65RDPOlnfn7QYvICL/s400/22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Peaks of Otter Lodge on September 26, 2013.</i></div><br />The government shutdown <a href="http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_d9749888-2b17-11e3-a817-0019bb30f31a.html">has shuttered Peaks of Otter</a>, that historic lodge and restaurant that reopened this year after being closed the past two years. Even though it is run by a private enterprise, the government has forced its closing until a budget is passed by Congress.<br /><br />Will it recover?<br /><br />Take a drive south on the Blue Ridge Parkway and you will see shuttered gift shops, restaurants, and campgrounds because no vendors can be found to run these concessions. Imagine running a business that the government can arbitrarily shut down at a time of year that brings in more than 25% of income.<br /><br />Last week, as SWAC Husband and I meandered down the Blue Ridge Parkway toward North Carolina, we stopped at Peaks of Otter for lunch. I had been excited at its reopening this year and even tried to book a room -- albeit on short notice -- for our trip but they were full. That was a good sign.<br /><br />The restaurant at mid-day last Thursday was busy with every window table occupied. The host, a gentleman about retirement age, greeted us and led the way to a table directly in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Abbott Lake and Sharp Top. I joked with him, asking how he <i>knew</i> we wanted to sit in front of the window. He chuckled and said sometimes there aren't enough windows for all the requests to be at those prime tables.<br /><br />The manager, a friendly middle-aged lady, welcomed us and made sure we were comfortable, then took our drink orders. A few minutes later a smiling young waitress, probably twenty-something, arrived to take our orders. We enjoyed a twenty-dollar lunch with a million-dollar view as we watched guests strolling the pathway that circles the lake. <br /><br />A lady arrived alone and was seated at the table beside us. From nearby Bedford, she said she had been busy working at home that morning but decided to drop everything and head to the Peaks for lunch. Maybe she was listening to the news ... maybe she needed a taste of mountain air ... but I'm glad she did it last week because if she felt like an impromptu lunch today, she would be out of luck.<br /><br />After lunch, we explored the lodge, saying hello to the friendly staff and taking photos of the rustic interior with beautiful views. A friendly young lady worked the gift shop. Inside the visitor center, an outgoing gentleman boomed out a welcome and offered directions to various hikes and the bus trip to Sharp Top. Next door in the country store, stocked with camping and hiking necessities, another man about retirement age greeted us with a friendly smile, offering information and bus tickets for the ride to the top of Sharp Top. Running every hour on the hour for those with young children or mobility issues, the bus offered an alternative for those who could not make the trek up the steep trail. We took a short leg-stretcher, not having time to hit the summit either by bus or legs, and then hit the Parkway south as we continued on our trip.<br /><br />Today while listening to news of the government shutdown, I thought about all those workers we encountered last week. They are out of work at one of the busiest times of year for leaf-looking country. It's sad to think that the lodge, restaurant, and all facilities are closed to the public because of the debacle in D.C.<br /><br />Reporter Eleanor Kennedy with the <a href="http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_d9749888-2b17-11e3-a817-0019bb30f31a.html"><i>Lynchburg News and Advance</i></a><i></i> talked with folks at Peaks of Otter:<br /><blockquote>General Manager Robert Peters said most of the lodge’s 72 employees were gone by noon on Tuesday, with more set to depart at 5 p.m. when the front desk officially closed. About half of those employees, like front desk supervisor Debbie Smith, worked for the lodge under its previous operator and were rehired when Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts took over and reopened the attraction in July.<br /><br />“I’ve been through a lot with the Peaks of Otter,” said Smith, who started as a housekeeper there more than 25 years ago.<br /><br />A handful of staff members remained Tuesday to keep the place going, including Peters, Smith and a few housekeepers and maintenance staffers. But today, Peters said, the lodge will be maintained by Peters and one other person.<br /><br />“[The employees] are out of work with no pay until the government figures out what to do,” he said. “It’s bad for the guests, it’s bad for the employees…it’s a bad situation.”<br /><br />Tuesday’s closure came only days after the lodge’s grand opening celebration last Friday and at the start of its biggest moneymaking season, when autumn foliage draws many to the Parkway each year.<br /><br />Peters said the 63-room attraction was expected to be at about 50 percent capacity Tuesday night, 75 percent today and Thursday and completely booked through the weekend.<br />...<br />During that time, Peters said, the lodge likely will lose between $5,000-$10,000 on weekdays and $20,000-$30,000 thousand over the weekends.<br /><br />“It’s adding up quickly,” he said. “This is the money that’s coming in that pays the bills for the rest of the year.”</blockquote>A guest preparing to leave the lodge made a comment that is true across the board for those affected by this shutdown:<br /><blockquote>“The people here have been absolutely fantastic,” said Loudene Riggs, a member of the North Carolina contingent who’s been coming up to the Peaks with her husband since the 1960s.<br /><br />“They have been handed a really rough deal.”</blockquote>End the government shutdown.<br /><br />Here are more photos from Thursday, September 26, 2013, as we enjoyed some time at Peaks of Otter: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFux8ATR4bdKQfYz3pAGvsZC-PZQLv0f3Tnq8FFl6xALvbTj0IRTzwNhWmMqg71AsbB3je91Us74tN1gHxFEQymt5LPfhKEiEQ962BE0vP_AiRyvmJNDkHJmlq0KcTsWzHVbWXBJ9k87as/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFux8ATR4bdKQfYz3pAGvsZC-PZQLv0f3Tnq8FFl6xALvbTj0IRTzwNhWmMqg71AsbB3je91Us74tN1gHxFEQymt5LPfhKEiEQ962BE0vP_AiRyvmJNDkHJmlq0KcTsWzHVbWXBJ9k87as/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">A welcoming fall entrance to the Peaks of Otter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2R3v9onpxSqdBIbsAMtJVBDeLo1YIquLnRocfADCW18ph2qu0fVzQLKo_SBosnijHq6BXdl2-_yBCnjxbqt1frl3Z6vAM6Gixa_hx2MUdM8rEZyPnTIAHYLecMlrwxA4ab_LXAOHlnq7/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2R3v9onpxSqdBIbsAMtJVBDeLo1YIquLnRocfADCW18ph2qu0fVzQLKo_SBosnijHq6BXdl2-_yBCnjxbqt1frl3Z6vAM6Gixa_hx2MUdM8rEZyPnTIAHYLecMlrwxA4ab_LXAOHlnq7/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our lunch table overlooked Abbott Lake and Sharp Top.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQxI4XRrLVLeiTlQhBeGR6Jx_7DxJYF6woHn5pW85SSMXratBgj-konvsSGFvvYRrNysXUm4VUmhwmbeX6aG8uBCpRzn7W3-GOsBdg5FATIt0t4bhdu4In5beVDYxYz6q89K11m4qAPj1/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQxI4XRrLVLeiTlQhBeGR6Jx_7DxJYF6woHn5pW85SSMXratBgj-konvsSGFvvYRrNysXUm4VUmhwmbeX6aG8uBCpRzn7W3-GOsBdg5FATIt0t4bhdu4In5beVDYxYz6q89K11m4qAPj1/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIBhGz2NL2YsXRNlziB40IvjNSkhY57w_LhtiHJYOPshs_nFb9VJfQldQTwOTYxz9Ia-UAdJ_JBH0uioxZbftWicVZAJ5vEkp2MmSet5peWW1OP-uOSv74vsKkDNcO3BNba9wjxgh-ZVi/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIBhGz2NL2YsXRNlziB40IvjNSkhY57w_LhtiHJYOPshs_nFb9VJfQldQTwOTYxz9Ia-UAdJ_JBH0uioxZbftWicVZAJ5vEkp2MmSet5peWW1OP-uOSv74vsKkDNcO3BNba9wjxgh-ZVi/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR10Bc5AH53fb3s4yXEbmcb9GJlh4Y9eIk2xmmit2KZK2QqxgmbuNzlsJE8d7Fcb-RVXOyaUuUPOl4Okm91_tPIWdKoSBl1AfPtRMdrzXd0hLGjhMyN7KCSZE6DLLLHg82qogKVEs1FSV/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR10Bc5AH53fb3s4yXEbmcb9GJlh4Y9eIk2xmmit2KZK2QqxgmbuNzlsJE8d7Fcb-RVXOyaUuUPOl4Okm91_tPIWdKoSBl1AfPtRMdrzXd0hLGjhMyN7KCSZE6DLLLHg82qogKVEs1FSV/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-M9iL7MpY0UkZmHgBhF3skZkh2l4kZUwyY1WN-E3qH6DikqdjTghOdUDY0vS9e7zSvowIKg9KIh4jB6MpYYO-NpaaQkvDy3Ezkt3dNEusRCx9l3e-SwT90-W8Qmocktby4NPuv3xfszM/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-M9iL7MpY0UkZmHgBhF3skZkh2l4kZUwyY1WN-E3qH6DikqdjTghOdUDY0vS9e7zSvowIKg9KIh4jB6MpYYO-NpaaQkvDy3Ezkt3dNEusRCx9l3e-SwT90-W8Qmocktby4NPuv3xfszM/s400/15.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou20fUhZYGo06PinygFyLGklvp-nbN74wY-5xZfeq8wd3R0AUat3KZl7nFLIDsNioWjKDCmaZQe6xHrBv9rawUhENsuUxsAGIZdzfn_Rfj1HS8KBHxlK02RlLF7pESUR4nyzIpkK7sSOU/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou20fUhZYGo06PinygFyLGklvp-nbN74wY-5xZfeq8wd3R0AUat3KZl7nFLIDsNioWjKDCmaZQe6xHrBv9rawUhENsuUxsAGIZdzfn_Rfj1HS8KBHxlK02RlLF7pESUR4nyzIpkK7sSOU/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_q6Lj1bC8be44Z4f6MXU-wK4OVxdEEubzy6jW1jJCUKTYwHOuxTcSB6824Amjwlm1Yzg5eipFwLDtlhOziHSaC4vwJK9Ow7mgmAxKTAYL-CVTD3Hcad4Ox0lRnIN0Qyl_YE3D7eo0utH/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_q6Lj1bC8be44Z4f6MXU-wK4OVxdEEubzy6jW1jJCUKTYwHOuxTcSB6824Amjwlm1Yzg5eipFwLDtlhOziHSaC4vwJK9Ow7mgmAxKTAYL-CVTD3Hcad4Ox0lRnIN0Qyl_YE3D7eo0utH/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lounge area of the main lodge.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUdRfSumcV_3lq5TkyrNJOcpRjHupWra5EWOY3XmogDJTaB7XyKZorWWvsLhx-mRZJ49OTeRmvf2Qs_vIVjIu84PYAM1echg-wsMYKg_a_RvOGRnKKv46lsXAlsV3YLMeoxMN3HTJ7v5S/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUdRfSumcV_3lq5TkyrNJOcpRjHupWra5EWOY3XmogDJTaB7XyKZorWWvsLhx-mRZJ49OTeRmvf2Qs_vIVjIu84PYAM1echg-wsMYKg_a_RvOGRnKKv46lsXAlsV3YLMeoxMN3HTJ7v5S/s320/18.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS4oS3S5uOuEkAI_u7Y-m0MrXLq2FcahYdgBo_A0gLrNgs6xWgTw-e1BdHVWnkh73GI2I_Jt2UGgGlNq6AeWRLutv0eWa_wTuqjs91t_MMw3y5sh4vZXZNvcLcIkaVQlQXYeiDUPCA0wz/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS4oS3S5uOuEkAI_u7Y-m0MrXLq2FcahYdgBo_A0gLrNgs6xWgTw-e1BdHVWnkh73GI2I_Jt2UGgGlNq6AeWRLutv0eWa_wTuqjs91t_MMw3y5sh4vZXZNvcLcIkaVQlQXYeiDUPCA0wz/s400/19.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lobby area and gift shop.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFyfTv7-Xkv3l7ZkJhhMwmkrx4OE7gRmArug85bbPywJMjhFAXcSlBCUqg_RKty1KwgrtWVkurjiD2rYH9Pl0NL-JrRb5uNOr59Tq8USYWBEgXP8S-kGE-zlc0Rbi401hjO-XEeaS5k0z/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFyfTv7-Xkv3l7ZkJhhMwmkrx4OE7gRmArug85bbPywJMjhFAXcSlBCUqg_RKty1KwgrtWVkurjiD2rYH9Pl0NL-JrRb5uNOr59Tq8USYWBEgXP8S-kGE-zlc0Rbi401hjO-XEeaS5k0z/s640/20.jpg" width="280" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Available from the gift shop....</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrbNcyNt2sqlAA41Mj8Kz1Aof7xpM0lz7Gted7ctz6Cp5TBdOwn2NV81rQ5mX6uMCkuJU6rH_t2UOjvcZQ-_79EljiDk-vJeEbyTXLIkZdyKPhxaiLsYoPYNRfI7av2JTReTvnCbCJL4U/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrbNcyNt2sqlAA41Mj8Kz1Aof7xpM0lz7Gted7ctz6Cp5TBdOwn2NV81rQ5mX6uMCkuJU6rH_t2UOjvcZQ-_79EljiDk-vJeEbyTXLIkZdyKPhxaiLsYoPYNRfI7av2JTReTvnCbCJL4U/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peaks of Otter Campground is now closed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnGc_0L-Y5RZRjW08cpgrK-9G7SeqcYSbi8X8qDJFoRlEI6sVPr9jvNpm01teDOHSgcW86U0_-xZB9Zxy2MvMsd-VosSPdWTtQoudsctTIKxEpPcgKlgAbIFmzCWLRT6mLKxsQLorTrvW/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnGc_0L-Y5RZRjW08cpgrK-9G7SeqcYSbi8X8qDJFoRlEI6sVPr9jvNpm01teDOHSgcW86U0_-xZB9Zxy2MvMsd-VosSPdWTtQoudsctTIKxEpPcgKlgAbIFmzCWLRT6mLKxsQLorTrvW/s400/25.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxoAj7QLJ99Ongczr_0tKTrlFcJKboqH9HbVY0TLcdVdTP7KPc9BFPxxaZzpYz4Q5PJcZlucKKR2LZ97Nb8LKg-n4SKzyTponvVmhNm8ngTSHbVBEwY5KHFSpRpoKxVHe32DdA-d6IqLa/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxoAj7QLJ99Ongczr_0tKTrlFcJKboqH9HbVY0TLcdVdTP7KPc9BFPxxaZzpYz4Q5PJcZlucKKR2LZ97Nb8LKg-n4SKzyTponvVmhNm8ngTSHbVBEwY5KHFSpRpoKxVHe32DdA-d6IqLa/s400/26.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DPFA1_PuaHVnxzdW5MQ74EAiM-S9B0mIBtCI4AW1NpgW0-9dj6aptuW0_aJ8r1ZLFnRDWGpouOHKeNWnF7tI1lgYOOHXkwcO4E5wTmK_veNE4zDasv_SuHVAXwUitwtVR-Zfu5AXbC7c/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DPFA1_PuaHVnxzdW5MQ74EAiM-S9B0mIBtCI4AW1NpgW0-9dj6aptuW0_aJ8r1ZLFnRDWGpouOHKeNWnF7tI1lgYOOHXkwcO4E5wTmK_veNE4zDasv_SuHVAXwUitwtVR-Zfu5AXbC7c/s400/27.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTodC0VQr7FgT4dKcqb3l2fllqRAdSBLb2gnTGfGdEfxF-w4tX0DCnHK8DpnNTZx5v054JXKhFz3t5JXdzhRyvuOOvh5SncHYoVrqUG736hjoLgeLxD5j9H_qY6uZ0pqcVc8xN3JrWvLm/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTodC0VQr7FgT4dKcqb3l2fllqRAdSBLb2gnTGfGdEfxF-w4tX0DCnHK8DpnNTZx5v054JXKhFz3t5JXdzhRyvuOOvh5SncHYoVrqUG736hjoLgeLxD5j9H_qY6uZ0pqcVc8xN3JrWvLm/s400/28.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsSyxHBUzXrxK8iRUmpdnqly5JY-zvW2kfJoM-yJdtc-7HC7TbjrV9RubIQWdz4_teX5UtAhgXe9yg3IU7qzlY1V9MKj1OJv3U68ZBLx3PnAVn3lPjDfoMI0U4Ug2B2HaOLcigrMYrmIK/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsSyxHBUzXrxK8iRUmpdnqly5JY-zvW2kfJoM-yJdtc-7HC7TbjrV9RubIQWdz4_teX5UtAhgXe9yg3IU7qzlY1V9MKj1OJv3U68ZBLx3PnAVn3lPjDfoMI0U4Ug2B2HaOLcigrMYrmIK/s400/29.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSzkAuqSB-UWOsbQOv88nW5l_JA5HcUZMvFztsPa7jqMiHn7_B0MiQOvXcF33og2NToPZVqNrrI7bRFD_ikcbYb408ny0moFeLgZ0XoC36tDuf5LoCwrWO9epIIRD6m0f4LR4uViJWr2Z/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSzkAuqSB-UWOsbQOv88nW5l_JA5HcUZMvFztsPa7jqMiHn7_B0MiQOvXcF33og2NToPZVqNrrI7bRFD_ikcbYb408ny0moFeLgZ0XoC36tDuf5LoCwrWO9epIIRD6m0f4LR4uViJWr2Z/s400/30.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8OM6S_BhlNjU9l4fpCE1VcnAR6DHJ9oztmmeznlebtnhrYYk-KUZ6byHU3X3hk8ZMVNgGJey5EVICKNzCXn98Y_oFKlz1fsiXiG0iMphOipF4dVgRS-bfVRCUTjITkwN7JaQVJY87iTJ/s1600/31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8OM6S_BhlNjU9l4fpCE1VcnAR6DHJ9oztmmeznlebtnhrYYk-KUZ6byHU3X3hk8ZMVNgGJey5EVICKNzCXn98Y_oFKlz1fsiXiG0iMphOipF4dVgRS-bfVRCUTjITkwN7JaQVJY87iTJ/s640/31.jpg" width="451" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gb6LBj2C-SE6GX7r3jxVPG6z7vJdC-gMrEBY8d8ekuAy3usd-J-799c9ms_nk1-xTsUIB_sWx6XlCdN-N9qIP8AP7QpRriFzniZoBPvf4LvQB2pCCzlVAm0KfgA0eoC0ws7yagcpF6FA/s1600/32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gb6LBj2C-SE6GX7r3jxVPG6z7vJdC-gMrEBY8d8ekuAy3usd-J-799c9ms_nk1-xTsUIB_sWx6XlCdN-N9qIP8AP7QpRriFzniZoBPvf4LvQB2pCCzlVAm0KfgA0eoC0ws7yagcpF6FA/s400/32.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNS_te6OUjR3opFgk6WVq3a_UilxiuVePvGJuAz-3rKRHU8otAD3PIkrKhrU_bTu2e0_JmZj6xB51sZI0Sasya9stNoKbDCRfHI2mgI8ISBlVstMJ5qNPoG9NqHyEEGB9x-2YJs3xBLN4/s1600/33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNS_te6OUjR3opFgk6WVq3a_UilxiuVePvGJuAz-3rKRHU8otAD3PIkrKhrU_bTu2e0_JmZj6xB51sZI0Sasya9stNoKbDCRfHI2mgI8ISBlVstMJ5qNPoG9NqHyEEGB9x-2YJs3xBLN4/s400/33.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAempAbdqJ4PvViDRtqofydpOS0py1PTGTlXydwD9qut6aHgEMI2vP-u2orJbBIAAll2Es1LZ1PjlWEhJAmB3ZtHzujdG0kOpiZRIMp012OTWaEpc5ANWO3yROXohBq8NMC0oNsIiFx4cD/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAempAbdqJ4PvViDRtqofydpOS0py1PTGTlXydwD9qut6aHgEMI2vP-u2orJbBIAAll2Es1LZ1PjlWEhJAmB3ZtHzujdG0kOpiZRIMp012OTWaEpc5ANWO3yROXohBq8NMC0oNsIiFx4cD/s640/21.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J_7YvZGba18Af3V-MN045ijSxQedRoOTIWuMwULRzJS-oDhibxRf5b0Y87SHky1RluXPYode5Erxbww8PbKPn3j637oLM3Io5moRQEgQ1GdBLZyNE29juZezxP4iLbJ713iPo6uvZDj6/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J_7YvZGba18Af3V-MN045ijSxQedRoOTIWuMwULRzJS-oDhibxRf5b0Y87SHky1RluXPYode5Erxbww8PbKPn3j637oLM3Io5moRQEgQ1GdBLZyNE29juZezxP4iLbJ713iPo6uvZDj6/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sharp Top looms over Peaks of Otter Lodge.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />September 26, 2013

Bedford Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown National Park Service Peaks of Otter Just reopened, Peaks of Otter now a victim of government shutdown

Peaks of Otter Lodge on September 26, 2013.The government shutdown has shuttered Peaks of Otter, that historic lodge and restaurant that reopened this year after being closed the past two years. Even though it is run by a private enterprise, the gove…

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The beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJC_1d2AYp8YQdz_r-UaLgoNFNd5VD0AkpODNqYr0GhElN0u5t5xo4NlXjv11M1rOKXADX3n1VxivGrCKxIklesTZVzeoaSHVxfOdbq0i2qOetBf12PN_NSTeDKpY-5hu2Nnb7NfzZ_hg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJC_1d2AYp8YQdz_r-UaLgoNFNd5VD0AkpODNqYr0GhElN0u5t5xo4NlXjv11M1rOKXADX3n1VxivGrCKxIklesTZVzeoaSHVxfOdbq0i2qOetBf12PN_NSTeDKpY-5hu2Nnb7NfzZ_hg/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNRm7dOnwP5Yss0Mz7XBVmGusFCT1I561jGsNevtABP8KK9Yucdh_4PVYiJixCA716p4PKtyARr3hMBLB1-qtbvTaSOUCw7cLfEUwpvhnVK3Wns4m9YAP1CFbaL49vfg486A6w3IfibZX/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNRm7dOnwP5Yss0Mz7XBVmGusFCT1I561jGsNevtABP8KK9Yucdh_4PVYiJixCA716p4PKtyARr3hMBLB1-qtbvTaSOUCw7cLfEUwpvhnVK3Wns4m9YAP1CFbaL49vfg486A6w3IfibZX/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxytvd3SCh4D2fxeO6aQFKbSCB-a3Espsjg09V2olhMrdm-KbrZQ_QnbX_3zdZy-GeYhs08SyY8sTmXr8lQ73dnKUmOBAqjSQl980ZaTubWODt1QZ3aNyWwVMx-2FH1txv9QNAUBfzwJn/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxytvd3SCh4D2fxeO6aQFKbSCB-a3Espsjg09V2olhMrdm-KbrZQ_QnbX_3zdZy-GeYhs08SyY8sTmXr8lQ73dnKUmOBAqjSQl980ZaTubWODt1QZ3aNyWwVMx-2FH1txv9QNAUBfzwJn/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />September 30, 2013

Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Service North Carolina Virginia The beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Photos by Lynn R. MitchellSeptember 30, 2013…

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New superintendent named for Blue Ridge Parkway

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvVY5xdZm5NFoIGG4uAIBgUZbsLHjNCkuuEQ5vl_soyCK6yhmtMUmH9umWlSBgvBPAlRta8l2a9dzxuPIhgoJ656akq331V1-DaDLznjIHB0ys8i6LxxHlJAJmqbwNCZIaxKDz8YoqdIp/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvVY5xdZm5NFoIGG4uAIBgUZbsLHjNCkuuEQ5vl_soyCK6yhmtMUmH9umWlSBgvBPAlRta8l2a9dzxuPIhgoJ656akq331V1-DaDLznjIHB0ys8i6LxxHlJAJmqbwNCZIaxKDz8YoqdIp/s400/41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Mark Woods, 53, has been named the new superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, according to Thursday's <a href="http://www.roanoke.com//news/2137308-10/new-leader-named-for-blue-ridge-parkway.html"><i>Roanoke Times</i></a>. A long-time veteran of the National Park Service, the <i>Times</i> noted that his leadership comes at a rocky time in Park history:<br /><blockquote>Woods takes over during a precarious time in the parkway’s 78-year history. The parkway has a $400 million backlog of maintenance projects. The federal budget sequester forced automatic 5 percent cuts, which amounted to a $740,000 reduction. Several sites along the parkway were forced to close this year, including Roanoke Mountain Campground, the Rocky Knob Visitor Center and the Smart View picnic area.</blockquote>Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />Milepost 0 of Blue Ridge Parkway<br />Afton, Virginia

Afton Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway BRP Mark Woods National Park Service new superintendent North Carolina Virginia New superintendent named for Blue Ridge Parkway

Mark Woods, 53, has been named the new superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, according to Thursday's Roanoke Times. A long-time veteran of the National Park Service, the Times noted that his leadership comes at a rocky time in Park history:Woods …

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Up close & personal: Blue Ridge Parkway's Linn Cove Viaduct

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfo9I1VAH2-tuoo6Diz51FJIcsug8ik_VvqvNYTbDxFrkT5AVAKEojvt6E-oItnugag5fM9Yc-Q_fRgYmu39meBtrf_XZ0ls_RqCwbDYwu0aCTdesR1bahWgVZjo631IlelVli595PGj0s/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfo9I1VAH2-tuoo6Diz51FJIcsug8ik_VvqvNYTbDxFrkT5AVAKEojvt6E-oItnugag5fM9Yc-Q_fRgYmu39meBtrf_XZ0ls_RqCwbDYwu0aCTdesR1bahWgVZjo631IlelVli595PGj0s/s400/15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We lived 12 years in Iredell County, NC, about an hour north of Charlotte where SWAC Husband worked before we transferred back to Virginia. During those years, we spent a lot of time in the Blue Ridge Mountains, most often around Blowing Rock and Boone. While living in that area, the viaduct was finally constructed at Milepost 304 around Grandfather Mountain south of Blowing Rock, an engineering marvel engineered to fill in the missing link of the Blue Ridge Parkway.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xxIv8_iV3QzeRro6ToF8eHdV_3ZpygHW1nUPdgbcsveNdupqAjXkxkoaoZqqs4l1gZI8017Nssa5-3dkm92AxNH8jZZhuNTcoS_LIcFecT7iwpvckDHWopjC6Wgk6G7XsyTdDCC8dtJX/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xxIv8_iV3QzeRro6ToF8eHdV_3ZpygHW1nUPdgbcsveNdupqAjXkxkoaoZqqs4l1gZI8017Nssa5-3dkm92AxNH8jZZhuNTcoS_LIcFecT7iwpvckDHWopjC6Wgk6G7XsyTdDCC8dtJX/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In May, as we traveled back from a week on Florida's Panhandle spent with family, we meandered the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Fancy Gap. Along the way, we stopped at the Linn Cove Visitor Center and walked the trail that goes under the viaduct to get a closer look.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBoMR-KO_tMYqpEalPp5fJxz-AvBHV2A5UHo02va_ArKqFtZkGJLZygxl44fYP_D5EgVnqTD395aZygpGK2HqP40u_RuXsKKf9AbV3FZnOajIaAXV0lwhCTOAzzcQ8vW7fSbcOpuD8hug/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBoMR-KO_tMYqpEalPp5fJxz-AvBHV2A5UHo02va_ArKqFtZkGJLZygxl44fYP_D5EgVnqTD395aZygpGK2HqP40u_RuXsKKf9AbV3FZnOajIaAXV0lwhCTOAzzcQ8vW7fSbcOpuD8hug/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It took eight years, completed in 1987, and cost $10 million to construct this cement segmental bridge that was used to protect the fragile alpine environment on Grandfather Mountain. Walking beneath the structure offered the opportunity to observe how man and nature came up with a compromise in this national park area.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-0AFl-m9Vl2MlyvLMEZUTB8IyRnkaotrxlLa3jCs2kcqKelMtaKINdOh9yxDjKCsGNHP5KxMsDBHs6RRYzbXO9DhMANEM1iRmNZUDBixZPwEqNp6WZIx40QlIndVEiiBgEVLTUREu-vk/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-0AFl-m9Vl2MlyvLMEZUTB8IyRnkaotrxlLa3jCs2kcqKelMtaKINdOh9yxDjKCsGNHP5KxMsDBHs6RRYzbXO9DhMANEM1iRmNZUDBixZPwEqNp6WZIx40QlIndVEiiBgEVLTUREu-vk/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linn_Cove_Viaduct">Wikipedia</a>: "<b>Linn Cove Viaduct</b> is a 1,243-foot (379 m) concrete <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segmental_bridge" title="Segmental bridge">segmental bridge</a> which snakes around the slopes of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandfather_Mountain" title="Grandfather Mountain">Grandfather Mountain</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina" title="North Carolina">North Carolina</a>. It was completed in 1987 at a cost of $10 million and was the last section of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Parkway" title="Blue Ridge Parkway">Blue Ridge Parkway</a> to be finished.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-w-s_1-1"></sup><br /><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-w-s_1-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linn_Cove_Viaduct#cite_note-w-s-1"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br /> <div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viaduct" title="Viaduct">viaduct</a> was needed because of the damage that a traditional cut-and-fill road would have caused to Grandfather Mountain. The viaduct was designed by Figg and Muller Engineers, Inc. Construction began in 1979. It is 1,243 feet (379 m) long and consists of 153 segments weighing 50 tons each. The bridge's segments were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precast_concrete" title="Precast concrete">precast</a> at an indoor facility at the south side of the parkway. After being transported to the bridge site, each section was lowered into place by a custom crane placed on either edge of the existing structure. The only work done at ground level was drilling for the seven footings which support the viaduct. In particular, there was no access road other than the Blue Ridge Parkway itself. The bridge has received eleven design awards."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq_E5BU00qqLCRLBCEHc2SRAa5mKNK0lxA6m-JOSloICBmmjYhQYetNipsjYBSJSmZW9ORAqiaiXilbJtwQj47lJLp_-lFqtu4JBDIXASzrk22akXsCwGoyPwPfzPIugHJ9NmDBCcfXj5/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq_E5BU00qqLCRLBCEHc2SRAa5mKNK0lxA6m-JOSloICBmmjYhQYetNipsjYBSJSmZW9ORAqiaiXilbJtwQj47lJLp_-lFqtu4JBDIXASzrk22akXsCwGoyPwPfzPIugHJ9NmDBCcfXj5/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I took multiple photos from various angles as we walked the trail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zi0fUea4_HbQT6qQRuE2rV1mYppzVjWBj3Jat3izHoG6NCOFgl-C22uz2gA0Q25pgzVMtoCNcOAjden4Hw2_BkwP9aUltS4AlcpUXafO0XYEflLc1IICNG8Q9WQmkDse3PGMiQjeDuAS/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zi0fUea4_HbQT6qQRuE2rV1mYppzVjWBj3Jat3izHoG6NCOFgl-C22uz2gA0Q25pgzVMtoCNcOAjden4Hw2_BkwP9aUltS4AlcpUXafO0XYEflLc1IICNG8Q9WQmkDse3PGMiQjeDuAS/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sFi933IjZdHEVWuPOo-BBR17dFqZNDS5y56NZEDmQO4wFg6YkR7AKCeyKKnCWzcoSdUHCkm04ccjRYHYiz6Ad-Y70HJoYtaCc2K3dZ0ppLpCQMxChLrSOPBbPe1MaBCpDvlSXlj0_nsv/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sFi933IjZdHEVWuPOo-BBR17dFqZNDS5y56NZEDmQO4wFg6YkR7AKCeyKKnCWzcoSdUHCkm04ccjRYHYiz6Ad-Y70HJoYtaCc2K3dZ0ppLpCQMxChLrSOPBbPe1MaBCpDvlSXlj0_nsv/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the view from the Parkway at the beginning of the viaduct on the south end.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2lr5jGRa5I_yWxbmecJEmJRmonwc2JP3EhxVaG5nciET51Ep9nOo1mzFQkw6qMhrJjLCgzh_PVNMFG8-zZVDQ35cuRm_cHPnlpc1zl9ANJ8HUpyCm_aIqxdEi9-52bDB7SYmzM3VuGTH/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2lr5jGRa5I_yWxbmecJEmJRmonwc2JP3EhxVaG5nciET51Ep9nOo1mzFQkw6qMhrJjLCgzh_PVNMFG8-zZVDQ35cuRm_cHPnlpc1zl9ANJ8HUpyCm_aIqxdEi9-52bDB7SYmzM3VuGTH/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Driving on it ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqmx-xjXU_0UxlEIKJTxpTK0wkdU8w7fgB2gjDI4bwfuVgbuYIEhpIBwKthcxw17UPX0ysZgXSw7YUte7phMQJ1UcEpDnaQ0oRS3vCwwPizGjHOJYOhIQH9B8RtGxozkMayhFpkJYzSqK/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqmx-xjXU_0UxlEIKJTxpTK0wkdU8w7fgB2gjDI4bwfuVgbuYIEhpIBwKthcxw17UPX0ysZgXSw7YUte7phMQJ1UcEpDnaQ0oRS3vCwwPizGjHOJYOhIQH9B8RtGxozkMayhFpkJYzSqK/s400/18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... with Grandfather's slopes on the left ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6YjV1C1WllJmcQicd7WriEnlCnjaR3Vs0fw-hNRQMyzdUDyqagVw91rhhhZkftkv5P0DFXv1ptEwCkuF2DsHDZAcHha1dRt1VkkIUjdSOfx3dOIRdxTlwClqAJsewR1o9NRgPP28QjjH/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6YjV1C1WllJmcQicd7WriEnlCnjaR3Vs0fw-hNRQMyzdUDyqagVw91rhhhZkftkv5P0DFXv1ptEwCkuF2DsHDZAcHha1dRt1VkkIUjdSOfx3dOIRdxTlwClqAJsewR1o9NRgPP28QjjH/s400/19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and then looking back.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ6cgNA_pplIUzSAO324UDBmhfmyadz2_fiuNwDTrg60B9jB21Oz11a3090YPRX855hfQi5iHFDoKg1O0UygkWWcV0Tn04FF7eOzS-fVaVE9GNRWVqoV_TDVvrOZ2obn9CaZdGYuWVfPo/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ6cgNA_pplIUzSAO324UDBmhfmyadz2_fiuNwDTrg60B9jB21Oz11a3090YPRX855hfQi5iHFDoKg1O0UygkWWcV0Tn04FF7eOzS-fVaVE9GNRWVqoV_TDVvrOZ2obn9CaZdGYuWVfPo/s400/20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5_6prTxY73AJJr1SkC9hm8GPHMbVSyDfPh7wOwsxXV4QnBMS2k5MRMOIVzcCC8SbwUc4QduHDgEdGc6qVD5tmmOtrSwKX-vBgGHxNFp9eIc6ZY3Xc_2gnIplY_MYNDnGh0IkAITsf6kJ/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5_6prTxY73AJJr1SkC9hm8GPHMbVSyDfPh7wOwsxXV4QnBMS2k5MRMOIVzcCC8SbwUc4QduHDgEdGc6qVD5tmmOtrSwKX-vBgGHxNFp9eIc6ZY3Xc_2gnIplY_MYNDnGh0IkAITsf6kJ/s400/21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8QCxZj2RD7U9khGESNLwfXq2VIsi_Uj5_DuV0bc8cv6fWhG1EQAV7hFc5x0eht8uBQbgKUzrQ3_vgZ1TFca16qiEVDNNG24PiqEyqgyCgeXC4GEWTY2_vlBdphZkgLJ_twp0UouRazYB/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8QCxZj2RD7U9khGESNLwfXq2VIsi_Uj5_DuV0bc8cv6fWhG1EQAV7hFc5x0eht8uBQbgKUzrQ3_vgZ1TFca16qiEVDNNG24PiqEyqgyCgeXC4GEWTY2_vlBdphZkgLJ_twp0UouRazYB/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The view from the viaduct.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJKnH_-E0kK_tnNC_KvZkNvCcejqzoct8WX8sFz06u7plZR-st3nBG9tEQZm13qwPi1Pb3cP66MvYorvKaZ6ukvb_3FjuLGrzqgG_MPxJguOOepV6gRKjUIJINrF-zCtCg94QVwSPWc8E/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJKnH_-E0kK_tnNC_KvZkNvCcejqzoct8WX8sFz06u7plZR-st3nBG9tEQZm13qwPi1Pb3cP66MvYorvKaZ6ukvb_3FjuLGrzqgG_MPxJguOOepV6gRKjUIJINrF-zCtCg94QVwSPWc8E/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfdqhmZbZl7tcP-MpNgrp9i-2ruHTQnpLdKqYfUIvmKEEUr9xm7nB_TZ1kFs5nKzf0E3ZkpHCnrscX_9g02WIp5MMCILl-Zg-TW4GjgiOAzFjwafm5CnxZY0li8IZcjYDZt-qnfH0m8c1/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfdqhmZbZl7tcP-MpNgrp9i-2ruHTQnpLdKqYfUIvmKEEUr9xm7nB_TZ1kFs5nKzf0E3ZkpHCnrscX_9g02WIp5MMCILl-Zg-TW4GjgiOAzFjwafm5CnxZY0li8IZcjYDZt-qnfH0m8c1/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This view is of the viaduct from the Visitor Center at the south end. The trees show the stark difference of Grandfather's slopes at the alpine level. We saw this view at the beginning of the trail at the edge of the parking lot ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdVZthIoxG2mp7x-_J4jC6eADmE85mitsFv-RwGThSG1_LSCdGfyZjz48pRmX8ijUGqUfMsM08kwrN1QcC0_choIJYpTnicB66Bt-AeBIqCBeecDTYgTK6Y-Tgdl8ZiFZ8SM-VmO82snn/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdVZthIoxG2mp7x-_J4jC6eADmE85mitsFv-RwGThSG1_LSCdGfyZjz48pRmX8ijUGqUfMsM08kwrN1QcC0_choIJYpTnicB66Bt-AeBIqCBeecDTYgTK6Y-Tgdl8ZiFZ8SM-VmO82snn/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and then we saw this view as we approached the viaduct from the trail. Seeing it from beneath was an entirely different experience as we studied the pillars and molded cement sections that barely disturbed the surrounding area.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPi7RrTpKsi4Q4pvIfDJRxnZA9sjkXf6qh9EiLAQ5zf1r0MUP7GfuZSvK3vJ-tFeOBJYu8k_ROVX0VbWT3twKijzVMz1vqYH-FFNoYtFg7F5WnGBudqPjhswvP-YIxFMhmq1QmHfJDoGg/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPi7RrTpKsi4Q4pvIfDJRxnZA9sjkXf6qh9EiLAQ5zf1r0MUP7GfuZSvK3vJ-tFeOBJYu8k_ROVX0VbWT3twKijzVMz1vqYH-FFNoYtFg7F5WnGBudqPjhswvP-YIxFMhmq1QmHfJDoGg/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not to mention it was a good leg-stretcher in-between thunderstorms on a rainy day.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />May 2013

Blowing Rock Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Boone Grandfather Mountain Iredell County Linn Cove Viaduct Lynn R. Mitchell National Park Service North Carolina Wikipedia Up close & personal: Blue Ridge Parkway's Linn Cove Viaduct

We lived 12 years in Iredell County, NC, about an hour north of Charlotte where SWAC Husband worked before we transferred back to Virginia. During those years, we spent a lot of time in the Blue Ridge Mountains, most often around Blowing Rock and Boo…

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