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. Mitchell September 30, 2013

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Government shutdown? Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway would close -- UPDATED

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCrg45c_Twty0OtRUVBQIt4kKWhtyb_nle44FCkfCXU4D8GpomXUIHFYwcO8RYBNcFtuhzu9NuEFDyPlpITnDgWfV9i-RzwdhPGa4qB8itLW2fWa32oGT6A0VlMXi2gIe5jxdjA51M2hr/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/AVvXsEiuCrg45c_Twty0OtRUVBQIt4kKWhtyb_nle44FCkfCXU4D8GpomXUIHFYwcO8RYBNcFtuhzu9NuEFDyPlpITnDgWfV9i-RzwdhPGa4qB8itLW2fWa32oGT6A0VlMXi2gIe5jxdjA51M2hr/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Mabry Mill would be closed during a government shutdown.</i></div><br />Come on, people ... Republicans did this in 1995 and had our behinds kicked to the curb by the American people who blamed the entire government shutdown on the GOP. Do we really have to repeat history?<br /><br />Apparently so, for those who were not around back in the day. If you don't know history, you are bound to repeat it. <br /><br />So <a href="http://www.doi.gov/shutdown/index.cfm">what would be shut down</a>?<br /><br />Just as the east coast approaches leaf season when millions hit the roadways to admire the changing colors of fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway could be a victim of the shutdown. That trickles down to hotels, gas stations, restaurants, attractions, and other tourist-related businesses that clearly benefit during leaf season.<br /><br />The Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Smokey Mountains would close under a government shutdown. That includes bathrooms, visitors centers, camping and picnic areas, concessions operations and backcountry trails.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.themountainpress.com/news/x249846987/Government-shutdown-would-mean-Smokies-closure">The Mountain Press</a> reported: <br /><blockquote>The last time the government shut down, in the mid-1990s, for 27 days, closures cost park-dependent communities an estimated $14 million daily, according to a report from the National Parks Conservation Association.<br /><br />“When our national parks closed in 1995-96, I received an outpouring of calls from gateway communities alarmed by the situation,” said Phil Francis, the recently retired superintendent of Blue Ridge Parkway.<br /><br />“The potential shutdown adds insult to injury because these communities are already concerned about the recent cutbacks in funding for national parks that have harmed the Park Service’s ability to serve visitors," Francis added. "No one expected these cuts to happen again. Now we’re looking at not only a potential shutdown, but the likelihood of another round of cuts. If that happens, there’s a good chance it’s going to be even harder.”</blockquote>The <a href="http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130927/NEWS/309270031/As-leaf-season-nears-government-shutdown-could-close-Blue-Ridge-Parkway">Asheville Citizen-Times</a> weighed in:<br /><blockquote>The parkway, which only recently reopened after a giant crack caused by a landslide was repaired, means a lot to tourism-related businesses in Asheville.<br /><br />If the shutdown happens, and lasts into the fall leaf season, small businesses could feel the pinch.</blockquote><a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/2262104-12/government-shutdown-would-close-blue-ridge-parkway.html">The Roanoke Times</a> laid it on the line:<br /><blockquote>The Blue Ridge Parkway and many of its attractions will close during its peak travel season if the federal government shuts down on Tuesday.<br /><br />All national parks will be forced to close if Congress does not agree on a spending bill by midnight Monday. If a shutdown happens, park rangers have been instructed to close the parkway.<br /><br />“The plan is to close up all operations and shut the gates for the most part,” said Leesa Brandon, Partnerships & Community Outreach Coordinator for the parkway. “I am still hopeful that there will be a resolution and it won’t come to that.”</blockquote>Last week's journey down the Blue Ridge Parkway would not have been possible this week if the shutdown goes through. All the places SWAC Husband and I visited are slated to be closed:<br /><blockquote>Although many details will still need to be addressed, the Department of the Interior’s plan seems to instruct parkway attractions such as Mabry Mill, the Peaks of Otter and other privately managed venues on parkway property to close. Even if those places are allowed to remain open, however, travelers in automobiles would have limited access.<br /><br />Likewise, should a shutdown occur, the Blue Ridge Music Center will be forced to close and its daily bluegrass and old-time mountain music events will be canceled.</blockquote><a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/10/autumn-travel-and-leaf-peeping-in.html">No leaf looking</a> along Skyline Drive ... Shenandoah National Park closed ... no taking <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/blue-ridge-heritage-polly-growing-up-in.html">Polly to lunch</a> at Skyland Resort as we had planned. The shutdown would close it all and, again, affect businesses along the way.<br /><br />NPR senior business editor Marilyn Geewax <a href="http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/09/27/impact-government-shutdown">commented</a>:<br /><blockquote>"... tourism could take a big hit. Consider if you owned a restaurant. I talked to a guy who owned a restaurant out - just outside of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Early October is the leaf peeping season. That's when people are out there, driving around. If the National Park is closed, the Skyline Drive is closed, that's a real hit on all of that tourism industry out there. So restaurant owners worry, stores worry and, you know, the entire really travel industry is concerned because passports won't get processed.<br /><br />"So people may not plan various trips. So we're not really talking about an airport shutdown. Air traffic controllers will be deemed essential. TSA workers, they'll be essential. But it's all the things around traveling. Yes, the airport may be open, but if Yosemite Park is closed, what's the point of going on your vacation?"</blockquote>Glad we made our trek last week when we were able to see <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/blue-ridge-parkway-lunch-at-peaks-of.html">Peaks of Otter</a>, <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/early-morning-reflections-at-mabry-mill.html">Mabry Mill</a>, Explore Park, the BRP Music Center, and all the other sights along that meandering American byway.<br /><br /><b>UPDATED 10/1/2013:</b> A last-minute decision on Monday by the National Park Service will allow the Blue Ridge Parkway to remain open during the government shutdown. Political reporter Bob Stuart has the latest today in the <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/local/shenandoah-national-park-to-close-if-shutdown-happens/article_37420cb0-2a29-11e3-a5d7-001a4bcf6878.html"><i>News-Virginian. </i></a><br /><br /><i>Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell</i>

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway federal government government shutdown Mabry Mill Music Center Peaks of Otter Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive Government shutdown? Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway would close -- UPDATED

  Mabry Mill would be closed during a government shutdown. Come on, people ... Republicans did this in 1995 and had our behinds kicked to th...

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Early morning reflections at Mabry Mill

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ynntl7IkyZpwanLakJlLdD-UJ1ErxpVKXhyBo9k2JuUxelq0K6AztO7Zk-mkVotYjdzG8LUlWlL32OfTQ81b4j_FADXLXC-xjG5_mXDFaoG2maWT-5bz7ouxqTcPTsHfGIJaKBkPKl5l/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/AVvXsEj1ynntl7IkyZpwanLakJlLdD-UJ1ErxpVKXhyBo9k2JuUxelq0K6AztO7Zk-mkVotYjdzG8LUlWlL32OfTQ81b4j_FADXLXC-xjG5_mXDFaoG2maWT-5bz7ouxqTcPTsHfGIJaKBkPKl5l/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I was able to capture the early morning September sun as it shimmered on the tops of trees and was reflected in the mill pond at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From visiting as a child to visiting with our own children to visiting post-children, I never tire of this iconic reminder of life as it once was in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.</span></span></div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Mabry Mill southwest Virginia tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Early morning reflections at Mabry Mill

I was able to capture the early morning September sun as it shimmered on the tops of trees and was reflected in the mill pond at Mabry Mil...

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Blue Ridge Parkway: Lunch at Peaks of Otter

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZqZzZQIh21xowW1GzA7AN8Em0pMmMVodW_47AMGDJdYeGCq0IKcFUIfW5jR9KK_PeBRKE2kHAHGHYkgNnJvEnwVt0B0uqFnsceS85geP6YftETfzkSUlXwaIKiEBOw8aAbVfikXj0xoo/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/AVvXsEjGZqZzZQIh21xowW1GzA7AN8Em0pMmMVodW_47AMGDJdYeGCq0IKcFUIfW5jR9KK_PeBRKE2kHAHGHYkgNnJvEnwVt0B0uqFnsceS85geP6YftETfzkSUlXwaIKiEBOw8aAbVfikXj0xoo/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.peaksofotter.com/">Peaks of Otter</a> at MP 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can get <a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/sero/appalachian/sec3.htm">lost in the history</a> of this scenic area of Virginia. The dining room is nice place to meet friends and enjoy the beauty outside the ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking Sharp Top and the lake.</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/AVvXsEi-7nTlaelTB2Gtn5JjJKkHNYJ-fQul3OTouTBTvi__HbjBfMGM2MbWOUAkPKpaCb4jvc5pAYmlX5CNFXl8K-KX3lo395I895O0kM4jNYOo8ScnBhLQPUKdVBBQyyYckQl73kQkQoy0QLZv/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7nTlaelTB2Gtn5JjJKkHNYJ-fQul3OTouTBTvi__HbjBfMGM2MbWOUAkPKpaCb4jvc5pAYmlX5CNFXl8K-KX3lo395I895O0kM4jNYOo8ScnBhLQPUKdVBBQyyYckQl73kQkQoy0QLZv/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I tried the Peaks Quesadilla with cheddar jack cheese, onions, peppers, cilantro, and served with fresh salsa ... one of the best I've had.</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/AVvXsEhhCXa8WeWyff-uZlkwIume16eBeDzuEOu7cOnyZtW2QvJVJ-v4lKE3aOYpIshqdCSZLa2SnZ2u1DaYXTncxGlttaeWkpNkPc7TioKZ2RlrZH5sIimIUqzSS03Zn1ti8GbDgMSMsjx8gVOC/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCXa8WeWyff-uZlkwIume16eBeDzuEOu7cOnyZtW2QvJVJ-v4lKE3aOYpIshqdCSZLa2SnZ2u1DaYXTncxGlttaeWkpNkPc7TioKZ2RlrZH5sIimIUqzSS03Zn1ti8GbDgMSMsjx8gVOC/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Classic BLT on toasted white bread with steak fries.</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/AVvXsEh_S_SzW1hvgMcL7ZTikAS3Cj5YSSwo4rsiI6p4hRSlGJwOb9pINzCWai6JtaHR_A9MjSw06kp0UQM3bfvQhDMqoVyOZ4j5xjpMb-HtvvHGLOFvhPrlgSHzvF3gsGWRBUQnigAQ18ri-o4d/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/AVvXsEh_S_SzW1hvgMcL7ZTikAS3Cj5YSSwo4rsiI6p4hRSlGJwOb9pINzCWai6JtaHR_A9MjSw06kp0UQM3bfvQhDMqoVyOZ4j5xjpMb-HtvvHGLOFvhPrlgSHzvF3gsGWRBUQnigAQ18ri-o4d/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The meal was very reasonable. The view of Sharp Top was priceless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br /><br />

Bedford Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers western Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway: Lunch at Peaks of Otter

  Peaks of Otter at MP 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can get lost in the history of this scenic area of Virginia. The dining room is n...

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Sunday: Teen victim of fatal BRP fall to be remembered at Lewis Ginter Gardens

Last week a 13-year-old girl from Richmond died in a fall over a cliff onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. The official report from the <a href="http://home.nps.gov/applications/digest/headline.cfm?type=Incidents&id=6800">National Park Service</a> follows:<br /><blockquote><b>Blue Ridge Parkway </b> - <b>Teenager Dies In Fall From Cliff</b><br /><br />Blue Ridge Parkway dispatch center and Humpback Rocks visitor center received multiple reports of a young woman who had fallen approximately 50 feet down a cliff onto the parkway <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_628677754" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span> evening, September 15th. There was a rapid response from park rangers and interpretive staff, Waynesboro and Wintergreen rescue squads, and medically trained visitors who witnessed the accident. <br /><br />The patient, a 13-year-old girl, was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center in Charlottesville, but succumbed to her injuries. She had been picnicking with family and friends at Humpback Rocks picnic area and had hiked out to an overlook to view the sunset. She and another youngster had scrambled down from the overlook and were climbing along the top of the cliff when she fall. [Submitted by Kurt Speers, Ridge District Ranger] </blockquote>The victim was identified as Alexandra Babeva. In a tribute, her sister Alissa wrote the obituary that appeared in the <i><a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/obituaries/babaeva-alexandra/article_5ff20352-24df-5470-9c34-4cba1992f771.html">Richmond Times-Dispatch</a>:</i><br /><blockquote>Oh, darling. Although we weep for the time you lost, we cannot mourn the time you lived. In 13 years, you learned enough to fill lifetimes. With those endless words of yours, you told the world into existence. Your love always lived beyond you, such a little being could not possibly hold the return. Now, we love for you. I live for you. Tbl CBET. Everywhere, the people you knew keep you as sweet, soft whispers. Reminding us to smile truly and look deeply; you will tell us how to see the smallest of the small and the biggest of the big. You flew, my baby, you never fell. <br /><br />For anyone wishing to reflect Sasha's beauty through nature's divinity, our family invites you to enter the <b>Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens at 11 a.m. Sunday, September 22, 2013. </b>Written by Alexandra's sister, Alissa. Arrangements by Bliley's-Staples Mill.</blockquote><i>H/T to Merlot</i>

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Humpback Rocks teenager dies in fall from cliff UVA Medical Center Waynesboro Rescue Squad Wintergreen Rescue Squad Sunday: Teen victim of fatal BRP fall to be remembered at Lewis Ginter Gardens

Last week a 13-year-old girl from Richmond died in a fall over a cliff onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. The official report from the National Pa...

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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 vet...

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Fodor's: '4 U.S. road trips to take before you die' includes one close to home

Only four destination roads are listed in the group of <a href="http://www.fodors.com/news/4-us-road-trips-to-take-before-you-die-6995.html">"4 U.S. road trips to take before you die"</a> from Fodor's, the travel people, and since one is right here in Virginia, there's no reason not to hop on and go!<br /><br />Travel writer Jimmy Im includes the Blue Ridge Parkway as one of those four coveted road trips:<br /><span class="blog-text"></span><br /><h2><span class="blog-text">Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina</span></h2><span class="blog-text"><img alt="blue-ridge-pkwy-nc.jpg" height="300" src="http://www.fodors.com/wire/blue-ridge-pkwy-nc.jpg" width="452" /><b> </b></span><br /><span class="blog-text"><b>Distance: </b>470 miles<br /><br /> Road trippers can expect lush forestry and some majestic mountains on the <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/north-carolina/the-north-carolina-mountains/blue-ridge-parkway/">Blue Ridge Parkway</a>, a 470-mile drive connecting <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/virginia/central-and-western-virginia/shenandoah-national-park/">Shenandoah National Park</a> in Virginia and the <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/tennessee/great-smoky-mtns-national-park/">Great Smoky Mountains National Park</a> in North Carolina. While it averages roughly 10 hours to drive, plenty of highlights along the way ensure you'll want to take several days to explore the route. Locals call the Blue Ridge Parkway a "window" to the region as several cultural and unique towns are right off the highway.<br /><br /> Visitors stop for a photo opp at the Humpback Rocks in Blue Ridge, VA, a natural rock outcrop that has a storied history. Nearby is the <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/virginia/central-and-western-virginia/review-166229.html">Natural Bridge of Virginia</a> in Rockbridge Country, one of the oldest tourist destinations in the country and constantly voted as one of America's best natural wonders. Stop in Roanoke, the largest metropolitan city along the route, to visit charming farmer's markets. <br /><br /> Several attractions await in <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/north-carolina/the-north-carolina-mountains/blowing-rock/">Blowing Rock</a>, North Carolina, but a road tripper's favorite is the actual Blowing Rock itself, a cliff looming 4,000 feet above sea level, harboring magnificent views of Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock. For the mother of all views, stop at <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/north-carolina/the-north-carolina-mountains/blue-ridge-parkway/activities_h2447231_hiking.html">Waterrock Knob</a>, which, at 7,000-feet high, showcases breathtaking mountain views.</span>

4 US road trips to take before you die Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Fodor's getaways Jimmy In Lynn R. Mitchell North Carolina Virginia Fodor's: '4 U.S. road trips to take before you die' includes one close to home

Only four destination roads are listed in the group of "4 U.S. road trips to take before you die" from Fodor's, the travel pe...

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Unpaved Blue Ridge Parkway

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0NWDyHXJZrY_UoxKDj43qfWUhTc1vhwEbgBdchmAIo29wvdq3IXEOulgTivI4okXRGNjBWXO3YeK-ijk0qMUGHhZlMez3Rk4IbIBomE317aSWWlJ7w0DbZPmfMEekYVfslanzy6PV43d/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0NWDyHXJZrY_UoxKDj43qfWUhTc1vhwEbgBdchmAIo29wvdq3IXEOulgTivI4okXRGNjBWXO3YeK-ijk0qMUGHhZlMez3Rk4IbIBomE317aSWWlJ7w0DbZPmfMEekYVfslanzy6PV43d/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Paving is underway on the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Afton.</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway western Virginia Unpaved Blue Ridge Parkway

Paving is underway on the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Afton. Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell July 11, 2013

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A walk in the clouds ... maintaining the Appalachian Trail (Rockfish to Reeds Gap)

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Aq5Cdgl3QdpfnJ91WwXMRCmSRBVZJvF3EdUJ0I-u-g-PVdZNG7h479i8t9HbSLcGpbRsOiTh_6HHpo_rcSdyiT3jGrakg49h1p7jWg1KDYeECAUPX6CYkOv1GRo_fdNymWC1J9jEzeba/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Aq5Cdgl3QdpfnJ91WwXMRCmSRBVZJvF3EdUJ0I-u-g-PVdZNG7h479i8t9HbSLcGpbRsOiTh_6HHpo_rcSdyiT3jGrakg49h1p7jWg1KDYeECAUPX6CYkOv1GRo_fdNymWC1J9jEzeba/s640/6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I enjoy hearing from the folks who are intimately involved with upkeep and involvement along the mountains as is the case with "Merlot" (her trail name). She is one of a number of volunteers in charge of upkeep along the Appalachian Trail from Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap nineteen miles south, and including Afton Mountain and Humpback Rock. No one loves nature and Virginia's mountains more than those who actually put sweat equity into making sure hiking trails are maintained for thru-hikers as well as day-trippers.<br /><br />Merlot authors a blog, <a href="http://rockfishtoreeds.blogspot.com/">Rockfish to Reeds</a>, that chronicles not only those who work on the trails but those who hike them. <br /><br />So how did this pathway in the clouds all come to be? Merlot's post, "Appalachian Trail: The Roof of the East Coast," notes:<br /><blockquote>I suspect large numbers of the hiking public give little thought to the 'nitty gritty' of the trail, either how it was built (a common misconception is that it was an old 'Indian path') or the fact that 'somebody' needs to keep the trail in hiking condition and exactly who those 'somebodys' are. I was on the AT one day during weed season and weed whipping away with a swing blade when a group of hikers came by. One of them, a very nice lady, kindly asked me "How much is the government paying you to do this?" She was absolutely serious and sincere with that question and she was totally amazed when I answered "I am being paid nothing ..... you are on the Appalachian Trail which is maintained by volunteers!" </blockquote>Merlot's love of the mountains and the trail is evident in this post and especially in the last sentence: "As magnificent as the 'simple path' itself might be with all its wonders, its true 'heart' lies in every single volunteer maintainer who works so hard to keep the Appalachian Trail alive."<br /><br />Volunteers are the heart of any organization, and the Appalachian Trail is no different. I've enjoyed those mountain trails for years and am especially appreciative of the work that goes into beating back brush and weeds that encroach these pathways through the forests. A tip of the cap to all the hard-working volunteers whose hours of labor often goes unheralded but who are appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks, Merlot and fellow team members!<br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Afton Appalachian Trail Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Rockfish to Reeds A walk in the clouds ... maintaining the Appalachian Trail (Rockfish to Reeds Gap)

I enjoy hearing from the folks who are intimately involved with upkeep and involvement along the mountains as is the case with "Merlot&...

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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. ...

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