Afton Mountain's popcorn man

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyD57WX-HC2gjtROq0jcrmdDovRpoSEQRXpiuwVHi48_MSkjEBcU_MH2tG-0EPpI_UZVaSBSAo1yRlvBRNz__NGy2hugXYycacSptyNF1Glh0UH97A4_yg5-jK6mX_HdsBH-WNQsRfbrwF/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyD57WX-HC2gjtROq0jcrmdDovRpoSEQRXpiuwVHi48_MSkjEBcU_MH2tG-0EPpI_UZVaSBSAo1yRlvBRNz__NGy2hugXYycacSptyNF1Glh0UH97A4_yg5-jK6mX_HdsBH-WNQsRfbrwF/s400/20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>King's Gourmet Popcorn on Afton Mountain</i></div><br />"If you build it they will come." Or, perhaps more appropriately, they will stop and buy.<br /><br />Ron King has found a market for snacks on Afton Mountain with <a href="http://www.kingsgourmetpopcorn.com/">King's Gourmet Popcorn</a> located at the juncture of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, I-64, and Rt. 250. With views into the Rockfish and Shenandoah valleys, millions of tourists pass that way annually.<br /><br />Once an oasis for hungry travelers, the past 15 years have not been kind to Afton. The Inn at Afton formerly known as the Holiday Inn, the Howard Johnson Restaurant, service station, and everything else have fallen into disarray. Only the Inn remains open. The sight of burned-out buildings and graffiti is not what most would expect while traveling the scenic mountain ridges.<br /><br />That's why King's bright yellow vendor trailer, decorated now for fall with brightly colored chrysanthemums, hay bales, and orange pumpkins, is a welcome sight for hikers, travelers, and locals alike. He is filling a need, as evidenced by his steady customer base and ever-growing menu selections.<br /><br />Eighteen months ago he started with a tarp and kettle korn pot, cooking the salty-sweet goodness on site while servicing curious customers. That fall he was joined by the apple man.<br /><br />Then King's Gourmet Popcorn began branching out, offering bottled water and icy cold soft drinks followed by a wider variety of flavored popcorn and then pork rinds. That was followed by the bright yellow vendor trailer that replaced the tarp and kettle. He added picnic tables, hotdogs, coffee, ice cream, walking sticks, and tee shirts. A Facebook page was established that now sports 600 followers and comes in handy when late afternoon storms cause early closings, conveniently announced online. There's even a small neon "Open" sign that flashes when he's on site.<br /><br />In short, King's Gourmet Popcorn is now a fixture on Afton Mountain, sought after by travelers who have become familiar with his offerings. My husband stops almost every time we're in the vicinity, grabbing his favorite bag of kettle korn before heading north on the Drive or south on the Parkway, and even sometimes as we head east on I-64 toward Richmond.<br /><br />Ron King is becoming a tradition. But he's not finished. Plans are to add more food selections, mail order, and additional flavors. Many would be happy if he proved to be the seed that began the rebirth and rebuilding of Afton Mountain.<br /><br />An interesting article by Waynesboro reporter Roger Gonazlez shares more about King Gourmet Popcorn and Ron King in <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/mountain-munchies/article_7b29ef1c-b0e2-11e2-b523-0019bb30f31a.html"><i>The News Virginian</i></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>If you go:</b></i></span><br /><blockquote>Kings Gourmet Popcorn<br />Afton Mountain, I-64, Exit 99 (look for the bright yellow vending trailer)<br />Open: 7 days a week <br />Follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KingsGourmetPopcorn">Facebook</a><br />Website: <a href="http://www.kingsgourmetpopcorn.com/">King's Gourmet Popcorn</a></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQclunh_WY1uCaC0XNNAYP3wu1tt7QX9QUjtnDQbN_miM_9_0f1vwPQ8ktusoRQutvw-dshuCxUGNQ2OZw1fQOa4ciTmRce9V8GC8fw5YErOCHdvQEKbNqxLcBCg05ejUiczdvF2u82g_v/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQclunh_WY1uCaC0XNNAYP3wu1tt7QX9QUjtnDQbN_miM_9_0f1vwPQ8ktusoRQutvw-dshuCxUGNQ2OZw1fQOa4ciTmRce9V8GC8fw5YErOCHdvQEKbNqxLcBCg05ejUiczdvF2u82g_v/s640/19.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qCZP4fgct9dJWHloPF5rA5bSNEDXCV8bm2VbKKv5uUx60cOxkQeTqVik8fE1m3v7n8EPBV7G9xkdABBvyMsqR0_MLOUz8NdynjLJuD318LY5d64mhKSclIcu5Vw1uiZA7MASSJemfuMT/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qCZP4fgct9dJWHloPF5rA5bSNEDXCV8bm2VbKKv5uUx60cOxkQeTqVik8fE1m3v7n8EPBV7G9xkdABBvyMsqR0_MLOUz8NdynjLJuD318LY5d64mhKSclIcu5Vw1uiZA7MASSJemfuMT/s400/21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xJb-Bm2O1yIfF9nJMjbYnVqsFjVBR9gGWZSEBAbybk7FwJ2YB0Hu03libqtjXZ-0mSGcIwAi3h_h8eIhB3r4g4qXq_HFjPBIj9kBvPxd4MVDM2CAv0j6O5XkxKRnqOYzVBHjp_ZvgJlw/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xJb-Bm2O1yIfF9nJMjbYnVqsFjVBR9gGWZSEBAbybk7FwJ2YB0Hu03libqtjXZ-0mSGcIwAi3h_h8eIhB3r4g4qXq_HFjPBIj9kBvPxd4MVDM2CAv0j6O5XkxKRnqOYzVBHjp_ZvgJlw/s400/22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSMzHui5PTPJ3N_DdMKMBlk-GuG_V9bBjZT0oZzJCjUef61whn4nBy28LfSGXjIfi01YWR8j8km96XsY6Ge-hSivWm6J7ddkQKwRAp_0MAFDy5tLz6hq4C5Q50589vHaWlDGU-vZjejOc/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSMzHui5PTPJ3N_DdMKMBlk-GuG_V9bBjZT0oZzJCjUef61whn4nBy28LfSGXjIfi01YWR8j8km96XsY6Ge-hSivWm6J7ddkQKwRAp_0MAFDy5tLz6hq4C5Q50589vHaWlDGU-vZjejOc/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtuQ1cUHX51HzrmXm5BCfWB3qxzVfj0cAfn7kwLV8GY29Voq9r_QHRB_FVAolg4_pKoH3LsiGR2IxC62xqSbpIpSUR_YrtkXqjwM5L6qcYBFr8BLadiQ8zrtNFRTN-yI6asvUWmkeaTwW/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtuQ1cUHX51HzrmXm5BCfWB3qxzVfj0cAfn7kwLV8GY29Voq9r_QHRB_FVAolg4_pKoH3LsiGR2IxC62xqSbpIpSUR_YrtkXqjwM5L6qcYBFr8BLadiQ8zrtNFRTN-yI6asvUWmkeaTwW/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Afton Mountain overlooks (from top to bottom) Skyline Drive, I-64, and Rt. 250.</i></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Afton Mountain Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway King's Gourmet Popcorn Ron King Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Afton Mountain's popcorn man

King's Gourmet Popcorn on Afton Mountain "If you build it they will come." Or, perhaps more appropriately, they will stop and ...

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Waynesboro Fall Foliage Festival offers it all in shadow of Blue Ridge Mountains

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcREIKT3y92Ky9iFjYotWdqtF2MfSnJm8nQqidj16qtXr-TTx9fx92pC6rPY1x0GNwRN6cLtdtdk2vz41MYO3gy1rjSqgFE2gs-OeLC7BLJbPmsLqV1C3XcXYrFOnqS1nXmq4x27Zxbsd/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcREIKT3y92Ky9iFjYotWdqtF2MfSnJm8nQqidj16qtXr-TTx9fx92pC6rPY1x0GNwRN6cLtdtdk2vz41MYO3gy1rjSqgFE2gs-OeLC7BLJbPmsLqV1C3XcXYrFOnqS1nXmq4x27Zxbsd/s640/15.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday's Fall Foliage Festival in Waynesboro was a little damp but the show went on with artisans, entertainment, food vendors, and games for the kids. The downtown area was closed to vehicles and lined with vendor tents for this annual event that continues on Sunday until 5:00 p.m.</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/AVvXsEinS2Wi7AhzyIyeyR5qSIMrxL3Fp_jvL4MH6cBgqI6c-rNdg9HZh6VTXBGP_KXMqJZifof4mbR1DUdWm1m1ZNuaHqHJCcNpFb2Trs94_qJ-e2tI-gR15k4kQ-WI8a0diZ1UIusrovbBQl7g/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinS2Wi7AhzyIyeyR5qSIMrxL3Fp_jvL4MH6cBgqI6c-rNdg9HZh6VTXBGP_KXMqJZifof4mbR1DUdWm1m1ZNuaHqHJCcNpFb2Trs94_qJ-e2tI-gR15k4kQ-WI8a0diZ1UIusrovbBQl7g/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">John and Jennifer's friendly faces manned the Waynesboro Kiwanis booth.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGjO7oiWTjdRMx8cXHe3Ce7jjV6V39_rY9gAmxWgujqPLrNqt75G6HGpFY1VeLFA4FJYtJf0XdODD3oR8pUriA4jIH3xtkPFmARXa6KXCmj53z8pP2Fs1EWoRdLo9PGtZ8q5tNbukGb8e/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGjO7oiWTjdRMx8cXHe3Ce7jjV6V39_rY9gAmxWgujqPLrNqt75G6HGpFY1VeLFA4FJYtJf0XdODD3oR8pUriA4jIH3xtkPFmARXa6KXCmj53z8pP2Fs1EWoRdLo9PGtZ8q5tNbukGb8e/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waynesboro Boy Scout Troop 47 was selling 1,000 apple dumplings as a fund raiser for the troop's summer program. Located under the farmers market pavilion, they were doing a brisk business Saturday morning.</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/AVvXsEjqndP-K46YujBFxRfdlQBSd_E5z_gg8oqkyHDmTa0QnI7w8ytmdteQpRQoqWy5_OWMRI3WvhHkXbcf1WBSdOQH1s80uV7bgVW_BN1wrInWLRmE3aPPOkFhHm1xf0V8kFBGHK81rqbrooZn/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqndP-K46YujBFxRfdlQBSd_E5z_gg8oqkyHDmTa0QnI7w8ytmdteQpRQoqWy5_OWMRI3WvhHkXbcf1WBSdOQH1s80uV7bgVW_BN1wrInWLRmE3aPPOkFhHm1xf0V8kFBGHK81rqbrooZn/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-E-QTH8ZMlHJleoSOfET_kQdpl7C4MVY05mpujoSzRoNtl8aVrEhu9jnObqFbIDJHb944Xozy78vAIjDArRjT5s00-tsinB8Ca-_XN4f8ISy-T3m7pnu-OmpXJXLKqUBu5_wYkKoaYh-/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-E-QTH8ZMlHJleoSOfET_kQdpl7C4MVY05mpujoSzRoNtl8aVrEhu9jnObqFbIDJHb944Xozy78vAIjDArRjT5s00-tsinB8Ca-_XN4f8ISy-T3m7pnu-OmpXJXLKqUBu5_wYkKoaYh-/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqIKGmPrre8H7EHNiWoa0q8cIzJ0_DgZRGE_WBRpRWk0Jkj93gvdIfYi8olcZxUTOj_VQvPzodMi6BL3HHRQcmqHD9gEyD3IhnXRPCYCb7ZmaJfD7LCPSatj8aIvIh3Un7FY1k80Tcyk4/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqIKGmPrre8H7EHNiWoa0q8cIzJ0_DgZRGE_WBRpRWk0Jkj93gvdIfYi8olcZxUTOj_VQvPzodMi6BL3HHRQcmqHD9gEyD3IhnXRPCYCb7ZmaJfD7LCPSatj8aIvIh3Un7FY1k80Tcyk4/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmROy1zX7AO3HoW7ysBC0aMhkn4coU06xioE9EnqcsdPmB3CXjQRk9GkNam1cqPXCUc_iYUX1o9a0spgMOcr4z8swYUfx7DoaNq-AjM0CdwkfStGbRMnz4_xikHjvbcCln26psyZFtCLX/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmROy1zX7AO3HoW7ysBC0aMhkn4coU06xioE9EnqcsdPmB3CXjQRk9GkNam1cqPXCUc_iYUX1o9a0spgMOcr4z8swYUfx7DoaNq-AjM0CdwkfStGbRMnz4_xikHjvbcCln26psyZFtCLX/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pgOi09nQvoHLAz5P0CnGY-NOgVz7PEdcKOUOKuPS8t87hImn5yI2Tjo2h75N8FdsRvVt-a-l8fl0Mmz_47Iy3tz2d5H30rbJHz1mNiXJanpJjHCdcdKAEFXmPfvPjPMBSy6qgLsLGwLI/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pgOi09nQvoHLAz5P0CnGY-NOgVz7PEdcKOUOKuPS8t87hImn5yI2Tjo2h75N8FdsRvVt-a-l8fl0Mmz_47Iy3tz2d5H30rbJHz1mNiXJanpJjHCdcdKAEFXmPfvPjPMBSy6qgLsLGwLI/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/AVvXsEgaehzNwh8fBh5a8xm7KXXgKIPgwSDg0JfcM5dU8ZAtYNp5g5l5igA8s-2PdM2NmsHvMkgfiA525-HBhkvKGiz8ogjrA-RlSj319PpPrngSVhck_NoUETeYWXU_wSw0k7zhtW56rGQqbCFZ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6kzrqcW-z27MYQgWiRLVT0ZAvQJSSGauQUcLNef7AbDvl6b0bBS_OLNNKjgXB_EN1rfl0l81qvTTj6eBwP2JYUyHfOv3giUNKS9hsIUbPy0OXAzR7l22D03YfGeSBODSzdcf6VcLGbyo/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 12, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Boy Scout Troop 47 fall festival Shenandoah Valley tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Waynesboro Fall Foliage Festival Waynesboro Fall Foliage Festival offers it all in shadow of Blue Ridge Mountains

Saturday's Fall Foliage Festival in Waynesboro was a little damp but the show went on with artisans, entertainment, food vendors, and ga...

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Humpback Rock on foggy October day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE679JNvi9gICqmnruC2rcptoYoA0XdCvc1FUEe-ijaxnp5GkaPa9Z-LbNL1-rWqjZ0dB651MfNSfdOvSY3-skAAwGgNBKkbUd6rPOD_i9RQZoVPwnUPcBBiBPHdzg6ZefDh56UfcP8xH/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE679JNvi9gICqmnruC2rcptoYoA0XdCvc1FUEe-ijaxnp5GkaPa9Z-LbNL1-rWqjZ0dB651MfNSfdOvSY3-skAAwGgNBKkbUd6rPOD_i9RQZoVPwnUPcBBiBPHdzg6ZefDh56UfcP8xH/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Top of Humpback Rock is shrouded in fog as viewed from the farm on Friday, October 11, 2013.</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/AVvXsEjIcs7uzg_G1nfivqYh1ZmjMPclwNw7vf8zsB32f3YcsDEhNRl7Z8-zdLtVvr_NyJ7eda4hjZykQrMHHixMMcG8Z3WhmrrtjDQn49T_IADmsEs9s66YaYwqHGFSEAVny13pdCnbDxRh2aRa/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/AVvXsEjIcs7uzg_G1nfivqYh1ZmjMPclwNw7vf8zsB32f3YcsDEhNRl7Z8-zdLtVvr_NyJ7eda4hjZykQrMHHixMMcG8Z3WhmrrtjDQn49T_IADmsEs9s66YaYwqHGFSEAVny13pdCnbDxRh2aRa/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Blue Ridge Parkway as seen from entrance to Humpback Rock hike parking 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/AVvXsEioGBLv9LjINfqLKa0DAJV6qlVjRHrRzfYpbLH4KKPqGphHJhGEOgyRLPx275QWbp1wvr4nUDKgGB7o7x8N74yRt_HxZYQ6tWivLfV1ttGztM_8msLCAHjqEn0P1ffZKr1GupqgcDYumhVR/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGBLv9LjINfqLKa0DAJV6qlVjRHrRzfYpbLH4KKPqGphHJhGEOgyRLPx275QWbp1wvr4nUDKgGB7o7x8N74yRt_HxZYQ6tWivLfV1ttGztM_8msLCAHjqEn0P1ffZKr1GupqgcDYumhVR/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Humpback Rock hiking area had vehicles in the parking lot on a foggy, drizzly day. The assumption would be they had hiked to the top.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Humpback Rock Farm Humpback Rock hike leaf season tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Humpback Rock on foggy October day

 Top of Humpback Rock is shrouded in fog as viewed from the farm on Friday, October 11, 2013.  Blue Ridge Parkway as seen from entrance to H...

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Colorful maple trees in the Shenandoah Valley

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxk5esMaiO1llVMdB5GozrJaiI6Zxm6mFZ9MAjzeCHLT9h5tQlpNoYvSuO6Qf5cPCFuetm-S3qLP20g3Y0l2HnCqYZm5_UOL3g0UOpzAvv0HrQKg3FKwrcP3KalqiYIg1HFO3XGVZPG1gA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxk5esMaiO1llVMdB5GozrJaiI6Zxm6mFZ9MAjzeCHLT9h5tQlpNoYvSuO6Qf5cPCFuetm-S3qLP20g3Y0l2HnCqYZm5_UOL3g0UOpzAvv0HrQKg3FKwrcP3KalqiYIg1HFO3XGVZPG1gA/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In front of Waynesboro High School</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/AVvXsEi6O2CI7F0mJts0WvtTlnbMVpk448Htyjz4R5LSctEETqJUukkBDba5djX1lxdRaiRwbibC5_98eGWPZmlhXaI6pADErncsQxix6Q4A6a71fTDgQ__BwDPj8wu1N9SGlfR3i4vvEMTB5ZCR/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O2CI7F0mJts0WvtTlnbMVpk448Htyjz4R5LSctEETqJUukkBDba5djX1lxdRaiRwbibC5_98eGWPZmlhXaI6pADErncsQxix6Q4A6a71fTDgQ__BwDPj8wu1N9SGlfR3i4vvEMTB5ZCR/s640/1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fishersville</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

leaf color October leaf looking Shenandoah Valley tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Colorful maple trees in the Shenandoah Valley

In front of Waynesboro High School Fishersville Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell October 11, 2013

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October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Picnic Area still closed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRB7QjRwi9ukHmd4XJQ3dRbEBtLUd20Ll9xL8OZVgO1Oc__YExAVY60uuI2X5b8cXTCSPJPiqGsZ7aHTcZKX6I-GEJCje-i8ls0EnhtMOQOeso33F7PLmUiwI1hoz06MMmfpAHwR9HWEd/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRB7QjRwi9ukHmd4XJQ3dRbEBtLUd20Ll9xL8OZVgO1Oc__YExAVY60uuI2X5b8cXTCSPJPiqGsZ7aHTcZKX6I-GEJCje-i8ls0EnhtMOQOeso33F7PLmUiwI1hoz06MMmfpAHwR9HWEd/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Humpback Rock Picnic Area was closed and fog-shrouded at mid-day on Friday. The locked gate had a sign: "Because of the federal government shutdown, all national parks are closed." This is the time of year when this particular picnic area is packed on weekends with locals from the Valley.</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/AVvXsEh8ZYTVZOaBvO32F0JTCWI8wCSsd5vGT1PyjpWOUZGx_tVebW-R5mhFWC4xZmpHzWX2tZ4hOGH23qIB2AxEYbExuFVuHU2_TfQ7PEu0yaFB5pr8wzAsRhr3aldHkAvJBGZFAoPHuC4yC3OV/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZYTVZOaBvO32F0JTCWI8wCSsd5vGT1PyjpWOUZGx_tVebW-R5mhFWC4xZmpHzWX2tZ4hOGH23qIB2AxEYbExuFVuHU2_TfQ7PEu0yaFB5pr8wzAsRhr3aldHkAvJBGZFAoPHuC4yC3OV/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heavy fog covered the mountains at mid-day on Friday.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Humpback Rock picnic area tourism Virginia Is For Lovers October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Picnic Area still closed

 Humpback Rock Picnic Area was closed and fog-shrouded at mid-day on Friday. The locked gate had a sign: "Because of the federal govern...

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October 11, 2013 ... Skyline Drive is still closed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNiCp3tWNhS-lUAp-RIs08at7qER1BMPV8iH4kWr2r4B5aEbTkwzSDn2slyH40UaGjQcG1qo3Mn0C3hwRAp63FIBLCneKSvhq_y7ayCYYE90jPIN5MP1FKDXEJLwsorKvhmZhEcv-w69/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNiCp3tWNhS-lUAp-RIs08at7qER1BMPV8iH4kWr2r4B5aEbTkwzSDn2slyH40UaGjQcG1qo3Mn0C3hwRAp63FIBLCneKSvhq_y7ayCYYE90jPIN5MP1FKDXEJLwsorKvhmZhEcv-w69/s640/4.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive at Afton Mountain is blocked by a locked gate and sign that announces, "CLOSED. Shenandoah National Park is CLOSED due to the government shut down."</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/AVvXsEigVUf2z1EwzcOMvrpM5MNZ19oBNeiL5dbNFxKlaUIFwH2sFer6Mm9s7VW53i3CPh1Q1YSxHkBJUPn4tpdlNsPHr_-mibGjnAG3viNB6qWjpB-bFWLri5aVRxyXI16QbCow9B3gJ4tTcPG2/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVUf2z1EwzcOMvrpM5MNZ19oBNeiL5dbNFxKlaUIFwH2sFer6Mm9s7VW53i3CPh1Q1YSxHkBJUPn4tpdlNsPHr_-mibGjnAG3viNB6qWjpB-bFWLri5aVRxyXI16QbCow9B3gJ4tTcPG2/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE0v15J07J5zY9mg238EWUsBDUOpfWtoB8ksqBIMK7vKteT9M-d8p1Cq6iSah1IrxnxklEidc7XR9z27S8H7Lwwj7wTgfXr9FEIYEY5vR-HvOtQwte-v-8ES6akSLJbQ_iUnbB5r7_iBp/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE0v15J07J5zY9mg238EWUsBDUOpfWtoB8ksqBIMK7vKteT9M-d8p1Cq6iSah1IrxnxklEidc7XR9z27S8H7Lwwj7wTgfXr9FEIYEY5vR-HvOtQwte-v-8ES6akSLJbQ_iUnbB5r7_iBp/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains government shutdown October leaf looking Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers October 11, 2013 ... Skyline Drive is still closed

The entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive at Afton Mountain is blocked by a locked gate and sign that announces, "CLOS...

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Madison supervisors ask Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park

Wouldn't it be great to see every county adjoining Shenandoah National Park take the same action as the Madison County supervisors by asking Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park [<a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/starexponent/news/local_news/madison-supes-to-congress-reopen-shenandoah-national-park/article_e0ae5cf2-31dd-11e3-96ce-001a4bcf6878.html">link</a>]? For many, it's difficult to watch as nearby businesses suffer from the closure and endure the lack of tourist traffic at this time of year when millions travel to the mountains for the colorful autumn leaf season.<br /><br />Graves Mountain Lodge in Madison County is feeling the pinch at the time of year when their parking lots are usually blown out with vehicles and tourists:<br /><blockquote>"The next three weeks are going to be the main time for foliage," said Jimmy Graves with Graves Mountain Lodge on Thursday. "You've got the businesses on top of the mountain, they're closed and so ... yes it's an impact because you don't have the people here whether they'd come to eat lunch, some would spend the night, but they're going other places. Normally this time of year we would probably have another 50 people coming hiking, eating, would be more than 100 cars a day going to White Oak (Canyon), probably more than that going to Old Rag.<br /><br />"We are losing money from the park being closed - everyone around the park is losing money," he said.</blockquote>Some attractions are set to reopen on the Blue Ridge Parkway ... it's past time to reopen Shenandoah National Park. [<a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/2291048-12/mabry-mill-other-parkway-attractions-poised-to-reopen.html">link</a>] <br /><br />End the government shutdown.

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Madison supervisors ask Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park

Wouldn't it be great to see every county adjoining Shenandoah National Park take the same action as the Madison County supervisors by as...

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Mabry Mill, others poised to open this weekend

This is great news! Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the changing leaves and stop by the re-opened restaurants and attractions along the way. This would be a great way to help these businesses recover and get back on their feet after ten days of government shutdown.<br /><br />Check before going just to be sure they're open but the restaurant at Mabry Mill was hoping to be reopened this morning, and Peaks of Otter was hoping to be reopened for this weekend including lodging and restaurant, according to the Roanoke Times:<br /><blockquote>Mabry Mill will reopen today and the Peaks of Otter Lodge in Bedford County could be open by this weekend under agreements with the National Park Service, which had ordered parkway sites and concessionaires to close when the federal government shut down Oct. 1.<br /><br /> Radcliff was planning for a Friday reopening of Mabry Mill, though she had yet to hear from the park service Thursday afternoon. Robert Peters, the general manager of the Peaks of Otter Lodge, said he was “very optimistic” the lodge will be open by this weekend.</blockquote>Private businesses that are helping the federal government by running park concessions should not be forced to close during budget debates.

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Mabry Mill Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Mabry Mill, others poised to open this weekend

This is great news! Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the changing leaves and stop by the re-opened restaurants and attractions along the wa...

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Cotton candy clouds ... sunset over Elliott's Knob

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXgfoqYSuVJ-_8YMHO2BGeWnyOhZWtJd4235uC_9ML2NbpUcgEj_9bzJpKcKu1Z_AzVERai6KDnZPElfxWqvb_3nfo4-HT2nCP8G0zv8oSStcS5cMqbIWvCjRoABjbu4qvLGMkLJQEPBM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXgfoqYSuVJ-_8YMHO2BGeWnyOhZWtJd4235uC_9ML2NbpUcgEj_9bzJpKcKu1Z_AzVERai6KDnZPElfxWqvb_3nfo4-HT2nCP8G0zv8oSStcS5cMqbIWvCjRoABjbu4qvLGMkLJQEPBM/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/AVvXsEgVHiufQ9tHy8xumK04DFbts5hCNVZSbhn3Jae1GimH_k60_LfxriVwjOKLXkTaXHun9xjnjwXGFbmVf6-ERwBmS_rvzJYXayFfn6-Z7_Tw_llREd_DEJy3d88ka6FFbRCDSZXQvWkn5eGa/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/AVvXsEgVHiufQ9tHy8xumK04DFbts5hCNVZSbhn3Jae1GimH_k60_LfxriVwjOKLXkTaXHun9xjnjwXGFbmVf6-ERwBmS_rvzJYXayFfn6-Z7_Tw_llREd_DEJy3d88ka6FFbRCDSZXQvWkn5eGa/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Elliott's Knob ... Appalachian Mountains, Augusta County, Virginia</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 8, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County Elliott's Knob sunset tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Cotton candy clouds ... sunset over Elliott's Knob

Sunset over Elliott's Knob ... Appalachian Mountains, Augusta County, Virginia Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell October 8, 2013

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October afternoon drive on the back roads of Augusta County

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsKkoEX0sucNEehyAnEcayONaXhk6Ae9HtJnvKgrGIYztusX3MkNV01_U9SYAc_57qDigv4hQts_qw1ogEz8kOBBpFOSD44PU2mYUCY4ai_7nMa7YlspccQVxCg6CXis4vvvfmvxWprBc/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsKkoEX0sucNEehyAnEcayONaXhk6Ae9HtJnvKgrGIYztusX3MkNV01_U9SYAc_57qDigv4hQts_qw1ogEz8kOBBpFOSD44PU2mYUCY4ai_7nMa7YlspccQVxCg6CXis4vvvfmvxWprBc/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The blustery breezes, cool temps, and fresh mountain air called to me this afternoon as I headed toward western Augusta County and the fog-shrouded mountains. Sunshine was breaking through the clouds that had brought early-morning, much needed, rain. The air that had been hazy the past week or so because of temperatures in the upper 80s was clear and mountain ridges were sharply defined against the sky. The farm above is nearby ... the leaves are just beginning to turn.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLp2Cuybk73sPLMkB-nbmXsahbzXbxjuC67-w6jicXj7xYAXNrxWqEGWw2TnzTK6IroloeTMSwLtqbQgnqkp_ZPXqfO-nXDTrC0oc4ZROk_DW-P-Ast97geEylCiu5uxT4nyD_KhrprsV/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLp2Cuybk73sPLMkB-nbmXsahbzXbxjuC67-w6jicXj7xYAXNrxWqEGWw2TnzTK6IroloeTMSwLtqbQgnqkp_ZPXqfO-nXDTrC0oc4ZROk_DW-P-Ast97geEylCiu5uxT4nyD_KhrprsV/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not far from the farm, I stopped and look toward the Appalachian Mountains at Elliott's Knob.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ub9AGTeaWdR6ZvQeWI0KbYb0ehVlkIOzkz1dMFXL2HGwIuNSQDnJbv8XQDrAUiaD_5fiQeCvc29RpcNLgQg3z-9TVWjFBkD5BjxkLcRPVAUMh-uGFwM26asORDWOwvvU6M2reK4lJcYY/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/AVvXsEi0Ub9AGTeaWdR6ZvQeWI0KbYb0ehVlkIOzkz1dMFXL2HGwIuNSQDnJbv8XQDrAUiaD_5fiQeCvc29RpcNLgQg3z-9TVWjFBkD5BjxkLcRPVAUMh-uGFwM26asORDWOwvvU6M2reK4lJcYY/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/AVvXsEhXZ1R5XotqhCfKcWAAMNnaCVWFOdl7VSV38I8UddYr1mueAH6K0OX5mo8VGMkML6-yt1DHg09zsqzgH4IVKc3c_ikwHt7C1i_iN6P-bR5zyDCdR6tYIrMDLmV6suZ5trOrisiCzICbGcrO/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ1R5XotqhCfKcWAAMNnaCVWFOdl7VSV38I8UddYr1mueAH6K0OX5mo8VGMkML6-yt1DHg09zsqzgH4IVKc3c_ikwHt7C1i_iN6P-bR5zyDCdR6tYIrMDLmV6suZ5trOrisiCzICbGcrO/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This forest road located in the George Washington National Forest at Buffalo Gap is always pretty in the fall as the leaves cover the gravel road leading to a favorite hiking trail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoqJCXFXDraJ6EbbPVynf5zd9oUJ9hBRs3BRbTYxYy5GpPqq3kXa4CPPqfNA9H4Z5lFsl9oBGoDHqxdijD8GLZEC5_PEyOr2DumJgGNoKCqi3gMo3KQBCIoOYWpvGum6NgTy5ZHGtoyaL/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/AVvXsEiKoqJCXFXDraJ6EbbPVynf5zd9oUJ9hBRs3BRbTYxYy5GpPqq3kXa4CPPqfNA9H4Z5lFsl9oBGoDHqxdijD8GLZEC5_PEyOr2DumJgGNoKCqi3gMo3KQBCIoOYWpvGum6NgTy5ZHGtoyaL/s640/6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Augusta Springs Wetlands in western Augusta County is a popular birding area with hiking trails and a woodlands pond at the site of the old turn-of-the-century Augusta Springs Hotel that burned 100 years ago.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fun in all seasons, today's visit was full of the aroma of fallen leaves as the wind showered me with more and I shuffled through the ones on the ground. It was a reminder of a warm day six years ago when my sister and then-11-year-old niece and I stopped by for a summer adventure, <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2007/08/augusta-springs-wetlands-tour.html">following the trail</a> and boardwalk markers, something I had done with my own children when they were young. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2007/08/back-roads-of-shenandoah-valley-augusta.html">Through the eyes of my niece</a>, Augusta Springs makes us all children again in this tiny corner of the George Washington National Forest.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02AWBUBMROMfl4Arn-mS6jn0_PMeXSFQxP4xB2Uvd2REL3m0xI3R4207lwNGdA7RZ0U-RC1Wf1wmepAt9O0_3dD6Q5IW1gioePtVIMqacKnwjsIupfIPPVjzgSu-w9_rGvMFpdkiwtyff/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02AWBUBMROMfl4Arn-mS6jn0_PMeXSFQxP4xB2Uvd2REL3m0xI3R4207lwNGdA7RZ0U-RC1Wf1wmepAt9O0_3dD6Q5IW1gioePtVIMqacKnwjsIupfIPPVjzgSu-w9_rGvMFpdkiwtyff/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Queen Anne's Lace lined the roadsides.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2WMxFZjYlPmX65QZwz2TyRiWNSMGPjVmEFs74TDS5OMNkdBs9RxshMpCD1usAZs96F_0LVWvwt2wJbpK1i0TuFmCQ1JnQX1RsILGD1xuOQ4Ymvb611dKFIQRqtk2MfkVF40AvwQf-TIU/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/AVvXsEjd2WMxFZjYlPmX65QZwz2TyRiWNSMGPjVmEFs74TDS5OMNkdBs9RxshMpCD1usAZs96F_0LVWvwt2wJbpK1i0TuFmCQ1JnQX1RsILGD1xuOQ4Ymvb611dKFIQRqtk2MfkVF40AvwQf-TIU/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another nearby farm in the shadow of Elliott's Knob.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1f0X4NIHFHtTosJSVRIidPT-j9z57NDcYxn0qZib8jtOCOnlb5TDZ_lvKKqIITIMk-7A4nNqOeVUHTQ7Cggh1zkIXtfBwe4oHyd-UrxMkTb_7Ak11WcpW0VoRHoZKIm6akj4qDoyl-5s/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1f0X4NIHFHtTosJSVRIidPT-j9z57NDcYxn0qZib8jtOCOnlb5TDZ_lvKKqIITIMk-7A4nNqOeVUHTQ7Cggh1zkIXtfBwe4oHyd-UrxMkTb_7Ak11WcpW0VoRHoZKIm6akj4qDoyl-5s/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Looking toward the Appalachians, a neighbor's scarlet burning bush is a reminder that fall is here. <br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 7, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County Augusta Springs Wetlands tourism Virginia Is For Lovers western Virginia October afternoon drive on the back roads of Augusta County

The blustery breezes, cool temps, and fresh mountain air called to me this afternoon as I headed toward western Augusta County and the fog-s...

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Augusta Springs Wetlands: George Washington National Forest ... October 2013

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISOh719-YfoJEw9VEvGrD5BDBaql6ySaKdKy7xXjPsi7x9Rij8gu4dNwOyLDvsOCtFhHcFQeJHp8mkudr8M7rzMCqW8oBFXi65xuL5hT1t1R_UPpTTxCqLhMhhqbVAaIYLtS8nIV8kkrH/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/AVvXsEjISOh719-YfoJEw9VEvGrD5BDBaql6ySaKdKy7xXjPsi7x9Rij8gu4dNwOyLDvsOCtFhHcFQeJHp8mkudr8M7rzMCqW8oBFXi65xuL5hT1t1R_UPpTTxCqLhMhhqbVAaIYLtS8nIV8kkrH/s640/6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIAjwHghnD8cTaEB9r4Ty-B5z02Pd_dqUqFiPX4nl2wF4JsiAXnv8SiVbblaZitRfUJsBfq5Jd-rWwUU6HzsdhXaiY7OVwzH_XChicQ3uc3WcM2evEzaBq9mJn7qF3agq4vnGrkPrtMMW/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIAjwHghnD8cTaEB9r4Ty-B5z02Pd_dqUqFiPX4nl2wF4JsiAXnv8SiVbblaZitRfUJsBfq5Jd-rWwUU6HzsdhXaiY7OVwzH_XChicQ3uc3WcM2evEzaBq9mJn7qF3agq4vnGrkPrtMMW/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_REFrjcDs9w39THAwW8WgeeMah3q6x-VBXD5UhcMQIBJAPgxA8_Uc-PYfG6Zyv-ZTLcNTJbdB7vtm1Zsc7PrzeCNU78ZSvOpGkZRW7plWUjSqQlP3rR5LIfdgLWGTxbA2DoaYxD00iWv/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_REFrjcDs9w39THAwW8WgeeMah3q6x-VBXD5UhcMQIBJAPgxA8_Uc-PYfG6Zyv-ZTLcNTJbdB7vtm1Zsc7PrzeCNU78ZSvOpGkZRW7plWUjSqQlP3rR5LIfdgLWGTxbA2DoaYxD00iWv/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />

Augusta Springs Wetlands fall leaves George Washington National Park Lynn R. Mitchell October tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Augusta Springs Wetlands: George Washington National Forest ... October 2013

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October Appalachian views ... Augusta County, Virginia

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHaE7k-lbKtMT8qoeASd92qTu4RGFfc-uUXeLWvHlzQUv8IqPWQLZV1e2bY85t0f-xdslXO0HOjrzE8GR7UAfvmQsY635_AYZr82BbRX1LYYgCWTn_PB8cq0nCRwT8Eo3j30kD6p0zd-3/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHaE7k-lbKtMT8qoeASd92qTu4RGFfc-uUXeLWvHlzQUv8IqPWQLZV1e2bY85t0f-xdslXO0HOjrzE8GR7UAfvmQsY635_AYZr82BbRX1LYYgCWTn_PB8cq0nCRwT8Eo3j30kD6p0zd-3/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/AVvXsEg5W6WKU_epfwcSsFXxcIqhzrMd8YiDV7nuCKdlmcNduojcmKC93m7TUT7C-J0zmWjS2yNVb3XUiubyncrzBn-fP_-YT-riFWhgg_IgoNcBCWa5rx6aCLAVC_QHNDLkuFfd8PzCDOg6W0Vb/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/AVvXsEg5W6WKU_epfwcSsFXxcIqhzrMd8YiDV7nuCKdlmcNduojcmKC93m7TUT7C-J0zmWjS2yNVb3XUiubyncrzBn-fP_-YT-riFWhgg_IgoNcBCWa5rx6aCLAVC_QHNDLkuFfd8PzCDOg6W0Vb/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 7, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County October Shenandoah Valley tourism Virginia Is For Lovers western Virginia October Appalachian views ... Augusta County, Virginia

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell October 7, 2013

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Virginia's George Washington National Forest in early October

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAuQFJZED6Jgrh0DMAF3I3fhuWqnfk7TwNfxgymZxX6pTqYMjFkLVMKifaD3LY3eAS1Y92Xy4RkiwBtk57tcoVeS_daZiz7N6zaO_ZBQ1Y6i3PUgRTnqvW3MLjVL-NFi0olDIRac-Btvk/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAuQFJZED6Jgrh0DMAF3I3fhuWqnfk7TwNfxgymZxX6pTqYMjFkLVMKifaD3LY3eAS1Y92Xy4RkiwBtk57tcoVeS_daZiz7N6zaO_ZBQ1Y6i3PUgRTnqvW3MLjVL-NFi0olDIRac-Btvk/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 7, 2013

Augusta County fall leaves George Washington National Forest October tourism Virginia Is For Lovers western Virginia Virginia's George Washington National Forest in early October

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell October 7, 2013

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Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park closed due to government shutdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCRGWPtxU8G4VEir4MevRSp0Z9uM4vJqGUFNpR_rgk9M0BHH00q326EZPdw16IcVfqKrmTx3Ia7Cxh3cy11-H0iDRwrg00iryuLFTIsY1QPX-v3yvKBEhjs2Zzf4CS7EwItdPVdZtYrWu/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCRGWPtxU8G4VEir4MevRSp0Z9uM4vJqGUFNpR_rgk9M0BHH00q326EZPdw16IcVfqKrmTx3Ia7Cxh3cy11-H0iDRwrg00iryuLFTIsY1QPX-v3yvKBEhjs2Zzf4CS7EwItdPVdZtYrWu/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> If the government shutdown that began today continues through October, these are scenes you won't see this year. Just as leaf season is about to arrive, Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park are closed to visitors. Peak weekend usually hits about the third week in October.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyEMUNNIrIZU5Qzb1w_bF8uca_jfhCrmpfJZSFbY4H2yudWiA0sIAy4WPiPjYmipmEGy8CZSRkonagT01L4uvahhytOSp4uKymNYU9rarHaHulWRlpGXH59syjeGIY_FOms91mh5qW2l-/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/AVvXsEgbyEMUNNIrIZU5Qzb1w_bF8uca_jfhCrmpfJZSFbY4H2yudWiA0sIAy4WPiPjYmipmEGy8CZSRkonagT01L4uvahhytOSp4uKymNYU9rarHaHulWRlpGXH59syjeGIY_FOms91mh5qW2l-/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/AVvXsEhry4AmNpopqRK-lVbme7e_uf9BJh8vT0d6uiW66heteNXygH_y44SLKvkdoxKu8CY6YC8krGNrvm0O4pgk41G2HRWrVOR7zm4Q6sFdQerc6qusUVXcAE87BYAnWTYhQZ8Q7gQW1wcnc2IZ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav5Ltx1ACdGPUIqPJvQXPCt9UorpPyz6yd2SJpZedbpScQEgbD8r4BUxUXqT8Lnl5k8hk60Vcceeg33mce-bfLa1YlK9bjuugRVTSkN1vmr4QC99zk9sZ0UWW3a7XVU7g_rDTMngTRIiO/s400/31.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/local/shenandoah-national-park-to-close-if-shutdown-happens/article_37420cb0-2a29-11e3-a5d7-001a4bcf6878.html">Shenandoah National Park to close</a> by Bob Stuart <br /><a href="http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_5e17bf58-2a4f-11e3-b9a9-001a4bcf6878.html">Area parks, services to close in government shutdown</a> by Ray Reed<br /><a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/2265842-12/blue-ridge-parkway-will-allow-traffic-not-attractions.html">Blue Ridge Parkway will allow traffic, not attractions, in shutdown</a> by Ralph Berrier, Jr.<br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />Shenandoah National Park

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Lynchburg News and Advance Roanoke Times Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Waynesboro News-Virginian Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park closed due to government shutdown

 If the government shutdown that began today continues through October, these are scenes you won't see this year. Just as leaf season is...

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