Sunday, August 03, 2008
Blue Ridge Parkway - Mile 0 to 100
Our goal this trip? Begin at Mile Marker 0 on the Parkway (at the South end of Skyline Drive which is the first 109 miles from Front Royal South, which we traveled last year) and cover all 470 miles or so of the primary BRP...there are numerous sidetrips, particularly in North Carolina. I call this picture "On A Clear Day" because one of our days on the Parkway was absolutely clear. The others ranged from hazy to really socked in.
To accomplish the entire trip we set "basecamps" along the way. Our first portion was driven out of Natural Bridge KOA. Then we spent a day driving to Fancy Gap, VA where we set up for three days. Our final Blue Ridge basecamp was Asheville East KOA for three more days.
The shot above was a leaning rock formation actually located in one of the many pull-offs or overlooks along the Parkway. That picture and the flowers below are both for viewing pleasure and to indicate that while in the Parkway one must look close...and far; in front and behind you to catch all the marvelous things to see.
I just had to snap this shot of our tow vehicle (known to RVers as "Toads") which we affectionately named "Sideroad Suzie". She is a 99 Suzuki Vitara, jeep-type. We've modified her to have a hard top...in this picture the front half of the hardtop is off to enjoy the fresh cool air and the views. What a picture....Suzie, a great view and my lovely Duchess on the other side of the car. Life is Good!
The picture below is one of the many babbling brooks and waterfalls of all sizes which tumble down the mountainside. This one had about 15 falls, all small, and they tumbled over the rocks with a slight murmur.
Next up will be section two of the Parkway from Roanoke to Fancy Gap. Unfortunately it is probably the least-interesting portion of the Parkway with its Northern end almost like driving a country road.
Duke
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To accomplish the entire trip we set "basecamps" along the way. Our first portion was driven out of Natural Bridge KOA. Then we spent a day driving to Fancy Gap, VA where we set up for three days. Our final Blue Ridge basecamp was Asheville East KOA for three more days.
The shot above was a leaning rock formation actually located in one of the many pull-offs or overlooks along the Parkway. That picture and the flowers below are both for viewing pleasure and to indicate that while in the Parkway one must look close...and far; in front and behind you to catch all the marvelous things to see.
I just had to snap this shot of our tow vehicle (known to RVers as "Toads") which we affectionately named "Sideroad Suzie". She is a 99 Suzuki Vitara, jeep-type. We've modified her to have a hard top...in this picture the front half of the hardtop is off to enjoy the fresh cool air and the views. What a picture....Suzie, a great view and my lovely Duchess on the other side of the car. Life is Good!
The picture below is one of the many babbling brooks and waterfalls of all sizes which tumble down the mountainside. This one had about 15 falls, all small, and they tumbled over the rocks with a slight murmur.
Next up will be section two of the Parkway from Roanoke to Fancy Gap. Unfortunately it is probably the least-interesting portion of the Parkway with its Northern end almost like driving a country road.Duke
Saturday, August 02, 2008
JULY Trip....Finally
Duchess knows as soon as we hit the road...well, at least within the 1st half hour or so...I'll burst forth in my own version of "Onn The Road Again!" While I might not have a fine voice it always causes us both to burst into a large smile...primarily because we love the highway.
This trip is to the Blue Ridge, and we spent our 1st night in Jacksonville staying at one of our regular camp spots, Flamingo Lakes Resort. Next night, a major 480 miles North to Fancy Gap, VA & the Fancy Gap, KOA. Love this place and we stayed here another three nights later in our tour.
Third night out was Natural Bridge KOA, just 50 miles north of Roakoke. This young fellow entertained. He and his girlfriend travel and stay at campgrounds where they entertain, I assume for a place to stay and some added gas money. He was very Dylan, if you know what I mean!
We find little wineries along our path and this one was near Natural Bridge. Some we visit repeatedly, some...this one included, once is enough!
Tomorrow I'll lay out our trip plans, and begin our tour down the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Duke
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This trip is to the Blue Ridge, and we spent our 1st night in Jacksonville staying at one of our regular camp spots, Flamingo Lakes Resort. Next night, a major 480 miles North to Fancy Gap, VA & the Fancy Gap, KOA. Love this place and we stayed here another three nights later in our tour.
Third night out was Natural Bridge KOA, just 50 miles north of Roakoke. This young fellow entertained. He and his girlfriend travel and stay at campgrounds where they entertain, I assume for a place to stay and some added gas money. He was very Dylan, if you know what I mean!
We find little wineries along our path and this one was near Natural Bridge. Some we visit repeatedly, some...this one included, once is enough!
Tomorrow I'll lay out our trip plans, and begin our tour down the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Duke
