Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

Travelled along the Blue Ridge stopping for photos at several overlooks (lookouts). Its almost beyond comprehension to understand how Daniel Boone made his way through this area when it was virgin land. The colours are amazing, with the dark blue ridge and lighter blue beyond. We were blessed with glorious clear weather. The leaves on the trees are just starting to turn and every now and then you will see a few leaves that are burnished red or orange. In May the Blue Ridge is covered in flowering azaleas and rhododendrons and must look like a sea of pink and white. The rhododendron bushes were enormous, like huge trees. Went into Valle Crucis to see the original Mast General Store (opened in 1883) which has its own post office and appeared much as it must have been a hundred years ago.
Went up Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge, and across the Swinging Bridge at the top, also known as the Singing Bridge because of the noise made by the wind as it whistles through the metal. I couldnt walk to the top of the highest rock - too high and too unsteady on my feet!Read more