In my research for this trip, I figured that sometime along the journey I would like to get off of the highway and explore some local roads along the way. I went onto the American Byways website (highly recommended!) and found out about the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway runs from Mid-Virginia to Southern North Carolina (mouthful huh?). The Parkway was built by Franklin Roosevelt as a depression era works project to employ some of the millions of men who were left unemployed by the economic depression.
After traveling only a small portion of the road, I can say that I have never been more moved or more in awe. The road not only travels a great distance, but at the same time brings the traveler to a different time in America. Since the Parkway is ensconced in the middle of one of the largest National Park systems on the East Coast, the scenery is unspoiled and profoundly beautiful. The pictures that I have included below are just a sample, to get the full effect, pack up and go!
About to get on the Parkway!
I made it!
Rocinante enjoying the view...
If you can, please read this sign. The gist of it is that when the sun hit the cliff upon which I was standing, it would be dusk in the valley below (in the "cornfields"). I happened upon this overlook at the same time as a nice older gentlemen from Quebec, who didn't speak much English. In my broken French, and his broken English, we questioned the sign. It may not be very clear from the picture, but there is indeed a valley, but the valley consists of no more than steep drop offs completely not suitable for corn growing. Hmm...
Setting up camp for the night.
Hardcore navigational planning.
The gentleman riding his motorcycle from Tennessee to Florida was flying a Tennessee flag above his campsite, so I decided to adequately represent by flying a New Jersey flag above Rocinante for the night. The Tennessee man ended up being pretty cool, we traded a few muffins (my contribution) for a an extra fish he caught and some matches so I could cook it. Neat guy.
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