Blue Ridge Days

 We went north south east and west in the parkway. Sometimes we were driving in the clouds. The sun poked out occasionally. Rather than write a narrative I think this will be more of a scrapbook style post of a few of the highlights. 

 This is a bit of reconstructed rail from a logging RR. The interpretive sign said over 100 million board feet of lumber was taken from these mountains in the late 19th century and early 20th. 

 Nearby waterfall. 

 Living history area. 

 Interesting gate. 

 Here from another angle. The short end has a piece of wood hanging on it to balance the gate end and it pivots on a post. 

 Chickens. 

 Quilts. 

 Stone walls. 

 Dam and pond from old grist mill. 

 Early hydroelectric plant. 

 The waterwheel here is turning. In the mill were stones for grinding grain and a saw for lumber. It was set up to use the power of the water in several ways. 

 In the clouds. 

The real highlight of our time in the Blue Ridge was a visit to the music center. Our timing was right for the final concert of the season in the amphitheater. 

 In the afternoon before main concert this 12 year old fiddler played with a friend of 17 on the mandolin, accompanied by a couple with guitars. The have free live music everyday from 1 to 4. 

 The main act at the concert was a terrific blue grass string band called "Steep Canyon Rangers". The fiddler was the best I have heard. An unfortunate climax of the performance was when the fiddler fell off of the stage during the final song! Pants torn, knee skinned, chin rest bumped out of whack-- but he got back on stage and sort of retuned and finished the song. A standing O for sure!

We purchased their CD and have been enjoying the songs over and over. 

 Rapids near Linville Falls. 

 Upper Linville Falls. During a break in the weather we took a little two mile hike to see some falls. By the time we got to the view of the main falls here is what we saw:

 This is an artist's version from the same view:

 Oh well I am sure there are many images online. At least we got to stretch our legs and breathe some fresh mountain air. 

 This is my national parks passport with all of the stamps from the stops in the parkway. We have been to 33 national parks just this year -- more to come:-)

So much to see in this big country!