Saturday, October 21, 2017

Day 10/11 Joe Wheeler Park AL to Blue Ridge Parkway Friday and Saturday October 20 & 21, 2017

Day 10/11 Joe Wheeler Park AL to Blue Ridge Parkway Friday and Saturday October 20 & 21, 2017


 We left Joe Wheeler Park about 6:30 and traveled about 8 hours to Salem VA. We stopped at Loudon TN for a very nice lunch. The local cafe and antique shop was very eclectic but wonderful chicken salad wrap. Faye's vegetable soup was more like a wonderful stew







We stayed at Comfort Inn that was nice, but the A/C cycled on and off all night so it disrupted sleep - oh well.

Friday was a glorious day. The long day on Friday put us in position to do the upper end of the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) We stopped for several selfies - who would have imagined that I would have bought a selfie stick!!!!!!





We planned to do some easy one or two trails but stopped at the Peaks of Otter visitor center. The ranger at the info desk suggested a few mundane hikes or we could take the shuttle bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. One of the highest peaks in the Park. "Can you hike to the top" said I. "Yes but it is a good climb."

 Sharp Top Mountain from the range station

Well it looked doable so the intrepid duo struck out to prove that we don't need the wheelchair ride just yet.
On the way up Mrs. O met some six graders and had a mini moment of instruction and inspiration. And Mrs. O said some things too! 
 A beatific day and trail





Well do not need for the bus just yet. WE DID IT!!



How's that for a view!!  Reportedly the only 360 degree view in the BRP

Back at the base of the trail talked with a couple we met on the trail. Advance Placement high school teachers from VA. Very nice chat. Rob - They think teaching at Brewster sounds real nice.


During the rest of the day we completed the BRP drive and stayed at a Day's Inn in Staunton, VA. Won't stay there again. Clean in the room but the grounds are pretty long in the tooth. But the recommendation for dinner was spot on. Mrs Rowe's was a great spot for dinner and breakfast the next morning.





A wonderful day in the mountains of VA!!!!!

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