Parkway, bridge and trail

 If it sounds like a mixed bag, it probably is. Started the day off with a cruise down the Blue Ridge Parkway. LINK A no commercial traffic, 45mph kind of parkway.

 An access point was nearby our campground so we took a little slow paced drive thru some beautiful scenery. The parkway has turn offs so you can stop and enjoy the view.

We will log some more miles on this parkway when we reach North Carolina next week. Then it was on to the bridge. What's so special about a bridge, well take a look and read as well.

Pretty good credentials for a bridge I would say. We have been to Natural Bridges National Park in Utah and nearly passed on stopping here. So very glad we did. But first we had to do the 1000 steps

 And of course what goes down, must come up.. but worth the effort.

Probably can't read it but Jefferson owned it at one time, and wanted it to be a park for the common good. Due to debts owed at time of death it was sold. Remained in private hands until 2016 when the state bought it. His dream was realized although it took 200 years. Private owners had built a hotel and what is now visitor center.

After all those steps, down and up, it was time to feed Mary. As you would expect, nothing but the best!

I know you want more info so go HERE

Well after packing on those carbs it was time to hike the trail. What trail? Well of course the Appalachian trail. Makes the second time we have hiked it, how many times for you? This time we focused on the James river footbridge segment of the trail.

 Oh, I almost forgot. Mary was nearly eaten by a bear!!!

Tomorrow we are off to West Virginia to gather rosebuds...

carpe diem