Blue Ridge Sightseeing.
During the past few days I've spent in Staunton I've ridden on a tractor, seen a beautiful sunset and then sunrise, got to hang out with two dogs and a cat that I can't get enough of, and enjoy the company of good friends. I just wanted to give a quick shoutout to them for hosting me and for being once again as wonderful as I already knew they were.
Since leaving, I've driven the first leg of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I am pleased to say that the skies were perfectly clear for me and that it was not as leafless as Skyline Drive. I mean, most of it was, but I definitely saw some green. At the start of the parkway there's a sign for two stops. The first is Roanoke which is 115 miles from there and a very long drive. The second is humpback rocks which is only about 5 miles down the road. I chose the latter to begin my day. I pulled into the small parking lot, loaded up my day pack with water, my tracker, my camping knife (you never know), two apples and my camera. First time hiking in a while and I'd say I did a decent job grabbing the essentials. It was only a 40 minute hike to the top and lots of people were doing it, it's not like I was planning on getting lost or stuck out there. Keep in mind I'm in decent shape and I still struggled a bit. This hike was steep, really steep. I am proud to say I did in fact make to the top in 40 minutes, even with a water break or two, and was rewarded with amazing 360 degree views of the mountains. Absolutely worth it. That is one of the main reasons I started this journey after all; to see everything I've been missing. I have definitely been missing that view in my life.
That view didn't stand a chance to what came next though. Hours later and finally almost at the exit for Roanoke, I told you it was a very long drive, the sun started to set over the mountains around me and streaks of oranges and yellows were appearing left and right. I mean, wow!
I've only been in Roanoke for the night but so far I've made a few new friends and gotten a really cool quick tour of downtown. If you're here stop by Flannery's and see Jessica, her chicken tenders are delicious and go great with the awesome convo that comes with them.
I'm going to go find some breakfast, but the last thing I will leave you with is this - love trumps hate. I hope to see a lot more of that as I continue exploring.
On to the next stop!
- G.
The Photo:
Sunset over the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Somewhere near Roanoke, Virginia.
1/19/17.
