Note: Ward, Wally, Theo, and I are on a week-long vacation in the Blue Ridge of central Virginia.
Today was the last day of vacation before we drive home tomorrow. We are having a good time, but were starting to get a little weary. Thus, we had a relaxed morning, each in our corner of the house vegging. However, after a few hours of relaxing, I got the go-fever. So Ward and I went out for the afternoon to visit the James River - the lowest point along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
We took about a 20 mile drive down the Parkway to our destination. By this point on our trip, I had seen many spectacular mountain views, and thought I was getting used to them. But I was wrong! Each bend along the parkway seemed to be prettier than the one before. We made very slow progress because I wanted to stop at every overlook. However, we eventually made it to our destination. (Once again, the photos pale compared to what our eyes saw.)
 |
We abandoned this walk after the trail became covered with briers and huge boulders. The view from the overlook pullover was good all the same. |
 |
| It's not so evident in the photo, but leaves are just beginning to change color. |
 |
| There was an afternoon haze in the sky, but we could still see far. |
 |
| Unfortunately, the visitor's center, where we hoped to learn more information about the area, was closed. |
 |
| But there were some self-guided walks to do. |
 |
| Of course, Ward was interested in the construction of this footbridge over the James River to the locks. |
 |
| The Battery Creek Locks were the same age and were much like we have seen along the C & O Canal. |
 |
| More beautiful scenery along the James River. |
We took another way home to explore more of the area, and we each found something of special interest. Ward got to see a passing freight train, and I visited a little library and chatted with the staff. A good time was had by all.
Now it's getting late and probably time to do some cleanup before bedtime. We have expanded to fill the house and have a lot to gather before our departure in the morning.
Until next time...
From the pictures and your commentary it sounds like you have had a wonderful vacation. I did read your posts daily and commented, but I see I am still having issues getting them to post.
ReplyDeleteIf this actually makes it into the comments have a safe trip home!
Yay! A comment made it through. Who knows what goes on with Blogger. We did have a good trip, but now it's back to the daily grind.
DeleteI can tell that the leaves are starting to turn color in your picture. I found that the haziness made it hard to get good photos last summer in WV, although it was neat to see in person. So glad you and your family had such a good time together. Safe travels home!
ReplyDeleteWhat was amazing is that we took the same drive the next day and could see a significant change in the color of the leaves. They will be at their peak in another week or two, and the whole area will be a lot more crowded.
DeleteSo there were locks on the river, to let the river boats??? get over rapids or a dam or from one canal to another?
ReplyDeleteI had Ward to answer the details of this one, because if truth be told I was busier looking at a snake sunning itself along the river's edge than I was studying the details of the locks. :)
Delete"The James River is a big wide river, but isn't really navigable this far from the ocean - I think it is only navigable up to Richmond. So folks built a canal alongside the river from Richmond to Buchanan for barges. They could dig a canal anywhere but chose to build along the river so they had easy access to water to work the locks. The locks were (IIRC) 15 ft wide by 100 ft long, so the barges were nearly that size, and were usually pulled by mules or oxen walking alongside the canal."
It sounds like a wonderful family vacation, June. I enjoyed reading your posts and seeing the scenery in your photos. I hope you have a safe drive home.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good family vacation. The drive home was uneventful which is always a good thing.
Delete