Mary's Profile
Name: Mary Lindsay Clark
Title: Intern, Virtual Blue Ridge
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My name is MaryLindsay Clark! Although you would not tell from my distaste for "sweet tea" and BBQ, I was born and raised in Greensboro, NC. It wasn't until my graduation from high school that I set out to explore the world. The Fall of 2007 began my exciting missions/photography school called YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Herrnhut, Germany. Following this five month school, myself and 9 other students moved to Thailand for two months.
I returned to the U.S. for a short time after my adventures and decided to relocate to Canada for 6 months. There I took classes at Alberta College of Art and Design, and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Eventually in 2009 I made my way back to NC and enrolled in Boone's very own Caldwell Community College.
This year has been a blast, full of new friends and plenty of outdoor adventures. Along with my passions for traveling and photography, I find myself dabbling in cooking, writing, guitar playing, and riding my bike. Photography is my way of seeing the world, and I aspire to someday have books filled with the places I have seen and the people I have met.
Blue Ridge Parkway Destination CenterAfter a beautiful drive from Boone, I finally reached the Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center. The first thing I notice is the plants growing on the roof, and find out later how it’s called a “green roof”.
Information inside tells how their roof is layered with soil and plants. Green roofs help in absorbing rainwater, providing insulation, and creating a habitat for animals. Read more »
This week I woke up early and set out to hike the Green Knob Trail before the afternoon warmth came. From Boone I started out on the parkway going south.
A couple minutes into my trip a deer ran across the road in front of me. Thankfully, the speed limit was only 35mph at that portion of the parkway so I did not even have to slow down before the deer was safely to the other side of the parkway.
As I continued south for a while, I came to “Sims Pond Overlook”. By stopping to read the nice wooden map I noticed the Green Knob Trail began just beyond Sims Pond. Read more »
The Vastness of the Blue Ridge Mountains never ceases to take my breath away. When you live in Boone, the parkway and all it has to offer seems as if it should be for tourists only.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to soak up the inconceivable views, sleep among the North Carolina trees, or feel the cool evening breeze all around them.
Reality is, those privileged enough to call the mountains home, love the surroundings just as much as the visitors of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Read more »
After following signs to Price Park Campground I pulled off the Parkway. To my right sat a small reservation office where I discovered there were multiple ways to reserve a camp site.
Since it was around 8:30pm when I arrived, the office window was shut. Leaving two options- the self-registration drop box, or reservation by telephone.
Curious about the grounds, I went to the camp host house located directly behind the reservation office. During my trip to Price Park Campground I asked several questions to different people sitting on the porch of the Host house. Each time I was graciously welcomed and all of my questions were answered.
The campsites in particular were laid out nicely with not too little space in between your site and your neighbors. Read more »
Price Park Campground and the Boone Fork Trail
On Monday I took a friend and set out to hike the Boone Fork Trail! This trail conveniently loops around Price Park Campground allowing campers to hike through many different environments during their stay.
More than half of the trail runs beside Bee Tree Creek, which includes many interesting sections of moderate to slow moving rapids.
It would be a good idea to wear appropriate hiking sandals so you can get your feet wet. Chacos or Tevas are among sandals that were made for the type of terrain Boone Fork Trail entails.
I dipped my feet in the cold mountain water at every creek crossing. It was very refreshing on this warm summer day. If you enjoy being alone, plan your hike for a weekday and you won’t be disappointed! Read more »
