In 2005 a contactor was given the job of examining the bicycle use on The Blue Ridge Parkway and the feasibility of building a bike trail along 469 mile length of the park.  Although cycling is commonly found anywhere on the Parkway the study conducted by David Evans and Associates found that most of the day use was concentrated in four areas.

Waynesboro                    Mile Post 0 – 14

Roanoke                           Mile Post 105 – 121

Boone/Blowing Rock     Mile Post 270 – 305

Asheville                          Mile Post 375 – 398

The Study’s look at the possibility of constructing a multi-use or bicycle trail along the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway found that in only 20% of the park would it be physically practicable for such construction.  The majority of this would be in the Roanoke area.  Such construction would take millions of dollars and at present there are no plans to even plan such a major project.

Watch for future blog entries with more information on bicycle use on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

About 20 feet from the gift shop and camp store, was an amphitheatre for the campground. Here, campers could go for solitude as it stretched out across a grassy field and was far from disturbances. The campsites were just beyond the amphitheatre and could be reached by a short trail leading from the gift shop. That way, if campers ever forgot an essential like their toothbrush, were craving some candy, or wanted ice to keep their food cold, the gift shop wasn’t far for them to journey.

Crabtree Meadows Campground was the quietest campground I have been to thus far. Tucked away beyond the parkway main road, it was very serene and peaceful. Whether you have an RV or a tent, you are handicapped or ready to hike; Crabtree Meadows has facilities for the whole family. Campsites were surrounded by large trees and spread out from neighboring sites.

This campground is near an ample amount of activities for folks of all ages. The ranger programs go on throughout the summer and different activities happen in the evening at the amphitheatre. Mt.Mitchell is only a couple miles from Crabtree Meadows and accessible by car for a daytime adventure. Also Crabtree Falls is only one mile from the campground entrance sign. Which means the trail is smack dab in the middle of the campsite for hikers to utilize during the daytime hours.

Visit Virtual Blue Ridge to view and print a free map of this campground.

On August 23rd workers were placing the boardwalk planking over the first section.  The planking is made of recycled plastic boards.  This section of the trail will include an approximately 6′ by 6′ deck where those in wheelchairs can sit and enjoy the view of the lake and lodge.  A future section of boardwalk will include a larger deck directly across Abbott Lake from the Peaks of Otter Lodge that could allow for those in wheelchairs to fish in comfort and safety.

The walkway will include bumper type curbing along the edges and handrails where the boardwalk crosses feeder streams above the lake such as the one shown above.

This project was originally planned eleven years ago and is finally coming to fruition.

On the northern end near Humpback Rocks typical summer blooms of Goldenrod, Butter and Eggs, Woodland Sunflower, Black Eyed Susan, Ox-Eyed Daisy, and Queen Anne’s Lace are all very evident. Morning Glory and Purple Headed Coneflower and a few Cardinal Flowers are being reported on the farm at Humpback. At the picnic area, Heal All and Yarrow are also common.

Many of the same species are found around the Peaks of Otter, Yarrow and Black Eyed Susan, Woodland Sunflower, Joe-Pye Weed and Appalachian Bellflower. Virgin’s Bower and Bull Thistle are also common. Look for the pale Touch Me Not between Milepost 80 and 85 and Butterfly Weed around Milepost 90.

Read the full wildflower report for 8/20/2010 at Virtual Blue Ridge.

The first band, Beleza Brazil, wasted no time in attempting to chase the clouds away with their inventive rhythms and soulful harmonies. A husband and wife duo, Madeline and Humberto Sales used loop tracks of traditional Brazilian drums and percussion instruments to beef up their guitar and vocals. Sure enough, if you closed your eyes, you would swear there were five people on the stage.

Madeline’s voice was as sweet as Our Dog Blue, but as sultry as the fiery red dress she was wearing. In between songs, she explained the history and complexity of the Brazilian jazz tradition. Crowd favorites included their lively rendition of “Sunshine on a Saturday,” in which Madeline literally tried to sing the blues away, and the jazz classic, “Girl from Impanema.” Beleza Brazil left the stage to enthusiastic cheering, and believe it or not, a few rays of sunshine peeking through the clouds.

Between sets, our friend Edgar took the stage to teach a little impromptu Salsa lesson for the crowd. Folks made their way from their seats on the hill down to the stage to learn the simple but sexy moves of this popular Latin dance. “It’s all in the hips,” Edgar kept telling us. “The feet are simple, it’s the hips that make the dance.” Well, we shook our hips and moved our feet, and by the end of the quick lesson, some of us were really getting the hang of it.

Warmed up and ready to dance, the crowd was obviously excited when the second band, Los Gatos hit the stage. The six-piece Latin jazz ensemble brought a few friends to help them out, plus some unusual instruments: traditional drums and percussion pieces, and something that looked like a piece of coiled tubing with a horn on one end. Los Gatos played an upbeat mix of Latin-influenced jazz standards, classics tributes to greats like the Buena Vista Social Club, and even “Happy Birthday” to a lucky festival-goer.

While the music played below, the wine flowed at the top of the hill. Complimentary tastings were served all day, and wine was sold by the glass or bottle. Folks enjoyed a variety of delicious food choices in the courtyard, and in the tasting room, tours and tastings were offered as usual, along with our special festival treat: the Wine-a-Rita.

Despite the rain and wind, this year’s Black Dog Wine and Jazz Festival was a success. Guests and staff alike brightened the grey day with their smiles and laughter, and of course, the music helped too. We look forward to October’s Black Dog Wine and Beach Music Festival, and hope that you can join us for what promises to be another great day. More information can be found in the events section at our website www.thedogs.com.

There are the obvious facilities in this section; the Otter Creek Campground with its new entrance bridge and Kiosk, the concession operated Otter Creek Restaurant, and the James River Visitor Center.  But there is so much more.

The inquisitive visitor will discover the Otter Creek Trail.  This 3.5 mile trail meanders along the creek and Parkway motor road from the campground to the visitor center.  The trail is easy to walk and crosses the creek numerous times on stepping stones and pedestrian bridges.  Sharp rock bluffs, mountain laurel, redbud, and bird life are abundant.  At State Route 130 the trail travels through an underpass of the road.  If you are observant you will see what appears to be a ditch that follows the edge of the trail.  This is the remains of what was once a large mill operation that was obliterated when the present bridge for 130 was built.

The trail forks and makes a loop around Otter Lake.  At the north end of the loop you will find the skeletal chimney and foundation of what was once the Nathaniel Sledd Cabin.  This site is believed to have been the home of the first European settler in Amherst County, Virginia in the early 1700s.  He was drawn to this location to trade with Native Americans for beaver pelts.  Otter Creek was a heavily used travel route from the mountains above to the James River and above the threat of flood.  Otter Lake did not exist at that time being built when the Blue Ridge Parkway came through in the late 1950s.  Beaver still live in Otter Creek today.  Hikers can see their handiwork in dams and the stumps and bases of trees that they have felled for food and construction materials.  Trees around the trail have wire mesh around their base to protect them from the industrious rodents.

Beyond the James River Visitor Center you will find a remnant of our Country’s transportation history.  On the opposite bank of the James River is a fully restored canal lock from the Kanawha Canal System that served as the main commercial transportation from the Shenandoah Valley to Richmond, Virginia before the Civil War.  Looking up river you will be looking into the James River Water Gap, a geological feature left from a millennium of the river cutting its way through the Blue Ridge Mountains.  This makes the James one of only two rivers that flow from west of the Blue Ridge toward the Atlantic Ocean.

So the next time you are driving through this area stop and get out of your vehicle and see what wonders await you.

Photographers are encouraged to capture images of trees along the Blue Ridge Parkway that stand out as the most beautiful, the oldest or largest, trees that tell a story or have a place in history, and those that are unique for their shape, species or character.

Trees are an integral part of the human experience providing the raw materials that shape our homes and the fuel that keeps them warm. Trees inspire us with their stately grandeur, their displays of seasonal color and their annual cycle of renewal that signifies the changing of seasons. The areas comprising the Blue Ridge Parkway boast nearly 100 tree species that contribute to ecological zones of unsurpassed diversity. The Parkway Tree Project seeks to bring greater public awareness to the rich natural resources of the Blue Ridge Parkway and to document its most outstanding trees.

In addition to capturing images of trees, photographers submitting to the Parkway Tree Project are asked to identify the tree species, document the tree’s location (e.g. GPS coordinates, Mile Post, or other identifying indicators of the tree’s location), and describe in a short story of a paragraph or more why the photographed tree is of particular significance.

Entries will be judged on impact, subject matter, center of interest, and storytelling – effectively sharing the journey by celebrating trees along the Parkway. Happy Shooting!

This year’s AMPC will be open for registration and submissions on Friday, September 17, 2010! This should give you shutterbugs a little extra time to squeeze in last minute summertime shots for this year’s comp. The competition will also be closing a little bit earlier than usual, too, so that’s something to keep in mind as you get your submissions together. For a full schedule of events, rules, FAQ and other important info, please visit the website: www.appmtnphotocomp.org.

Be sure to review the rules this year as they have been updated, and please review the comprehensive FAQ found on the main competition website. I would love to hear suggestions for adding to this section to make everyone’s experience as smooth as possible.

We look forward to this year’s competition and hope you are too!

Thanks for helping us get the word out. You can use this handy code for a banner graphic to use on your own website or blog:

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On the far northern end of the Parkway near Humpback Rocks, Joe-Pye Weed, Morning Glory, Woodland Sunflower, Black Eyed Susan, Ironweed, and Queen Anne’s Lace are all very common.

Stroll through the picnic area at Humpback Rocks and enjoy the Yarrow and Heal All in bloom there. In the Rocky Knob/ Mabry Mill area, Milkweed and. . .

Read the full wildflower report for 8/6/2010 at Virtual Blue Ridge.

Sure enough, the view was breathtaking and the house looked just remarkable in its surroundings. Immediately, I could see why Moses and Bertha Cone spent every summer relaxing among the rhododendron blossoms and breathing in the mountain air. Runners, hikers, and those who had horses could be seen all throughout the property trails.

On the porch of the manor sat a Ranger who was in charge of organizing the tours. After she passed out a tag to all those who had made prior reservations for the tour, we gathered on the front porch. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the Manor made the tour worthwhile.

Not only did she tell us interesting information about the home, but she also shared many stories about the family that helped us understand why and how they went about their daily lives. The upstairs contained no furniture but beautifully let sunlight in through every window.

The craft demonstration that I got to observe was a man making wine toppers. As I spoke with him, I found out he was using a small machine called a mini lathe. The colorful wood was cut from a larger chunk of wood and whittled down by the machine into the shape of a wine topper. This woodcraftsmen was from Alabama and had journeyed up the Blue Ridge Parkway to share his abilities.

For more information about Moses H. Cone and his estate visit Virtual Blue Ridge.

Also click here for a virtual tour of the manor, visitor center and craft shop.

MerleFest 2010

In late April, we were able to attend MerleFest 2010, one of the best Bluegrass music festivals in the United States. It is billed as “Traditional Plus” and rightfully so. The array of the types of bluegrass music at this event is incredible.

I have been able to attend almost every year of this legendary four day music festival. As usual, I saw many excellent performers and took a lot of great pictures. If you like bluegrass music, you owe it to yourself to check this festival out. This is the largest music festival in the Blue Ridge Mountains and one of the best organized music festivals in the business. It is a great attitude adjustment for early spring.

FloydFest 9

In late July we were able to attend FloydFest 9, in Floyd Virginia. This is a family friendly music festival. It is a four day celebration of music and art that bridges the gap between music genres, generations and cultures. The schedule of performers is really good and the venue is awesome. It is an 80-acre compound located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This festival has come a long way in its short nine year history. This is definitely one of the best music festivals in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Music on the Mountain Top

On August 27-28, we are attending the Music on the Mountain Top festival located in Boone, North Carolina. This is a newer music festival that has just extended to a two-day event. It is an ecologically driven music festival that offers great entertainment and provides a unique education of current environmental issues.

The list of performers keeps getting better every year. We attended last year and were really stoked when Sam Bush joined Acoustic Syndicate on stage. This was awesome. Sam Bush has become the ambassador of bluegrass and is known for jamming with other great groups when he plays at music festivals. When he is in the house, great music is going to happen. Both of these groups will be playing again this year along with Railroad Earth, one of the most prominent Americana music groups in the world. I just saw them at FloydFest and look forward to seeing them again. I highly encourage all to attend this event. It will give you a great fall attitude adjustment.

My boyfriend, Dustyn, and I left home last Friday evening to start our mini-vacation. After spending a fun night on Friday hanging out with family we got up early Saturday and arrived at Bele Chere not long after it started.

My first stop, as promised, was to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation tent. They were promoting the specialized BRP license plates as well as talking up the 75th Anniversary. They had temporary tattoos and stickers for the kids and raffles for the adults where you could enter to win door prizes like a 75th Anniversary serigraph.

After visiting with Lynne and Michelle for a bit we wandered on. There were already hundreds of people filling the streets and it wasn’t even noon yet! We stopped at a few vendor tents to check out some unique artwork and crafts. There was so much to choose from, you could find vendors selling jewelry, paintings, photography, clothing and even lawn ornaments!

We were with my boyfriend’s neice and nephew so of course we visited a few tents with fun things for kids. Their favorite was the booth we found for face painting. The things they could draw on people’s faces were amazing! His nephew choose a scary monster mask and his neice got a glittery butterfly. They got so many compliments on their faces as we walked through the festival.

Not being an Asheville native or resident I wasn’t familiar with the street layout and a map just seemed like too much trouble while on vacation so we just wandered up and down each street till we hit a dead end. Then we would turn around and go the other way. I think we ended up covering almost all of Bele Chere by the time we were done! The nice thing was most of the live music stages were set up at the ends of the main streets so we got to hear a couple neat bands and different genres of music.

After a few hours of walking in the hot sun it was definitely time for a break. A quick rest at our hotel room at the Brookstone Lodge and we were off to the Biltmore Estate. I had never been before but had heard stories about how awesome it was. Just pulling through the front gates was impressive! After a short trek from the parking area the woods opened up to reveal the most enormous house I had ever seen! I read somewhere that Biltmore is the largest privately-owned residence in the US and I believe it. It has 43 bathrooms! 

We toured the inside of the house and learned some of the history of it and the people that lived and visited there. They had so many authentic pieces from the time when the house was built including clothes that they would have worn and furniture they used.

The estate surrounding the house is just as impressive. We walked through the flower gardens and even hiked the trail all the way around the lake to the waterfall! We had a couple fun encounters with wildlife on our journey. A salamander on a rock stood perfectly still and let me take pictures of him as well as a little black snake in a tree. By the time we were done with the house and gardens we were too pooped to investigate the winery although I heard they have free wine tastings every day! I’ll have to save that for the next time I visit.

It was definitely hotter in Asheville than Boone so although I was glad to be back at my usual elevation on Sunday I was sad to see my mini-vacation end. I’m already planning for next year’s Bele Chere trip!

Here are some more photos from my vacation:

Want to make sure the Blue Ridge Parkway gets that grant? Vote as many times as you can between now and August 31, and be sure to tell your friends and family to vote too!

VOTE NOW!

Find Parkway hats and caps at 10% off!

Shop clearance prices on all Share the Journey Signature Series items!

New Adventure Guides Gift Set!

Also, take advantage of this special offer. Spend over $40 between now and August 20th and receive a set of 10 FREE J. Scott Graham postcards!

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Online store is your one-stop shop for everthing Parkway related. They have guidebooks and maps to help you plan your journey, apparel to wear on your trip and a great selection of souvenirs to help you commemorate your vacation. It is also the official online store for 75th Anniversary merchandise.

Shop today and remember that each purchase directly supports the Foundation in its goal of preserving the Parkway for future generations.

And what giveaway would be complete without the official “Parkway Guide Kit” donated by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Store.

Your chance to win this amazing prize package worth over $700 is just a click away! ENTER NOW

Find more details plus those pesky rules and regs at http://www.virtualblueridge.com/giveaway.

If you’d like to promote our giveaway on your website or blog, you can grab code for banner images here:
http://www.virtualblueridge.com/giveaway/banners-for-sponsors.html

 To view the video in its entirety, go to the YouTube link below:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro7KMYmWjk0

 You will note in the video that the bison gave several warnings that he was uncomfortable with the approach of humans.  First he tried to move away and place a tree line between the threat and himself.  When the person still came on through the trees the bison then lifted his head and looked at him with his head moving up and down.  The bison then kicked his heals up lowering his head and the woman still kept filming him.  Finally the wild animal stressed by the perceived threat had to revert to flight or fight mode.  Since the threat had kept moving toward him even after he attempted to calmly make flight from the area he most likely felt he had no choice but to fight and attack.

 These same behaviors can been seen in any wildlife you may encounter in a National Park even if  it is a  bear, deer, or chipmunk on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Always give wildlife their space.  Revel in the opportunity to view animals in their native habitat, but do not crowd or stress them into instinctual reactions.

 This incident once again illustrates the lesson I have told several times on this blog and in my book, “A Park Ranger’s Life”, that park visitors should always enjoy viewing wildlife from afar.

This smooth wine is highlighted with aromas of melons, citrus fruits, apricots, and delicate flowers. A chilled bottle of Our Dog Blue is the perfect accompaniment for summer cook-outs, spicy foods, or fish. Its great taste also lasts through the year, pairing well with appetizers and cheese plates at holiday parties.

During the month of July, save 10% off the $9.99 bottle price, or save 20% on purchases over 12 bottles. Our limited-edition Christmas labels also save you time and money because they don’t need wrapping. Instead, they feature a customizable holiday write-on label. Sale purchases can be made at our tasting room, by phone 540-593-2865, or on our website www.thedogs.com.

Hurry, July is flying by. Now is the perfect time to save on the gift of delicious taste, get your Christmas shopping done early, and stock your own cellar with a great wine: Our Dog Blue.

North of Roanoke, Virginia, which includes Peaks of Otter and the high elevations across Apple Orchard Mountain, visitors will find Milkweed, Yarrow, Ox-Eye Daisy, Tall Coreopsis, Queen Anne’s Lace, Black Eyed Susan, Woodland Sunflower and Tall Bellflower.

Visiting Mabry Mill or Rocky Knob you’re likely to find Butterfly Weed, Milkweed, Heal All, Jewelweed, New York Ironweed, Coreopsis, Deptford Pink and the beautiful tall Turks Cap Lily.

Spotted Knapweed and Joe-Pye Weed are new blooms this weekend around Mabry Mill. Rosebay Rhododendron is still showing some blooms but on the decline.

To find out what’s blooming in North Carolina and to read the full Wildflower Report for 7/23 visit Virtual Blue Ridge.

The festivities start at 6:30pm with an elegant reception, complete with hors d’oeuvres–blackened catfish en croute with green tomato salsa, pimento cheese brioche sliders, and chipotle pork confit tartlets—and our signature “winetails”—Very Berry Punch and Viognier Sunrise.  

After these delicious refreshments, you’ll be shown to your table, where you will be served another four amazing courses, each with their accompanying wine. You’ll start off with a black-eyed pea lump crab pancake with heirloom tomato, arugula and champagne vinaigrette. That will be paired with our 2008 Vidal Blanc.

Before the main entrees, you will enjoy the surprising sweet potato and black strap molasses gelato served in a pretzel cup.

Next will come the first of our two entrees: blackened tuna, lobster grits, and fried collard greens with an apple wood-smoked bacon vinaigrette. This mouth-watering course will be served with our 2008 Chambourcin.

Then, your taste buds will delight in BBQ-seared Black Angus tenderloin, million dollar black truffle-Stilton macaroni, foie gras gravy, and fresh haricot verts. Paired with our 2008 Petit Verdot, this course is sure to please.

As if in answer to your question of how things could get any better, you’ll finally be served dessert, a Kentucky bluegrass tart, maple bourbon ice cream, and cinnamon crème fraiche paired with our delicious dessert wine, the 2008 Frosty Dog.

The 2010 Winemaker’s Dinner will be held Friday, August 6^th at 6:30pm. Tickets are $75 per person. Reservations and pre-payment required. Please call 540-593-2865 or check our website for more information: www.thedogs.com.

On the north end of the Parkway through the Humpback Rocks area look for Woodland Sunflower, Milkweed, Yarrow, Black Eyed Susan, Fleabane, Ox-Eye Daisy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Viburnum, Goldenrod, Columbine and the bright orange Butterfly Weed. Many of these same species are blooming in the beautiful picnic area at Milepost 5.8.

Through the Peaks of Otter area, look for many of the same species. In addition Milkweed, Tall Coreopsis, and Wild Bergamot are showy right now. Visiting Mabry Mill or Rocky Knob look for. . .

Read the full wildflower report for 7/16/2010 at Virtual Blue Ridge.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Store got involved by donating an official “Parkway Guide Kit” to help Katie prepare for her amazing trip. This kit included the popular book Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway by Victoria Louge, a laminted Parkway map and a Virtual Blue Ridge CD-ROM.

Thanks to everyone who entered! Keep your eyes peeled for more chances to win, our next giveaway will be announced within the month! Giveaway information is posted at www.virtualblueridge.com/giveaway.

This is a great leg stretcher with gradual grades. It is an easy to moderate hike. There is a good amount of roots and stones on the trail, but it is easily maneuverable. To get to the huge views, go right at the first junction on the trail. When the trail splits again, stay on Beacon Heights trail and go left. At the next junction and crest, there will be a bench.

A short walk to the right of the bench, will take you out onto a large flat rock which is a massive crop of quartzite with endless views to the Piedmont and awesome views of the high peaks of Mount Mitchell to the south along the Parkway.

A short walk up some stone steps to the left of the bench will also take you out onto a large flat rock, which is another massive crop of quartzite, with great views of the eastern flank of Grandfather Mountain along the Parkway heading north. There are also huge views of Pisgah National Forest to the east.

This is a “bring a picnic, stretch out on the rocks, and take in the endless views” kind of place! I give this hike a rating of 4 ½ hiking sticks of a possible 5. This is definitely another easy BRP hike with great views. You can find additional information and Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trail maps on Virtual Blue Ridge. Cool Runnings!

We had some rain the couple of days before the festival, but Saturday was clear and beautiful. As the official start time of 11am came and went, the trickle of cars turned into a stream, filling our back parking lot.

The music got off to a great start with Moreland & Arbuckle, a duo from Wichita, Kansas who have been delving into the roots of American blues music for over a decade. Their raw blend of Chicago and Delta blues delighted the early crowds, who sipped wine, lunched, and grooved in their lawn chairs. Mixing popular songs from their extensive catalog with tunes from their newly released album, Flood, Moreland & Arbuckle gave a performance that will not soon be forgotten.

With a tasting tent set up outside and food and craft vendors located on the upper courtyard, festival-goers didn’t have to travel far to have all their desires met. Our chefs prepared festival specials for the day—citrus-glazed ribs, lamb gyros, and roasted chicken salad sandwiches, just to name a few—and other vendors were there as well, selling everything from authentic homemade tamales to gourmet filled crepes.

The tasting room and the tasting tent were bustling all day as people enjoyed wine tastings and purchased glasses and bottles of wine. The second act, Anders Osborne turned up the heat in the early afternoon with his rock-edged version of the blues. Osborne, a songwriter who has written hits for Tim McGraw, Keb’ Mo, Jonny Lang and others, has also built up a fan base all over the country with his extensive touring. When he and his band took to the stage on Saturday, it was easy to see why. His throaty, whiskey-soaked voice and relentless guitar riffs got people out of their seats and down to the stage.

Tracks from Osborne’s new album, American Patchwork, mixed and mingled with old favorites from previous albums. As the crowd dancing in front of the stage grew, the music intensified; moving from rock-laced blues to blues-edged rock, but always grooving.

As Osborne’s final song came to an end, the crowds on the dance floor and on the hill whooped and hollered. He and his band left everyone wanting more, and some folks even lingered on the dance floor for a while, swaying to remembered tunes.

Some people packed up their lawn chairs and headed for the parking lot, while others made their way to the upper courtyard and the tasting room to continue the celebration. Many bought bottles of wine to take home with them—a perfect souvenir from a perfect day. As the train of cars crept out of the parking lot and on to Winery Road, we here at Chateau Morrisette hoped everyone had as great a time as we all did. We breathed a sigh of satisfaction for the success of the Black Dog Blues Festival, and immediately began thinking ahead to the Black Dog Jazz Festival, wanting to make it even better. We hope we can, and we hope you can make it.

The Black Dog Jazz Festival is held on Saturday, August 14th from 11am to 5pm. Musical acts include Beleza Brazil and Los Gatos. Tickets are $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door. Ticket price includes music, wine tasting, cellar tour, and a special souvenir festival wine glass. For more information, please see our website: www.thedogs.com.

This is an easy, slightly inclining trail which is a pleasant 15-minute walk in the woods, meandering through some nice and varied foliage. An extra treat is that many species are marked and identified. In no time, you are walking onto the outcrop of Flatrock which is a massive crop of quartzite. There are incredible 180° long range views of a western panorama. This is definitely one of the great sunset views on the BRP.

We sat for at least an hour on some huge boulders taking in the exceptional good energy. We were able to get some great pictures of our experience.

This is a “bring some sweet tea, kick back on the rocks and watch the sunset” kind of place. Even though this is only 7/10 of a mile hike, I give it a rating of 4 ½ hiking sticks out of possible 5, because of the great sunset views at Flat Rock.

You can get more information on this trail and other great BRP hiking trails in the book “Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway” by Randy Johnson. It is available online at my favorite Blue Ridge Parkway Store. Cool Runnings!

The Peaks of Otter is within the Ridge District of the Parkway where Mr. Bytnar retired as District Ranger in 2008.  The event will start at 4pm and will be located in the lobby of the Lodge.

Friday evenings the Lodge serves their well known buffet in the main dining room. The Lodge has rooms available and the campground across Abbott Lake are available for overnight guests.  The opportunities for great food, breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, and good reading and conversation could make this an enjoyable evening to remember.

For more information you can contact the Peaks of Otter Lodge at 1 800 542 5927.

This official 75th Anniversary product is now available online at the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Store and in visitor centers along the Parkway.

Don’t forget that proceeds from the sale of all 75th Anniversary products directly benefit the Blue Ridge Parkway and BRP 75th Anniversary programs.

Purchase your patch online today!

Other Official 75th Anniversary products include:

• Signed and Limited Edition Serigraph
• Lapel Pins
• Apparel
• Coasters and Mug
• Fleece Throw Blanket
• Hiking Stick Medallion

» Browse all Official Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary merchandise

On the north end of the Parkway through the Humpback Rocks area look for Woodland Sunflower, Milkweed, Yarrow, Black-Eyed Susan, Ox-Eye Daisy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Viburnum, Goldenrod, Columbine, and Butterfly Weed. Many of these same species are blooming in the beautiful picnic area at Milepost 8.5.

Around Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill, many of the same species are blooming in addition to Jewel Weed, Ironweed, Deptford Pink and Spiderwort. The large white Rosebay Rhododendron is also starting to show up nicely in this area. Farther south near the Blue Ridge Music Center find Ox-Eye Daisy and. . .

Click here to read the full report on Virtual Blue Ridge.

These are scenes from a family hike taken on July 2 on the Apple Orchard Falls Trail just north of the Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.

The Apple Orchard Falls Trail can be found at the Sunset Fields Overlook at Mile Post 79 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail is a moderately steep downhill hike for approximately 1.4 miles to the falls. The hiker will then have to retrace their steps up hill to return to their car. You should allow at least 2 hours for a leisurely hike. Several other trails can be accessed from this area including the Appalachian Trail.

The area is a beautiful mixture of habitats and abundant in deer, bear, and turkey. As you progress down slope you will detect a thickening of vegetation and increase in humidity as the springs along the mountain side feed into a drainage producing the stream leading you to the falls.

The trail head is on National Park Service land, but the hiker will spend most of this hike on lands managed by the US Forest Service as part of the George Washington/Jefferson National Forests.

Funding through a partnership with Nature Valley, the National Park Foundation, and the National Park Service is now making this trail possible.  Work is being done by The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Maintenance Staff with assistance from a crew provided by the Student Conservation Corps (SCA).  Footers are now being placed to support a boardwalk along one edge of Abbott Lake.  Once completed persons confined to wheelchairs or unsure of their footing will be able to venture away from the paved parking lots and sidewalks of the Peaks of Otter Lodge and travel through the forest and field edge of Abbott Lake.  This area is abundant in wildlife such as whitetail deer, birds, bear, and frogs.

 The trail will be completed in sections with the first part hoping to be available by this fall.

Today at 12:00 noon ET, the National Park Service opened the last closed stretch of the scenic roadway near Asheville, NC from MP 399 at Bad Fork Valley Overlook to MP 405.5 near NC Route 151.  This section of the Parkway had been closed since October 2009 because of a potential rock slide.  Only one lane has opened, but the Parkway can now be travelled from end to end again, detour free.  A traffic light will help control the flow of traffic. 

During the construction, Parkway travelers had to take a 40 minute detour to get around the unsafe area.  Both lanes of this area are scheduled to be open around the beginning of September, just in time for Labor Day weekend.  This is especially helpful for travel during the fall leaf season which attracts hundreds of thousands of sight-seers each year.  In the Blue Ridge region, peak fall color activity occurs in early October.

This year has been a difficult one for Parkway travelers.  Following a Christmas Day ice storm in 2009, most of the roadway in North Carolina had been closed.  Contractors and volunteers have worked diligently for half of 2010 to clean up debris, fallen trees, and potential rockslides.  Clean-up will continue for months along the roadside, but maintenance officials only foresee occasional traffic delays.

Because of the 2009 ice storm, potential rockslides, and various construction projects preparing for the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this is the first time that the Parkway has been open for uninterrupted travel in 18 months.  It will be nice for Parkway visitors to have all 469 miles open for travel again.

The Parkway is a beautiful place to spend your summer but it’s not like most other roads so take some time and precautions while driving. Slow down and enjoy the view, use the overlooks to let traffic that may back up behind you get by. And as we often tell visitors, enjoy the view but watch the road.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States noted for its scenic beauty. The Parkway winds for 469.1 miles (755 km) from the southern terminus of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive in Virginia to U.S. 441 at Oconaluftee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, NC. It runs through the famous Blue Ridge Mountains, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. There is no fee for using the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway, including Parkway maps, a virtual tour, news & events, and more visit VirtualBlueRidge.com.

Anne’s appearance is part of the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway and is sponsored by ASU’s Belk Library and Information Commons. It is also part of the library’s Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Lecture Series. Parking for this event is available on campus in the parking deck on College Street. For more information please contact Lynn Patterson at 828-262-2087.

A little about Anne:  She has earned degrees from Birmingham Southern College and UNC-Chapel Hill. She currently teaches state and public history at UNC-CH. Anne has been a consultant to the National Park Service and a member of the Board for both the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the BRP 75th, Inc. She is also a member of our Blue Ridge Parkway Blog Community. Visit Anne’s profile.

Along with the popular “Super-Scenic Motorway”, Anne has also published the first-ever Parkway children’s book. This book, titled “When the Parkway Came”, is a unique look at the impact the Parkway made on local families and farms when it was first being built.

You can find both of Anne’s books for sale at the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Online Store.

Purple Catawba Rhododendron has just about finished its bloom this year except for a few remaining at higher elevations. Rosebay Rhododendron, a much larger variety with white to cream colored or pink blossoms, is coming out in many places right now. Rosebay is especially noticeable in Virginia south of Roanoke to the North Carolina state line.

In Virginia through the Peaks of Otter area look for Milkweed, Yarrow, Daisy Fleabane, Ox-Eye Daisy, tall Coreopsis, Queen Anne’s Lace, Day Lily, and Black-Eyed Susan.

Click here to read the complete Wildflower Report for June 29th, 2010.

Here is a video of the entire program:

“America’s Favorite Journey” is the latest episode in the WRAL documentary series called Focal Point. These in-depth news documentaries focus on a single topic, bringing depth and clarity to complicated issues facing North Carolina. From North Carolina’s economy and environment, to health care and race relations – Focal Point takes viewers inside the lives of the people most affected. Focal Point tackles the tough questions with leaders and policymakers who have the power to effect change.

Check out Fishing Regulations for the Blue Ridge Parkway here.

The meadows in the James River area, especially as you cross the river on the south side and begin heading for Peaks of Otter, are just filled with Queen Anne’s Lace and Black-Eyed Susan. It’s a beautiful site right now.

Climbing across Apple Orchard Mountain look out for some Mountain Laurel, Wild Bergamot, Milkweed, Yarrow, Loose Strife, and Daisy Fleabane all in bloom. Coreopsis, Trumpet Vine and Thimble Weed may also be spotted.Some Fire Pink is still visible in the Peaks of Otter area, along with Butterfly Weed and Deptford Pink.

From Rocky Knob to the North Carolina/ Virginia state line look for Ox-Eye Daisy, Black-Eyed Susan, Fleabane Daisy, and Fire Pink all in bloom. The bright orange Butterfly Weed and Day Lily are especially nice right now. In North Carolina around the Grandfather Mountain corridor many. . .

Click here to read the full Wildflower Report for June 21, 2010 on Virtual Blue Ridge.

I am a believer in catch and release when it comes to wild brook trout streams but even releasing these fish in extreme heat can kill them. That is why it’s best to let the streams be when we have long periods without rain in the summer months.

In Virginia through the Peaks of Otter area and across the high elevation of Apple Orchard Mountain look for Mountain Laurel and Columbine and Wild Bergamot. Bowman’s Root, Yarrow and Common Milkweed may be on display as well.

Daisy Fleabane and Ox Eye Daisy are very common throughout this area. Around the Peaks of Otter look closely for some remaining Fire Pink. In the Rocky Knob area down to the Virginia/ North Carolina State Line look for Laurel in bloom and Catawba Trees, Yarrow, some Fire Pink, Ox Eye Daisy, and Elderberry. . .

Click here to read the full Wildflower Report for June 11th, 2010 on Virtual Blue Ridge.

During the war 25,000 CO’s served in non-combat roles in all branches of the military.  Some worked in understaffed mental institutions.   Another 20,000 fought forest fires and worked on conservation projects in rural areas through the Civilian Projects Service.  This later group was placed in camps which had been previously used by the Civilian Conservation Corps that was disbanded in 1942 as most of the 18 to 24 year old men in that program were taken into the military.

The CCC participants were unskilled labor recruited from areas with low employment due to The Depression.  The Conscientious Objectors were made up of men who were from a variety of backgrounds including successful farmers, craftsmen, and intellectuals.  CO’s came with a variety of skills that were put to work on many rural improvement and park projects.

One CO Camp was located at Sherando Lake in Virginia. This was a former CCC Camp on US Forest Service property. Out of this camp men worked on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the area of Humpback Rocks on trails and construction of stone walls such as those found at the Humpback Rocks Parking Area (MP 6) and Reeds Gap (MP 13). The military started to accumulate prisoners of war from mainly naval engagements. They needed facilities to accommodate these growing populations and consequently the Sherando Camp was transferred to the military and the CO’s moved to Camp #121 in Bedford, Virginia. There the men began work in the Peaks of Otter area of the Parkway. Once again they constructed trails placing stone steps and what were called fire lanes to help contain forest fires. Stone work was also done on walls and around buildings. Today if you visit the Peaks of Otter Nature Center you will walk on a stone patio that goes across the front of the building, through the breezeway, and to the rear of the building where you will find picnic tables. At the front of the building there is a flat stone with the letters “CO” carved. This is one of the few signs left by this group of men who served their country in an alternative way during World War II.

Thanks to Dave Benavitch, USFS Ret. who first told me the story of the CO’ of WWII

Photos taken from Wikipedia

On the very north end of the Parkway between Rockfish Gap and Humpback Rocks there are tremendous displays of Mountain Laurel that line the roadway in many areas.

Elsewhere in Virginia across Apple Orchard Mountain the Rhododendron is in full bloom along with Yarrow, Milkweed, Bowman’s Root, Loose Strife, Ox-Eye Daisy, Tall Meadow Rue and Clover. Tulip Poplar and Mountain Ash are also out right now and some bright red Fire Pink is still on display around Peaks of Otter, milepost 86 to 87.

Keep reading to find out what’s blooming in North Carolina.

Read the full Wildflower Report for 6/4/2010 on Virtual Blue Ridge.

Here are a few tips that will help you understand the dynamics of deer movement and how to avoid collisions that can cause serious property damage and at times personal injuries.

• Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.  This is when they like to feed so you are most likely to see deer on road shoulders. 
• Remember that deer can also be encountered any other time of day.
• Drive the speed limit or below when in areas frequented by deer.  This applies to most park areas.
• Be alert scanning tree lines and road shoulders for deer including the reflection from their eyes at night.
• Once you see deer or the reflection of eyes, slow down, and stay alert for movement.
• If you see deer running across the road in front of your vehicle, do not follow where they are going with your eyes.  Instead look to where the deer came from.  Deer do not travel alone and more deer may come from the same direction.
• At times deer will run down the road in front of your vehicle in a zig-zag pattern.  Drivers are often confused by this behavior.  Their natural instincts are kicking in and this is how they attempt to escape a predator.  If you stop your vehicle, they will finally run off the road.
• Should a deer jump into the road in front of you, hit your brakes and stay in your lane.  More extensive damage and more serious injuries can result from swerving to avoid the deer and striking a tree, rock, or oncoming vehicle.
• You will see devices sold that you can place on your vehicle that make whistling sounds to scare deer away.  It was my experience that these do not guarantee safety and I saw many vehicles with this equipment in place still have collisions with deer.

Geocaching is a growing recreational activity throughout the United States.  Participants can obtain the geographic coordinates of caches hidden by others and then use handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) units to find them.  It is similar to a high tech scavenger or treasure hunt.  Caches can consist of secreted containers with small items that can be taken as souvenirs and or the chance to leave a token behind.  Virtual caches can lead the hunter to the answer of a puzzle or riddle.  Many Geocache enthusiasts then share their finds on the web site; http://www.geocaching.com/.

 The Gems of Rockbridge County Geocache Trail showcases the county and communities adjacent to The Blue Ridge Parkway and their cultural and natural relationships.

 This Trail fills a niche of interest that cannot be satisfied on The Blue Ridge Parkway since geocaching is prohibited in National Park Service Areas.  This fun activity is enjoyed by individuals and families.  There will be 10-12 caches secreted in the Rockbridge County area.  Participants can pick up a passport with information that will lead them through the trail at the Buena Vista and Lexington Visitor Centers in Virginia.  The first two hundred people to locate all the caches will receive a commemorative coin.

 For more information go to:

http://www.blueridgegeocaching.com

Today we are facing similar threats to native species of vegetation in the Southern Appalachians.  The new peril is coming in the form of funguses, insects, and exotic plants.

Hemlock Wooly Adelgid was first found on the east coast in 1951 near Richmond, Virginia.  Scientists believe that these microscopic insects originated in Southern Japan.  The adelgids are first noted as a foamy looking substance on the bottom of needles and branches.  The appearance is that they eventually suck the life from the trees to the point that entire stands on mountain sides quickly die.  Along The Blue Ridge Parkway the impact can be seen in the canopies of dead trees in the area of mile post 35 at Yankee Horse Gap and the Peaks of Otter Picnic area where the National Park Service has had to cut down some of these once majestic trees to maintain public safety on trails and roadways.

Dogwood trees provide a beautiful spring displays and provide food sources for birds and animals in the mountains of the East.  These native trees are being eradicated by a fungus known as the Dogwood Anthracnose first identified in the mid 1970s.  Vistas along The Blue Ridge Parkway that were once carpeted with dogwoods are now completely devoid of these trees.  The good news is that individual specimen trees do appear to be resistant to the fungus.  Scientists are studying these individual trees attempting to find an answer to this mystery.

Unfortunately there is no easy fix for either of these important species of trees.  The treatment in the open forest environment does not appear feasible at this time.  One scientist explained to me that the only way to save any single tree is to treat it with as much care as you would give a prized rose bush.  Research continues including experimenting with natural enemies for the adelgids and breeding of fungus resistant dogwood species.  Scientists will continue to work on these challenges as they are still striving to reintroduce the chestnut to the Southern Appalachian mountain slopes.

For more information you can refer to:

http://na.fs.fed.us/fhp/hwa/

http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/dogwoodanthracnose/dogwood%20anthracnose.htm

To commemorate the event, Dr. Ward presented her with a watercolor painting of a sacred Cherokee location and a very special “soul tree” created by Houck Medford, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

He stated “this adds a whole other dimension to the Parkway experience. The Parkway is so visual but its rhythms can easily be conveyed in poetic language. We look forward to hearing and ‘seeing’ this new imagery as it becomes part of our Parkway visitors’ journeys.”

To learn more about Laura, her work and this exciting announcement please visit Virtual Blue Ridge.

Check out Laura’s book, The Soul Tree, at the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Store.  Her collection of contemporary poetry is set to beautiful images of the Southern Appalachians by local photographer, John Fletcher.

Preview or Purchase The Soul Tree 

The Blue Ridge Parkway story aired Sunday, May 16th, during which several Parkway destinations were highlighted. Below is a video recording from The Today Show’s website. I hope you enjoy it!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here are some simple tips to help prevent you or a family member from becoming a statistic in a report and ruining a wonderful Blue Ridge Parkway experience.

• Plan ahead for your hike.  Review a map of the area or check for a map posted at the trail head.  Having a vision of the trail route and where it goes will be helpful should you become confused by unofficial social trails.
• After reviewing a map and if available a description of the trail, do not take on a hike that is more physically difficult than all the members of your group can handle.
• Check the weather report for the area before your hike.  Dress and carry appropriate gear to remain comfortable and safe during your time outdoors.  Remember that in mountainous terrain temperatures drop sharply at night, so be prepared to prevent hypothermia should you be late getting to your destination or vehicle.
• Proper foot wear is essential not only for comfort but to prevent injuries.  If hiking in rocky terrain, be sure to wear stout hiking boots with good tread.  Most of the injuries treated by park rangers involve slips and falls on trails by people wearing inappropriate foot wear.
• Stay on the designated trails.  The vast majority of the searches for lost hikers I worked during my career involved people getting off the trail, getting confused, and then trying to cut cross country to get to their destination.
• Keep your group within sight of each other.  Never let some members, especially children, run ahead of the group.  This is a recipe for disaster when members of your hiking group take a different trail and become separated.  The result is generally people overreacting and contributing to the complexity of the situation.  This reaction is amplified when the missing hikers are children.  Well intended emotions then kick in and decision making becomes more difficult for members of the group.  One tip is to have the slowest member of your group walk in the front and everyone has to stay behind them.
• Carry water even on short hikes.  You may be amazed how quickly you can dehydrate while hiking outdoors.  Dehydration and hypothermia both result in confusion and a loss of decision making skills.

Following these simple practices will help you to enjoy your next visit to any park.

Brinegar Cabin was about a mile past the Doughton Park entrance. I parked my car and walked towards the quaint cabin. The cabin was home to Martin and Caroline Brinegar in 1876 when they purchased the 125-acre property.

As rather evident from the modest cabin, neither Martin nor Caroline came from wealthy or famous families. But to their neighbors they were very important. The way the cabin is set up makes visitors feel as if they are taken back in time to the actual home of the Brinegars.

Loom demonstrations are done for the public on weekends to show how Caroline Brinegar and women of the time period provided clothes for her family. As I walked inside, two park rangers were doing loom demonstrations. What surprised me was their passion for the craft they were doing and the enthusiasm on their faces. This “demonstration” was more like an “observation” of their work.

They spent the weekends spinning the wool and then weaving it into different cloths. When asked questions about the process, these women were eager to share each step of the long process. One of the Rangers even told me she loved to weave in her free time.

Behind Brinegar cabin along the path, is a Spring House. As I peered in the door, it looked like a scene from Tuck Everlasting. The sparkling spring trickled down from the rocks with a roof and three walls around it.

In addition to drinking and cooking water, Caroline and Martin supposedly used this as a refrigerator to keep their food chilled. Also on site, were an outdoor pantry structure and a flourishing garden.

Visiting Brinegar Cabin will surely give you a peek back into our Appalachian culture.

Get a free map of Doughton Park trails at Virtual Blue Ridge.

Story by Randy Johnson

May will offer High Country trail enthusiasts critical opportunities to help Blue Ridge Parkway paths reopen for the summer travel season after last winter’s damaging storms.

The Parkway is staging two late May volunteer days when local hikers can come out and help reopen the Tanawha Trail, still covered with storm debris and impassable in places from Grandfather Mountain to Price Park.

Saturday May 15 and May 22, the National Park Service will commit two chainsaw-certified employees each Saturday in hopes of having two brush-clearing crews working at a time.

The Watauga Tourism Development Authority, organizers of the recently successful High Country Outdoor Summit, is supporting the effort and is asking volunteers to sign up in advance, preferably with an e-mail to WTDA planner Eric Wooldridge (eric@exploreboonearea.com, or 828-266-1345).

To read more about trail cleanup efforts and how you can help please visit Virtual Blue Ridge.

These park rangers show up with unbounded enthusiasm and with many hopes.  It is energizing for year round employees to see new seasonal rangers arriving for training.  Their passion is contagious and they show up anxious to start their work helping to educate and protect visitors.  When you visit a National Park it is most likely that the park ranger you meet will be a seasonal employee. 

Seasonal park rangers come from a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience.

There are the college students working in the parks for the summer to gain experience and help pay for school.  Many are hopeful of future opportunities that could develop into full time permanent National Park Service employment.

There are teachers who escape the classroom to the outdoors to refresh their outlook on life, supplement their meager income, and grow in ways that can provide enhanced experiences that can be brought back to the classroom.

Increasingly you will find retirees from a first career now working in National Parks as seasonal park rangers.  Many are taking advantage of this opportunity to live a dream they have had since childhood of working as a park ranger.

Returning military veterans will also be found working as seasonal park rangers attempting to establish themselves back in civilian life and perhaps start a new career.

There are many others who will work this summer as seasonal park rangers.  They all share the sense of adventure and dedication that is necessary to achieve the mission of the National Park Service to preserve and protect our nation’s resources for future generations.

Thanks seasonals for all you do.

Mr. Bytnar spent 27 years as a park ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway working in three districts in both North Carolina and Virginia.

Bloodroot is showy in some areas along with lots of Trillium and Fire Pink and Phlox showing. Some Pink Azalea, known locally as Pinxter, is in bloom along with the first of the blazing orange Flame Azalea. Not far behind that will come those great blooms that include many more Flame and Pink Azalea and Mountain Laurel.

Read the full Wildflower Report for May 7, 2010 on Virtual Blue Ridge.

Trillium – This wildflower seems quite simple when first found, but when examined more closely it reveals a complex symmetry that always draws my attention.  The plant is well named for tri having the root meaning of three is quite descriptive of this low growing plant that can cover some forest floors like a brightly colored carpet.  When in bloom during May every plant has three pedals and layers of three leaves.  Colors vary from a deep pink to a faded almost white.  Although there are several species of this showy plant, the most prevalent species I have seen is the painted trillium.  They generally bloom from April to June and I viewed several impressive displays in the mountains this week.

Azalea – There are two species of native azaleas found in the Southern Appalachians.  The one that is bright pink is known as pinxter flower.  My favorite and much less seen is the orange flame azalea.  Both of these plants are in full bloom now on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.

Many wildflowers will not be seen from a moving car.  Stop and take the time to hike a trail anywhere in the Southern Appalachians within the next few weeks.  Walk slowly, look around you, and you may be greeted with a beautiful gift of nature.

Throughout his tenure with the NPS Phil has received numerous awards and recognitions including winning the Department of Interior’s Meritorious Award, being listed in the Congressional Record in 2006, and having a new species to science named after him by the Discover Life in America organization in appreciation for his support of their projects.

Growing up in Grover, NC, Phil then traveled to Clemson University where he receievd a BS in Administrative Management. Phil is currently married to Dr. Becky Nichols, a scientist with Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

In an interview with the Blue Ridge Parkway 75th, Inc, Phil answers these important questions regarding the past, present and future of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

• Where did the idea for the Blue Ridge Parkway originate?
• Why is the Blue Ridge Parkway important?
• What is a National Park Service “unit”?
• As the Parkway enters its 75th year, what are the biggest challenges it faces?
• What’s the most exciting thing about the Parkway’s 75th Anniversary?

Read Phil’s answers in the full interview published on Virtual Blue Ridge.

Look for Spring Beauty and Mayapple, early arrivals of the spring, as you walk Parkway trails or look in the moist areas in the mid-elevations from the car. Bloodroot is showy in many areas along with Trillium and a few early Fire Pink.

Some Pink Azalea, known locally as Pinxter, is in bloom along with the first blazing orange Flame Azalea.

Read the full Wildflower Report for May 4, 2010 on Virtual Blue Ridge.

Now in its 23rd year, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and a celebration of “traditional plus” music.

Featuring four days of performances by over 100 artists on 15 stages, MerleFest is a great entertainment value and an affordable weekend getaway. As in previous years, the list of performers fits the “traditional plus” definition offered by Doc Watson when describing the rich musical diversity that is a hallmark of the event. Sounds of bluegrass, blues, gospel, country and Americana will fill the air.

The award-winning lineup represents a group of artists who have collectively earned over 20 Grammy® Awards, 46 International Bluegrass Music Awards and 4 Americana Music Association Awards, among many others.

Read more to find out who will be performing and how to get tickets.

The major threat for winter weather is obviously behind us but there can still be spring snow storms that come our way. So it’s always a good idea to keep current with the local weather forecast and keep a few emergency supplies in the trunk of your car whenever you visit the mountains.

Look for Spring Beauty, Skunk Cabbage and May Apple, early arrivals in spring, as you walk Parkway trails or look in the moist areas at mid elevations from your car. Bloodroot may also be shown in a few areas.

One of the earliest trees to bloom here in the Blue Ridge is Serviceberry which shows its white blooms deep in the forest this time of year. Redbud and Dogwood is rapidly coming on in the lower and mid elevations all along the Parkway.

 Read the full Wildflower Report for April 16, 2010 on Virtual Blue Ridge.

There are road closures still in place due to downed trees and debris in the roadway. While National Park Service personnel have been working hard to ensure that the remaining cleanup is completed as quickly as possible, contracts are also being accepted from small business contractors to help with the volume of work.

For an updated look at road closures you can visit our dedicated Blue Ridge Parkway Road Conditions and Closures page on Virtual Blue Ridge, or call the Parkway Hotline at 828-298-0398.

Today the National Park Service released a schedule of anticipated cleanup and opening dates for the remaining closed sections of the Parkway. Read the full press release and schedule on Virtual Blue Ridge.

Elevation and aspect in the Blue Ridge Mountains are crucial to plant development.  In the spring the temperatures are warmer at lower elevations triggering trees to produce their leaves before their brethren at higher and cooler elevations.  The result is the creeping of green up the slopes over a week or so until the entire mountain range is clothed in many rich hues of green.

The process is again seen in the fall as the cooler temperatures result in the trees at higher elevations starting their brilliant displays of gold, red, and orange.  You can sit back and watch the color move down slopes toward the valleys.

Bloom Tip

I took a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway between mile post 0 and 29 the other day.  Dogwoods are just starting to develop their flowers, but the Service Berry (pronounced sar vis berry by the mountain residents) are in full bloom.  You will find the most spectacular bloom of Service Berry I seen in 25 years between mile post 20 and 22.

Twenty seven of  my years as a National Park Ranger were spent working on the Blue Ridge Parkway and many of the tales have the Parkway as their setting.

What is a park ranger’s life?

• A wild bear who favors Kentucky Fried Chicken
• A fugitive wanted in eight states
• A dog that saves his owner’s life
• Wildland firefighters battling nature and fire
• A ghost haunting a colonial mansion
• Hikers who stay lost because they think searchers calling their names are wild animals
• Being willing to risk your life to make our parks safe and help preserve them for the future

These are just a few experiences you will read about in A Park Ranger’s Life. Drawn from the thirty-two-year career of National Park Ranger Bruce W. Bytnar, you will discover what it takes to be a park ranger, what threats to visitors and resources they deal with on a daily basis, and what you can do to help protect and preserve our national heritage.

A hard winter has resulted in an increased workload removing fallen and damaged trees from not only the roadway but trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas.  This type of work is hard physical labor involving the dangers of working with heavy equipment, chainsaws, and chippers.  Once the roads and trails are open, there will still be extensive work to remove the debris from road shoulders.

The Ridge District at the north end of the Parkway was challenged by a shooting incident at Rock Point Overlook this past Monday night.  This resulted in a section of road being closed to the public and diversion of park rangers to the investigation and eventual apprehension of the shooter.   For more information on this incident you can check my blog at www.aparkrangerslife.blogspot.com.

Now the Ridge District whose staff is already hard pressed and tested is faced with two wildfires burning along the Parkway near the James River area in Virginia.  This has also resulted in a section of the Parkway being closed to the public.

This all reminds me of many springs following hard winters.  As the blossoms and wildflowers bloom so do other aspects of nature and man.  But you can be assured that the dedicated men and women who work for the National Park Service and the corps of volunteers that assist them will have the Park up and running for your visit this year.

Thanks to all of the photographers this year for participating, as well as the general public at large for helping us to get the word out with press releases, blog posts, blog comments, etc. If you, or someone you know, would like to participate as a competition sponsor or supporter, please contact Andrew Miller, Competition Director, at 828-262-4954 or contact us using the VBR contact form.

AMPC is funded through the generous contributions of our partners, sponsors and supporters. You can provide needed operational support to AMPC by choosing to make a donation and/or offering us feedback on your user experience.

Below we have listed the the winners for top honors, categories, and special mentions.

Your participation this year will help to make the Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions through ASU’s Outdoor Programs an experience of a lifetime for many students. Thank you for your unwavering support and enthusiasm!

For AMPC press & media resource information

The idea that an individual could just toss their trash out the window of a moving car is incomprehensible to the type of person who aspires to be a park ranger.  This lack of understanding of motive is compounded exponentially when that littering occurs within a National Park.

A moment that makes any park ranger’s day is when they actually catch a litterer red handed in the act.  A park ranger hears some outrageous reactions from these violators.

One night while working at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park I backed my patrol car into the entrance of a picnic area on Lee Drive.  I was sitting there with my dome light on filling out some paperwork on a violation notice I had issued earlier when I saw a vehicle coming down Lee Drive at a high rate of speed.  The vehicle started to slow as it approached and I assumed that they saw my car.  As the vehicle passed the driver tossed a half gallon wine bottle out the window striking the front bumper on my car.  I immediately pulled out with my emergency lights on and stopped the vehicle.  I approached the driver and asked him if he knew why I had stopped him.  He said he had no idea why. 

I then asked him if he threw a wine bottle from his car.

His answer shocked me, “Yea I did.  So what’s the big deal? Someone will pick it up.”

No matter how I tried, I could not convince him that he had done something wrong and that it was a violation of the law to litter.  He left with several violation notices, angry for being hassled.  I cannot remember if he ever paid his fines.

Through my career I was surprised to find the response I heard that night to be a common theme among litterers.  Numerous times I was told by people I witnessed throwing out trash in parks that it was not important because, “Someone will pick it up.”  They resented being charged with what they considered no violation of the law.

Just another example of the interesting types of people a park ranger gets to meet during their career.

Many wildflowers and plants are threatened by man.  Not only does air quality and disappearing habitat destroy plant populations, the greed of man also shares the responsibility.  Many plants in the Southern Appalachian Mountains are collected by people ranging from well meaning visitors who want a few flowers for their table to professional plant poachers stealing plants to sell for profit.

For the occasional visitor who picks wildflowers they do not understand that they are being greedy not leaving the display for others to enjoy.  When flowers in bloom are taken, they do not have the opportunity to leave seed to establish future generations of blooms.  In a park like the Blue Ridge Parkway – the most visited National Park Service unit in the system – where more than 16 million people visit per year, casual flower picking can have a devastating impact on plant populations.  Many times this explains why visitors return one or more years later trying to recapture the excitement of finding a wildflower display at a certain location and it is no longer there.

As you visit the parks of the Southern Appalachians this year, be part of the solution and help to protect our native plants.

• Do not pick wildflowers – Take photos and leave the plants where they can continue to grow and produce seed
• If you see others digging or removing plants within the park – notify a Park Ranger as soon as possible – on the Blue Ridge Parkway you can call  800-PARKWATCH to make a report
• Educate your friends and family members to leave plants where they observe them

Help the National Park Service to preserve and protect our natural heritage for future generations.

You can learn more about the problems with commercial theft of plants in the Southern Appalachians in my book A Park Ranger’s Life: Thirty Two Years Protecting Our National Parks.

The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition has grown to be one of the top photography events in our region.   This year, we saw a near 20% increase in submissions and received them from 14 states and several international destinations.

A number of individuals, organizations, and businesses lend a hand to make AMPC possible, and we work hard to highlight those efforts.  Something we don’t spend a lot of time highlighting is what we do with the proceeds garnered from the annual competition, so I wanted to take some time to share that with you.

AMPC is coordinated by Appalachian State University’s Outdoor Programs (OP).  In our 37 year history, OP has grown to be the adventure authority at App State introducing students to outdoor opportunities in their backyard and around the world.

In the nineties, OP began offering extended expeditions; trips typically 3 to 4 weeks in length that often carried academic credit.  Those initial expeditions included mountaineering in the Teton National Park and multidiscipline trips to Alaska.

This model of blending adventure, challenge, and expeditionary learning proved very successful, and in 2004 Outdoor Programs offered our first short-term study abroad course: an International expedition to New Zealand.  It was around this time that we started referring to these experiences as Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions, or SOLE trips for short.

In May, we will return to New Zealand with a group of App State students for our seventh expedition.  Another group will be traveling to Wales, our fourth expedition to that Country.  Since 2004, we have embarked on two expeditions to Fiji and returned again on one occasion to Alaska.  The proceeds from AMPC combined with the proceeds from our annual screenings of the Banff Mountain Film Festival are used to reduce the cost of OP’s Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions; opening doors for more students to experience the benefits of short-term study abroad through active journeys of discovery.

These expeditions immerse students in the rugged environments and unique cultures of the places we visit.  In 2008, a videographer from Appalachian joined our expedition to New Zealand to document the experience and to share the impact these experiences have on the students who participate.  The images and words of the students captured in this brief documentary communicate far more than I can, so enjoy!

Part 1 :: Outdoor Programs in New Zealand

Part 2 :: Outdoor Programs in New Zealand

Part 3 :: Outdoor Programs in New Zealand

Motorcycle Warning Sign

The Blue Ridge Parkway has consistently been described in motorcycle media as one of the best rides in the country if not the world.  Although not a motorcyclist myself, I do not doubt this judgment for the views, lack of large commercial trucks, and interesting curves are not to be found anywhere else.

Unfortunately the increase in motorcycle traffic is accompanied by a significant number of serious motorcycle crashes.  A number of years ago Park Rangers became concerned about the significant increase in motorcycle crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities.  Statistical research of crash scenes and drivers was conducted and several theories were developed as to the causes. 

One consistent condition was found to be a factor in many crashes.  They were occurring in areas where the Parkway had been engineered with descending radius curves.  When the Blue Ridge Parkway was designed the purpose was to adhere it to the land providing for the least destruction of the landscape while providing for the best views.   The 1930’s and 40’s were not times when motorcycles or motor homes were commonly used by the visiting public.  Very few if any roadways in the United States today have descending radius curves and consequently most motorcyclists have never driven through these types of challenges.

A traffic safety program was designed to step up traffic regulation enforcement, educate the public, and to place more aggressive signing at locations of repeated wrecks.  Through these efforts the number of motorcycle crashes sharply decreased.  In the District where I worked in we had a curve that had seen eight motorcycle wrecks in one year.  Once the warning signs were put in place the follow year there were zero wrecks.  However, other duties and constraints of budgets have made the park staff step back from these programs.

Curve Warning Sign

Ultimately it is the operator of a motor vehicle that is responsible for their own safety.  If you operate a motorcycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway, observe the following safety tips:

• Observe the speed limits that are posted.  In most areas it is 45mph.  In some developed areas it will drop to 35mph.
• Watch for curve warning signs and take them seriously.  They are few and far between, but mark the most dangerous areas.
• Be aware that even though you may have years of experience operating a motorcycle, you will encounter curves and road surface elevations that you have not experienced before.
• Maintain full attention to your driving at all times.  Many instances in the past operators have been distracted by the view and just that split second of inattention has gotten them in trouble.
• Watch for wildlife in the road.  You are in their neighborhood and they are in the road often.
• Do not pass on the double yellow lines.  There are many blind curves on the Parkway that come up fast.  You never know what is beyond your view; a motor home, a deer, or a car full of kids.

Remember as the Blue Ridge Parkway Traffic Safety Program says:

    ENJOY THE VIEW – WATCH THE ROAD

On Saturday March 20 I will be participating with my book, A Park Ranger’s Life: Thirty Two Years Protecting Our National Parks, available for signing at the Omni Hotel in downtown Charlottesville.  I plan to be there from 9am to 4pm.

For more information on the Festival of the Book you can visit their web site at www.vabook.org .

With our new upgrades to Virtual Blue Ridge we hope to be able to answer both of those questions quickly and accurately.

We’re proud to introduce a new 3-day Parkway Weather Forecast page. Day and nighttime forecasts for both Virginia and North Carolina are updated 5 days a week.

Our goal is to be the ultimate resource for helping people plan their vacations on the Blue Ridge Parkway and providing an up-to-date forecast page is just another benefit we are excited to offer.

Our next bright idea was a new page dedicated solely to road conditions and closure updates. This information has always been available on our home page but we found that sometimes, especially in the winter, there are more closures than we have room for! As a result the new road closures page was born.

This new page will provide details on all closures and any other special road condition statements that the National Park Service might make.

Both of these new information pages are easily accessible through quick links on the home page of www.virtualblueridge.com. Visit our site today and see the new upgrades for yourself!

The staff at Virtual Blue Ridge is always happy to receive feedback from our visitors. If you have comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi, feel free to contact us anytime.

Even though the fiscal year officially starts in October, it is this time of year that field offices get a better picture of what their operating budgets will be for the season.  In some years we were not informed of our bottom line for funds until June.  Supervisors should have received their registers of job applicants from those who applied back in January to work this coming summer.  So the laborious assignment of completing the hiring of seasonal staffs is in full swing.  This process keeps supervisors in offices glued to the phones making contacts, checking availability, and eventually making offers.  So if you applied for a National Park Service seasonal position, stay by the phone or in reach of one.

As the weather starts to break Park Rangers and maintenance staff are able to get out to facilities and roads to assess what damage there may be to park infrastructure.  The most common damage found is from fallen trees and limbs.  Many times roads may be blocked or structures will have roof damage.  This can result in planning for minor cleanups to major repair projects.  Under the ground and harder to locate there may be water lines and sewage systems cracked due to age by the shifting of earth and rock from the freezing and thawing of ice.  Leaks in water systems may not be found until they are activated just days before facilities are opened for the visitor season.

Another important work force will be out this month.  Volunteers who maintain trail systems through the region will be scouting and monitoring for damage on the Appalachian and Mountains to Sea Trails among many others.  These volunteers spend thousands of hours each year clearing, marking, maintaining, and building trails for the public to enjoy.

A lot of work begins now so you can enjoy our National Parks later this spring.

These conditions will take longer to disappear as spring approaches.  The now rock solid ice cannot be plowed with equipment.  As a park ranger I remember using a heavy sledge hammer in attempts to break ice that had formed across the road surfaces from water seeping from springs and melting snows.  This was ineffective and normally resulted in the road remaining impassable and my back being sore.

The slopes and aspect of mountain sides and road cuts also contribute to the slowing of thawing and melting.  That legendary location “where the sun don’t shine” can be found all along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  These constantly shaded areas are always the last to warm up enough to melt.

So even if you have a beautiful day at your house, do not be surprised if you visit the Blue Ridge Parkway and find sections still closed to traffic.  The road may not be safe for vehicle travel until there are several days of warm rain that will help break up the stubborn ice.

The reward for our patience promises to be a delayed but spectacular spring.  Trees, shrubs, and wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians are being well watered by the slow melting of natures white carpet.

Author and retired National Park Ranger Bruce W. Bytnar will be in Roanoke, Virginia on Saturday March 13 for a reading  from his book, “A Park Ranger’s Life: Thirty Two Years Protecting Our National Parks” at the Tanglewood Barnes and Noble Store.  The event will start at 1pm and he will be available to sign books through the afternoon.

Mr. Bytnar spent twenty seven years of his career as a park ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway which forms the stage for many of his stories.  Stop by and learn about bears, lost hikers, bad guys, fighting fires, and many of the other adventures and duties of a park ranger.

Voting for this year’s People’s Choice Award will begin in conjunction with the opening of the AMPC exhibitoin at the Mezzanine Gallery in the Turchin Center March 5, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

A kiosk will be setup for gallery visitors, but you can also cast your vote by going to the AMPC website. Final judging for this year’s Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition will take place mid-March, and winners will be announced April 1, 2010. One winner will be chosen from each of the seven categories, along with one image chosen for Best In Show and one image chosen for People’s Choice.

Hope you can make it to the public reception and good luck picking a favorite photo for this year’s PCA – it won’t be an easy decision considering the fantastic group of finalists this year.

This brings to mind the geologic processes that have produced the Blue Ridge Mountains as we know them.  The freezing and thawing cycles through the millennia have served to create the many rock formations, rounded mountain tops, and rock strewn streams that provide the environment of some of the oldest mountains in the world.

During the winter water fills cracks and crevasses in large rocks and is often held in place by snow or ice.  The water then freezes and expands producing pressure within the rock.  This process occurs over and over again through the years eventually breaking the rock into pieces.  These reduced rocks then fall down slope and the freezing and thawing process continues breaking the rocks down to sizes that can eventually be carried by rushing waters during floods further down the slope.  These rocks sit in stream beds and drainages smoothed and polished to form the sparkling pebbled habitat for trout, macro invertebrates, and other aquatic life.

There is very little soil held on the steep mountain slopes of the Blue Ridge.  This perpetual freezing and thawing is one of the contributors to the eroding of the mountains in the Southern Appalachians.

With the absence of vegetation and the surface covered with ice and snow many people think of winter as being a time of idleness in the mountain environment.  In every season there are continuous natural processes occurring that produce or influence the habitats of the wild and their partners, the human race.

A typical soundtrack for this type of video would be what I like to call, “elevator music” but this DVD takes a different approach. The whole video is narrated by people on the streets of Asheville. The people interviewed talk about what they love about the city and what makes it special. Some of the individuals interviewed have lived in Asheville their whole lives while others are new to the community and share what it is that brought them there.

The Spirit of Asheville does a good job portraying the cultural diversity of the city but at the same time emphasizing the attitude of acceptance that is found there. It’s a great review of this unique city and I would recommend it for people interested in relocating or visiting the Asheville area.

The tour is scheduled to be in Boone March 26 – 27, with the films showing at 7:30 pm at Farthing Auditorium on the campus of Appalachian State University. Tickets are currently on sale at Farthing Auditorium and Footsloggers in Downtown Boone for $7 (students) and $9 (all others). Hope to see you there!

The 7th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition will be remembered as a seminal year in the competition’s history.  This is the first year that we received more than 1,000 submissions, receiving in fact 1,116.  We have also received unprecedented media attention and have been approached by various businesses and organizations that want to be a part of this growing national competition.  I wanted to share with you the two newest supporters to join the ranks of the businesses and organizations willing to put their time, money and energy into AMPC.

Smoky Mountain Living Magazine will lend support as a media representative, and will contribute to the prize packages of all winning photographers.  Dedicated to featuring the history and heritage of the Great Smoky Mountain Region and Western North Carolina, Smoky Mountain Living Magazine focuses on exciting developments important to this region, and explores the richness of the traditions of indigenous mountain people.   Winning photographers will each receive a one-year subscription to Smoky Mountain Living and a set of two, 75th Anniversary special edition issues celebrating the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.  In addition, winning images from the 7th Annual AMPC will be featured in the summer 2010 issue of Smoky Mountain Living. 

Also added to the mix in this year’s competition is Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Reynolda House is currently exhibiting William Christenberry: Photographs, 1961–2005 on view through June 27.  The exhibition features 58 photographs, one sculpture, and three signs which chronicle the effects of the passage of time on the buildings, back roads, and landmarks in rural Hale County, Alabama, the artist’s former home.  The hope of this collaboration is to connect more people to the imagery of the rural south highlighted in both the AMPC and Chirstenberry exhibits.   All winning AMPC photographers will receive two visitor admission passes to the Reynolda House Museum and a William Christenberry exhibition poster.  

The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition has no budget.   Our growth and success over the years is directly attributed to those individuals, businesses, and organizations that have lent their time, money, and energy in support of our mission to highlight diverse interpretations of the unique people, places and pursuits that characterize the Southern Appalachians.   We are excited to welcome Smoky Mountain Living and Reynolda House Museum into the mix.  We encourage you to share your enthusiasm for AMPC with our partners, sponsors and supporters and thank them for their contributions whenever you have the chance.

No longer will there be one set of regulations pertaining to the possession of firearms in National Park Service Areas.  Visitors will need to be aware of the regulations of the state where the park they are visiting is located.  It becomes even more complex when parks are in more than one state or regulations and ordinances are not uniform throughout a state.

An example is the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Virginia has what are considered liberal firearms laws.  By state law you can carry a firearm as long as it is in the open and visible.  To carry one concealed you do need a permit.  Virginia law does allow counties to adopt more restrictive ordinances within their jurisdictions.  Consequently, on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia visitors could be permitted to carry loaded rifles and shotguns in their cars except while traveling through sections of the park located in Roanoke County where loaded long guns in vehicles are prohibited.

There are those in the state of Maine that are concerned about firearms in National Parks such as Acadia.  There is a movement to pass a state law that prohibits or limits firearms in parks.  If passed this law would affect enforcement in both state and Federal parks since state law is now the basis for regulating guns in National Parks.

Public Law 111-24, Section 512 also conflicts with existing Federal laws such as those that prohibit the possession of firearms in or on Federal facilities.  This is commonly used to provide protection for Post Offices, Court Houses, military bases, and Federal buildings.  Are not National Park Visitor Centers, Offices, and Concessions buildings federal facilities?   Perhaps even the parks themselves could be considered under this law.

The new law prevents the National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior from enforcing any regulations that prohibit the possession of firearms.  Regulations will still be in place that prohibit the carrying and use of firearms.

If you are confused by all this, you are not the only ones.  It will take some time and education to smooth out the rough spots to interpret and enforce this new myriad of laws and regulations.

We wrote this book to share some of the joy we have had traveling and learning about the Parkway with our two young sons while Anne was researching and writing (and later speaking about) her book, Super-Scenic Motorway: A Blue Ridge Parkway History (University of North Carolina Press, 2006). We were surprised to find that there had never been a book on the Parkway written for children and young people. We wanted to find a way to engage, delight and help a new generation of travelers understand the Parkway’s history and commit to preserving the road.

As a starting point for the book, we took a letter that an Ashe County, North Carolina farmer wrote to President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Depression years of the 1930s, which Anne found preserved in the National Archives. The letter described how the farmer’s land lay in the path of the Parkway, then under construction. Spinning a fictional story from that letter, we wrote “When the Parkway Came“. In the book, the farmer’s son — now a grandfather himself — shows his granddaughter Ginny where the Parkway passes through what used to be his family’s land. He remembers how losing part of their farm made the whole family sad, but he tells her how proud he is of the beautiful Parkway that now belongs to everyone.

In writing the book we had to figure out how to tell a story about one family that would personalize and illustrate larger issues faced by many: the hardships of the Depression, the visions and hopes of Parkway designers and proponents, the benefits brought to the mountains by Parkway jobs, and the wrenching challenges of balancing private property rights and a larger public good. To make those issues accessible and compelling for young readers and to introduce the primary sources from which we learn about history, we illustrated the book with historical photographs, documents and advertisements as well as contemporary color photographs. We hope that this approach will make it a book that will appeal to young readers and also to their parents and grandparents. We would love to see it help families talk about their own memories of “when the Parkway came” and their own hopes for its future.

The judges reviewed over 1100 images, a record-setting total this year. I wonder if the judges’ eyeballs wanted to go “plop plop” at the end of the day! Below is a table listing the 47 images that make up this year’s final selections. These 47 images were submitted by 37 photographers, so you can see how talented some of the photographers were to be chosen more than once!

This year’s category finalists are:

Please join the AMPC organizers and sponsors in congratulating this year’s finalists of the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition—all of you deserve lots of applause! Remember, the images for this year’s group will be posted on the High Country Photos website as soon as the People’s Choice Award voting goes live at 7:00 pm, March 5, 2010. This night also marks the opening of the AMPC Exhibition at the Mezzanine Gallery in the Turchin Center on the Appalachian State University campus.

To all of this year’s participants: thank you for your support and participation. Together all of you keep raising the bar.

Winter weather fronts and storms serve as nature’s ventilation system and flush the brown hues of air pollution from the valleys and piedmont regions.  This cleansing provides for the most spectacular and frequent views from the mountains left to our generation.

Once the leaves fall, the upper and mid canopies open up not only views of vistas but glances of rock formations and the true ruggedness of the land long hidden by lush vegetation.

Human visitation to the mountain parks of the east drops during the winter resulting in a sense of a societal slowing of the normal hectic life style we all lead.  It becomes much easier to find that spot of undisturbed solitude and quiet during the winter months.  If there is a white coating of snow on the ground, this helps to muffle the distant sounds of civilization.

Most wildlife in the Southern Appalachians does not hibernate.  With fewer people and cars around animals are more likely to feel secure and come out of hiding along the roadways and trails.  Winter provides an excellent time to observe bear, whitetail deer, turkey, bobcats, and some say mountain lions (although I am not a firm believer in that one).

If you travel to the Blue Ridge Parkway during the winter and find the snow gates locked across the road, rather than be disappointed you may find this to be one of the best opportunities you have ever had to truly experience the park.  Be sure to have adequate clothing and footwear, and then explore the area behind those gates by foot, cross country ski, or snow shoe.  You may be surprised at the treasure of memories you will find.

Jamie Goodman

Jamie currently serves as Communications Coordinator for Appalachian Voices – and if you’ve been keeping up with this blog, you already know that Appalachian Voices is the sponsor for the category “Our Ecological Footprint.” A perfect sponsorship if you ask me, and will hopefully bring more awareness to this often overlooked category in the competition.

As the Communications Coordinator, Jamie oversees the organization’s communication efforts, including print and online publications. As with any non-profit organization, however, you can imagine just how many other hats Jamie wears on any given day.

I spoke with Jamie about the upcoming judging process, and how she was feeling about being a judge. She said:

I’m really excited to see all of the submissions this year. We have an amazing amount of talented photographers in the area.

I’ve been following the competition since its beginning, and I’ve noticed the disparity between the submissions for the environment category, and the true purpose of the category. With Appalachian Voice’s involvement, I feel that more attention will be brought to the environmental threats the Appalachian Mountains are currently facing.”

Jamie, I couldn’t agree more!

Troy Tuttle

As the Senior Photographer for Appalachian State University for the last 10 years, Troy has won numerous awards for his photography. His images have even been accepted into the photographic collection of the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Unfortunately, Troy doesn’t have a website to showcase his work, which is a shame really, because I’ve seen it and I gotta tell you guys, it’s amazing. (hey Troy, get a website!)

I asked Troy about what he looks forward to the most as being a judge this year:

I was a judge the first year of the competition, and I’m really impressed by how far the competition has come, from the participation to the increasing quality of the photography.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the community is doing, and how they see the area. I’m not a nature photographer – more of a studio photographer – but I appreciate it a lot. It’s the idea of waiting for that perfect moment.”

Katie Langley

Katie brings a journalistic style of photography to the world, and she has found success in the highly competitive world of portraiture photography. Katie stands out as an artistic wedding photographer, who’s not afraid to bring a special and unique perspective to a person’s special day.

I had a good time laughing with her about how you couldn’t pay me a million dollars to be a wedding photographer. Too much stress and all. She just laughed and said she gets that a lot.

When I asked her about what she looks forward to the most with being a judge this year, she said:

Seeing all the talent. There are so many talented photographers in this area, professional and amateur, and that’s just based on seeing last year’s winners.

I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the creative submissions this year. It’s so interesting to me to see how people can see the same things so differently. As a first time judge, I am anxious to see the High Country and surrounding Appalachian Mountains through the eyes of other artists.”

Every year the quality of the photography increases, so my heart goes out to the judges this year as they take on a very daunting task of narrowing down nearly a thousand entries to a few dozen.

Good luck to everyone this year and don’t forget, the deadline is right around the corner: 5:00 pm Friday, January 29, 2010.

Helpful AMPC Resources

• Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition website
• Gallery for past AMPC Finalists and Winners
• Virtual Blue Ridge on Twitter (don’t forget, AMPC hashtag #appmtnphoto)
• Appalachian Outdoor Programs
• Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

Most people in the area have been reeling from the news of this man’s untimely death. A stark reminder of how short life can be, and how quickly things can change. All of us here at Virtual Blue Ridge are thinking of this man’s family.

You can read a press release containing more details here: Blowing Rock Man Drowns in Trout Lake.

Everyone be careful out there!

As the newest supporter of the AMPC, Appalachian Voices has helped to revitalize a previously underrepresented category for the competition. Sandra Diaz, Development Director for Appalachian Voices, said “We hope the images submitted will create for the viewing public a visual connection to the scope of the environmental damage occuring in Appalachia and empower people to become involved.”

The Ecological Footprint category is for imagery documenting environmental concerns in Central and Southern Appalachia.

To learn more about this new cash award offered by Appalachian Voices, please read the press release.

Remember, the deadline is fast approaching – January 29, 2010!

Retweet this using the Twitter hashtag: #appmtnphoto

The book is called When the Parkway Came, and its main story is based on a 1937 letter in the National Archives that I discovered while doing research for Super-Scenic Motorway: A Blue Ridge Parkway History (UNC Press 2006). In the letter, an Ashe County, NC farmer writes to President Roosevelt to ask for help when he learns that the Parkway is going to come through the middle of his farm. When the Parkway Came features a fictionalized account of this family’s experience as told by the farmer’s son to his granddaughter many years later as they travel the Parkway and see where the family farm used to be. To convey the feel of the mountains in the 1930s, the coming of the Parkway, and its stunning beauty, we illustrated the story with contemporary photographs as well as historic photographs and documents. The book is appropriate for approximately ages 7 or so and up. We think it will be something that parents, grandparents, and children will enjoy reading together.

When the Parkway Came was beautifully designed by longtime UNC Press lead book designer Rich Hendel (who also did the design for Super-Scenic Motorway and David’s previous UNC Press books), and we have published it ourselves. We chose to go this route in order both to maintain editorial control (especially over the imagery in the book) and to assure that it would be available in time for the Parkway 75th next year.

The book is being distributed to retail sellers by John F. Blair Publisher in Winston-Salem (visit http://www.blairpub.com/alltitles/whenparkwaycame.htm), but individual orders may be placed directly with us. We have just received the first shipment of books, and have them available for mailing in time for Christmas. More information and a downloadable order form are available at our book website: http://www.whentheparkwaycame.com/.

Answer:
The Go Blue Ridge Card is a convenient, wallet-sized card that includes admission to the Blue Ridge area’s most popular attractions. The Go Blue Ridge Card is the only all-inclusive ticket to the top attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You do not need to pre-purchase tickets, deal with the hassle of tear-out coupons, or carry cash.

Simply present your Go Blue Ridge card at any participating attraction, restaurant, or shop. You are granted general admission at the attraction (no cash changes hands), or will receive a discount automatically.

Click here to learn more about the Go Blue Ridge Card, participating attractions and purchase information.

Don’t miss your chance to win a relaxing retreat to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Retail Value up to :: $1,473.87

The lucky winner will receive:

* Two Nights Cabin Rental from Blue Ridge Vacation Cabins
* A Half-Day Fly Fishing Trip for 2 from Foscoe Fishing Company
* Dinner for Two at Joe’s Italian Kitchen
* Two 2-day Go Blue Ridge Card Vacation Attraction Passes
* A complete “Parkway Guide Kit” courtesy of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Store

This sweepstakes will last from Monday, October 12, 2009 to Friday, November 27th, 2009 at 11:59:59 PM ET. Drawing will be held on Friday, December 04, 2009 and winner will be announced by email. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited.

Visit Virtual Blue Ridge today for your chance to win. Refer your friends and receive bonus entries!

Answer:
As a general rule the speed limit along the Parkway is 45 mph. In areas of heavy traffic such as Mabry Mill, Cone Manor or visitors centers and at major intersections the speed limit may drop to 35 mph. You should obey posted speed limit signs at all times.

The Parkway has many hairpin and descending radius curves. Traveling at faster than posted speeds might cause you to miss a curve and hit an animal, cyclist or pedestrian.

The National Park Service requires that you report all accidents that occur along the Parkway. If you are in or witness an accident you must report it to a ranger as soon as possible. If a ranger is not in sight, call 1-800-PARKWATCH. Remember, hitting an animal with your vehicle is as much an accident as two vehicles colliding.

Click here for more information on traffic and driving regulations along the Parkway.

Answer:
Founded in 1997 The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is a non-profit fundraising organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the Blue Ridge Parkways natural beauty.

The foundation recieves no government funding and relies solely on private contributions, grants, and corporate support. The Foundation is not a membership organization, nor does it engage in political activity or advocacy.

The foundation has been involved in restoration and preservation projects at the Moses Cone Manor, Camp Catawba, Grave Yard Feilds, Rough Ridge trail and many others.

If you would like to learn more or make a contribution visit The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Foundation Executive Director Dr. Houck Medfords blog, or visit The Blue Ridge Parkway Store where a portion of all proceeds go to support the foundation.

Answer:
In most places, picnicking along the road side is legal. This is a long standing Parkway tradition, but you must be pulled completely off the roadway. Avoid soggy areas and ditches after periods of rain.

North of Asheville NC, the Parkway passes through the city watershed and off-road parking is not allowed where indicated by signs.

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.

Walking inside was like walking into a history museum of the Parkway. But not just any old museum, this one was interactive and interesting. When younger people think of museums they think of strictly history with no hands-on exhibits.

Every station I stopped at stole my attention. Even up until it closed for the day, there were children inside begging their parents to stay longer so they could play.

Two of the stations had wooden pieces for children to pick up and make something. History about the trains of the area was paired with a build-your-own train track out of wooden pieces.

Next to this, was a huge photograph of a view from one of the many Parkway overlooks. The activity was called “Frame your Own View”. Here, children or adults chose which wooden pieces with scenes on them they wanted to place in the frame to create their own view.

The Destination center also had a theatre. One film was shown every hour throughout the day. This film, called “The Blue Ridge Parkway-America’s Favorite Journey” was my favorite part of my time at the center.

The film reminded me of why I came to the Destination Center in the first place, and my love for the Blue Ridge Parkway. It touched on many topics such as Appalachian music, artisans in the area, and the history of the parkway.

The time is upon us once again to gear up for the 7th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition. Each year we see a tremendous amount of growth in participation and interest, and the competition gets tougher and tougher with each click of the lens.

Our rotating Share the Journey® category this year will be Picnicking on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Definitely a favorite pastime of Parkway travelers, the AMPC staff is anxious to see what kind of submissions this category will bring to the table.

We’re also really excited about a new sponsor for this year’s comp – Appalachian Voices. This group organizes people to solve environmental problems affecting the central and southern Appalachian Mountains. With this new sponsorship comes a change to what was formerly known as the “Environment” category.

As a category, Our Ecological Footprint will be about imagery documenting environmental concerns in Central and Southern Appalachia. The threats to this region are real folks, so if you’re feeling inspired by this category, check out the Appalachian Voices website for more information on ecological concerns in the area. We really look forward to seeing the statements made with these images.

A comprehensive FAQ has been created as a way to help registrants with the registration and upload process, as well as other generic questions. Questions related to technical and registration issues should be covered, but we are always open to your ideas and suggestions. Please leave a comment on the blog, or submit a support ticket with your suggestion.

I have a feeling that this year will once again top the previous, and I encourage all of you to break out of your shell, take risks and leave fear at the door. This may be a “regional” competition, but the photographers entering are not all from this area. Last year we saw the first international submissions! The greatest thing about this competition is seeing how all of you push each other to reach the next level – amateurs and professionals alike. Make us proud!

Don’t forget to promote the competition on your own websites and blogs, too. We have code conveniently placed for you below featuring the same banner as the one seen here on this post. Thanks again for your encouragement, suggestions, and overall participation in this competition and we look forward to being awed once again with your submissions!

AMPC Banner Graphic:

<a href=”https://www.appmtnphotocomp.org/”><img src=”http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org/images/banners/ampc-banner-7th-annual.gif” border=”0″ alt=”7th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition” width=”525″ height=”116″ /></a>

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Answer:
Most Parkway facilities are closed in the winter, although the road itself is open as long as snow or ice do not create dangerous driving conditions. The park information line, (828) 298 0398, is the most up-to-date source for road closures by section and access to Parkway weather reports. Year round facilities include the Peaks of Otter Lodge north of Roanoke, VA, the North Carolina Minerals Museum near Spruce Pine, and in Asheville, NC the Folk Art Center and the Destination Center.

Many of the towns and communities located along the parkway offer shopping, meals, and lodging year round.

Fall and Winter Activities Along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Answer:
Fishing is permitted in all Parkway waters with a valid state fishing license from either North Carolina or Virginia. No special trout stamp or license is needed and persons under age 16 can fish without a license. Fishing is not permitted from footbridges, dams or adjacent walls. In trout waters, regulations are posted at the stream bank and are in effect for that stream only. This includes any streams that are catch and release only.

Be aware that many streams meander onto U.S. Forest Service or private land and regulations will vary as the jurisdiction changes.

At Julian Price Lake (Milepost 297), you may rent canoes or bring your own.  Boating is not allowed at any other Parkway lakes.

Visit Fishing on the Blue Ridge Parkway to learn more about the rules and regulations, read fishing reports, and more.

Cone Bass Lake Restrooms Are Priority Resource Provided Through Partnership of Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Blue Ridge Parkway, Town of Blowing Rock and Generous Donors

What happens when well over 300 people come together with one single mission?

It’s spelled S U C C E S S for the project and R E L I E F for those who will benefit from its service.

On Thursday, October 8th, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation will celebrate the completion and opening of the new Bass Lake comfort station. It is built as a miniature replica of the grand Flat Top Manor, the mountain home of Moses and Bertha Cone that overlooks the picturesque lake that is a recreation destination for thousands. The need for restrooms at Cone Bass Lake was identified by Parkway patrons as a priority for the park. It has become one of the busiest spots along the entire 469-mile national scenic highway that connects the Shenandoah in Virginia and Great Smokies in North Carolina.

As has been the case in numerous projects along the most visited National Park in America, the first to step up to meet the need was the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. In partnership with Parkway officials, the Town of Blowing Rock, and over 300 donors, the Foundation led the effort to design and construct a unique facility that will not only fill the need, but make it an architecturally appealing asset to the Moses Cone Park.

The Bass Lake Comfort Station will become an important resource for the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Moses Cone Estate, so important that a special ceremony is being planned to celebrate its opening.

“I’ve seen a lot of structures celebrate their completion with a ribbon cutting,” said a daily Bass Lake walker. “But I believe this is the first time I’ve heard about one to celebrate the opening of a restroom.”

“But I’ll be there,” she said. “It should be fun.”

Fun will be the emphasis on October 8th when dignitaries come together at 10 a.m. to lead donors and friends in a dedication ceremony that will feel more like a party than a serious and formal program of events.

For instance, you could be “King (or Queen) for a Day” by giving the comfort station a creative and funny name just for the day of the celebration, bringing a smile and a chuckle to those attending the ribbon cutting.

Norris Barnes of Blowing Rock, who has been a contributing patron of the celebration committee, put this part of the program into perspective.

The Aussies call it the “Thunderbox’”, he said. “Some call it the ‘Long Drop’, ‘Half Moon Mansion’, or even ‘Grandpa’s Office’. We’re hoping that our friends and neighbors will submit their creative name for the Comfort Station, one that will be for one day only, on October 8. The winner will claim their throne as the king or queen for the day, and the first to answer nature’s call at the brand new comfort station.”

Barnes said the rules are simple, just mail or e-mail the suggested name to committee member Jerry Burns (P.O. Box 1373, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605), or email at burnsjn@bellsouth.net. The winner will be selected by the committee and announced at the October 8 ceremony.

The naming of the new comfort station is just one of the activities planned for the ribbon cutting. While at least one of the events will remain secret until the ribbon cutting, some of the other activities on the program include a number of local and regional dignitaries, including Harvey Durham, Vice-Chair of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. Joining the Vice-Chair will be the Parkway’s Superintendent Phil Francis, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Houck Medford, Blowing Rock Mayor, J.B. Lawrence, and a number of other special guests from the Town of Blowing Rock, Watauga County, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Each person attending the event, to be held near the Bass Lake Parking area at the new Comfort Station, will be given a ticket making them the possible winner of a magnificent panoramic photograph of Flat Top Manor in Autumn by Foundation Board member David Combs and beautifully framed by Tim Miller of Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery.

Another framed print from the collection of artist Richard Tumbleston will go to a second winning ticket holder at the gathering.

Refreshments will be provided by the Blowing Rock Historical Society, and there will be special commemorative souvenirs for everyone present.

More detailed information about the ribbon cutting ceremony will follow. The event is open to all and those planning to attend should mark the date (Thursday, October and time (10 a.m.) on their calendars.

Answer:
The Blue Ridge Parkway like all national parks is managed as a wildlife preserve and hunting is not permitted anywhere within its boundaries.

The Parkway offers special permits to individuals who wish to access U.S. Forest Service land for the purpose of hunting. The permit allows access only from certain Parkway overlooks, and the conditions of the permit must be followed exactly. Information on the Hunter Parking Permit program is available at local ranger offices, from rangers in the field, and from park headquarters.

National Park Service regulations state: As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Check state regulations for Virginia or North Carolina to make certain of your compliance while in the park. Read more from the NPS.

For more information visit our Blue Ridge Parkway Regulations page.

Answer:
Pets on leashes are allowed on all areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway including parks, campgrounds, picnic areas and trails.

National Park Service regulations state:
“All dogs, cats, and other pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or under physical restraint at all times while in the park. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.”

Visit Blue Ridge Parkway Regulations for more information.

Answer:
Typically the best times to view fall colors occur during the month of October. Peak times normally are mid to late October. However, there is no given time table and many factors can impact fall colors.

Although peak fall colors normally occur during the last two weeks of October, pretty patches of colors can be seen into November.

The Parkway is 469 miles in length and traverses through many elevation changes. Fall colors typically come earlier in the higher elevations than the areas in lower elevations. The lowest elevation measures 649 feet above sea level, while the highest measures 6,047 feet above sea level.

For a complete list of Blue Ridge Parkway Overlook elevations, visit Virtual Blue Ridge’s virtual tour section.

Weather can be a major factor too. Unusually dry or wet summers can have an adverse effect in not only when the leaves begin to change and reach their peak, but also in the depth and richness of their colors.

High winds are not uncommon in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can marvel at the colors one day only to return the next after a night of high winds and find many of the same trees bare.

When planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway for viewing fall colors it is advisable to visit Virtual Blue Ridge for the latest Fall Color Report during the months of September through November. If you find yourself away from a computer, you can call the Parkway Hotline at 828-298-0398 for the latest recording. The fall color reports are updated weekly and are considered to be the best indicator of where and when to travel.

Answer:
Yes you can drive your RV on the Parkway but some commerical vehicles are not allowed. Care and caution should be observed on steep grades and sharp curves.

There are 26 tunnels along the Parkway, one in Virginia and the rest in North Carolina, mostly south of Asheville. To help plan your trip we have a handy reference list of tunnels along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It includes length, height and locations of all Parkway tunnels.

Answer:
The carriage trails located at Moses Cone Manor, the Doughton Park Horse Trail, and the Roanoke Valley Horse Trail all offer trails for riding. However you must bring your own horse. There are no horse rentals directly on the Parkway. Maps of these trails are available on our Horseback Riding page.

Outside of these limited areas horses are not allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway, in campgrounds, on trails or in parks.

There are many stables within close range of the Parkway that can provide guided tours and activities.

Visit Virtual Blue Ridge to view maps and learn more about horse trails and stables on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Many of you know Houck Medford the Philanthropist but are you familiar with Houck Medford the Photographer? This biography details Dr. Medford’s adventure with photography and how it has influenced his work as Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. Written by Greg A. Kiser with Four Forty Six Photography.

A short while ago, I went on a Trek to the Blue Ridge Parkway and spent a little bit of time on the trails of the Rough Ridge. While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet none other than the founder and executive director of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Dr. Houck Medford. While we were talking, our conversation quickly turned to photography and I realized that he was a fairly serious shooter in his own right.

Dr. Medford grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina which for those unfamiliar is some of the most unspoiled landscape to be found in the state. By the time he graduated from Tuscola High School in Waynesville, NC, Dr. Medford and his Dad had hiked all of the trails in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Of course, this wasn’t actually their goal at the time, it was just a natural thing to do. When he looks back at his childhood he recalls always being outside. The beauty of the North Carolina Mountains is infectious and will send anyone’s creative side into overload.

Read the full story