The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition Opening Reception takes place on Friday, February 3, 2012 along with the start of voting for the AMPC People’s Choice Award.  49 finalist images will be on display from February 3 through June 2 at the Turchin Center for the Visual arts on the Campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.

Cast your vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award via a kiosk at the exhibition or online at www.appmtnphotocomp.org.  Voting officially begins with the public reception opening at 7:00 pm, Friday, February 3 and voting will close at 5:00 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012.  The winner of the People’s Choice award receives a $350 cash award furnished by Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitter in Boone and Blowing Rock.

Winners will be announced after March 30, 2012 once votes have been tallied for the People’s Choice Award.

Visit Virtual Blue Ridge to read more about the press release for this year’s People’s Choice Award. We wish everyone the best of luck in choosing your favorite for this year’s PCA, it definitely won’t be quick and easy!

You all probably know most of the benefits of hiking (physical, mental, and financial), so you can think of this as a refresher course:

-An increase in muscle strength and bone strength (and therefore a decrease in osteoporosis)

-A decrease in hypertension

-A healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sunlight (as always, though, make certain to wear sunscreen so that this “healthy dose” doesn’t decline into sunburn)

-A loss of excess weight (“When hiking a comfortable 2-MPH, a person weighing 150 pounds will burn 240 calories in one hour.” –ATFiles.org)

-A decrease in cholesterol levels

-A decrease in depression and an overall increase in mental health

-A decrease in the risk for colon cancer and breast cancer

-An increase in your sense of accomplishment

Overall, hiking is an inexpensive way to exercise, stay in shape, and relax the mind. For further information, ATFiles.org has a wonderfully detailed article that you can read that covers most of the points above. Find a trail near you and start blazing.

Also, did you know that you can leave a Trip Advisor Review of the Blue Ridge Parkway? Click here and do so!

© Zainubrazvi

Vince Gill, one of the most  popular and honored performers in country music today – and one of the most respected musicians in Nashville – has been added to the MerleFest 25 lineup. Gill will perform on Thursday, April 26, delivering the closing performance of the evening. MerleFest 25, presented by Lowe’s Hardware, is slated for April 26 – 29, 2012, and will once again take place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. MerleFest is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans, gathering to celebrate the memory of musician Eddy Merle Watson, beloved son of American music icon Doc Watson.

Such blockbuster hits as “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” “Whenever You Come Around” and “I Still Believe In You” have helped Vince Gill sold more than 26 million albums over the course of his highly successful career. He has earned 18 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1993 and 1994. He is tied with George Strait for having won the most CMA Male Vocalist Awards (five), and is currently third only to George Strait (22) and Brooks & Dunn (19) for accumulating the most CMA Awards in history. Gill is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has received 20 Grammy Awards to date. Just last month, Gill scored his 41st Grammy nomination as a co-writer on “Threaten Me With Heaven,” nominated for Best Country Song. In August of 2007, the Country Music Association inducted Gill as a member of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.

Gill’s most recent project, Guitar Slinger (released in October 2011) is a favorite of both fans and music critics across the country, with iTunes proclaiming “Vince Gill’s superlative work in the ‘80s and ‘90s remains a high standard to reach, but he exceeds expectations on Guitar Slinger… When it comes to musical finesse and pure feeling, nobody does it like Vince.”

An avid golfer, Gill helped create the annual Vince Gill Pro-Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament (“The Vinny”) in 1993 in order to help support junior golf programs throughout Tennessee. Besides being known for his talent as a performer, musician and songwriter, Gill is regarded as one of Country Music’s best known humanitarians, participating in hundreds of charitable events throughout his career.

Ticket purchases for MerleFest 25 can be made on the web at www.merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. An early bird ticket discount is available through March 12, 2012.

With over 90 artists performing on 14 stages during the course of the event, MerleFest 25 is an excellent entertainment value. A complete list of confirmed performers is available at www.merlefest.org. Additionally, up-to-the-minute lineup additions for the festival can be obtained through the festival’s e-newsletter and through Facebook and Twitter.

MerleFest, considered one of the premiere music festivals in the country, is held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson and is a celebration of what Doc Watson calls “traditional plus” music, meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian regional plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play.” The annual festival has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

Congratulations from the organizers and sponsors of the AMPC to all the selected photographers and a sincere thank you to everyone who submitted photographs for consideration sharing their vision of the people, places and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians.

And the finalists are . . .

Remember, the exhibition at the Turchin Center on the campus of Appalachian State University opens on Friday February 3rd, 2012 and the images selected for exhibition will be posted on the High Country Photos website as soon as the People’s Choice Award voting begins on February 3rd. This night also marks the opening reception of the 9th annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition.

To all of this year’s participants: thank you for your support and participation. Together all of you keep raising the bar. Proceeds from the annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition support Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE Trips) at Appalachian State University. Visit www.op.appstate.edu to learn more.

The five ladders are all in a row and transport hikers along a steep rock cliff while providing unbeatable views of the surrounding landscape.  The section of trail, part of Grandfather Mountain State Park property, is under a trail easement that assigns responsibility for upkeep to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

Members of the Stewardship Foundation Interpretive Staff worked for months in the planning process.  Wood, cables and bolts had to be purchased, ladder posts and rungs had to be cut to size and corners and edges had to be smoothed before each piece of equipment was carried out to the Mountain’s backcountry.

Chief Interpretive Ranger Gabriel Taylor estimates that close to 200 hours of work were put in during the three days in early November when the ladders were actually installed on the trail.  Those helping out included Stewardship Foundation employees, State Park rangers and volunteers from Appalachian State University and the Boone Climbers Coalition.

“The old ladders weren’t dangerous but it was time for them to be replaced,” said Taylor.  “Hikers will notice subtle differences on the new ladders, one being that they are sturdier.”

Carriage bolts were used in place of nails on the new ladders.  The carriage bolts run through the rungs and posts and are much thicker and stronger than the nails that had a tendency to rust or bend. In addition, the cables that provide extra support for the ladder’s placement are now anchored in the rock more than an inch deeper than in the past.

The ladders along the Grandfather Trail allow many visitors the opportunity to traverse a rugged mountain top while offering up a great sense of accomplishment.  MacRae Cliff is located .7 miles up the trail when starting from the Grandfather Mountain nature park.

The special December Dollar Days admission is offered to residents and those working in the six counties represented by the NC High Country Host regional travel promotion organization:  Mitchell, Avery, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes.  The discount is also extended to students of colleges and universities in the High Country and to guests traveling in the same vehicle with those eligible for the December discount.  Please present a driver’s license, college ID, or local utility bill as proof of High Country residency.  An employee identification badge or pay stub can be used to show employment at a High Country business.

A slight change has been made to the Dollar Days rates to encourage guests to plan their visits for times when lines are shorter or nonexistent.  Admission for eligible Dollar Days guests will still be $1 per person on weekdays and on weekends before 10 am.  On weekends after 10 a.m., Dollar Days admission will be $2 per person.

“We are pleased that people respond so positively to our Dollar Days promotion,” said Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation President Penn Dameron. “One of the side effects of this popularity, however, has been that we have seen long lines develop at our entrance gate during peak hours.  We hope that this slight change to the promotion will reduce traffic congestion in the middle of the day, and will result in a more enjoyable experience for everyone.”

Due to an immediate need at local food banks, Grandfather Mountain is once again adding an extra way for those who work and reside in the High Country to take advantage of December Dollar Days.

This December instead of paying $1 (on weekdays or weekends before 10 a.m.) or $2 (on weekends after 10 a.m.) in cash for admission to Grandfather Mountain, you can choose to donate 1-2 cans of food per person for Grandfather’s December Food Drive.  All donations will be distributed to High Country food pantries.

“We encourage everyone who wants to take advantage of our Dollar Days offer to donate cans of food as the price of admission. This will double the benefit to the community,” said Dameron.

Many regular visitors believe that winter is the most beautiful season at Grandfather and visitors can expect to see 360 degree views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge that seem to go on forever.

Although the bears will be hibernating in December, the Mountain has four other animal exhibits where guests can see and photograph cougars, river otters, a golden eagle and white-tailed deer from close range in their natural surroundings.

The Nature Museum is a cozy place to duck into for a break from the chill. Mildred’s Grill offers homemade vegetable soup and chili, as well as salads and sandwiches.   Just down the path, Grandfather’s Fudge Shop has 20 savory flavors to choose from including peppermint stick, pumpkin pie and caramel peanut bar.

Another great opportunity while visiting the park during the winter is to visit the Mountain’s gift shops.  Many holiday presents for all age ranges can be found among the dozens of memorable items and collectibles stocked in the gift shops especially for the winter months.

The Mountain is open every day in December, weather permitting, with three exceptions.  The park will have reduced hours December 8 and 24 with ticket sales ending at 2 p.m. and the park closing at 3 p.m. The park will be closed all day December 25.   The hours of operation for the month are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with ticket sales ending at 4 p.m.  For current weather conditions, phone the Entrance gate at 828-733-4337.

Fallingwater Cascades is a beautiful 1.6 mile hike near Bedford, Virginia. It is an overall moderate trek with a few steeper, more strenuous areas thrown in, but the difficulties of those areas are lessened by stone stairways and bridges. The average amount of time that it takes to traverse this lovely loop is 1.5 hours.

There are two different places at which you can begin your hike. The first is the Blue Ridge Parkway’s milepost 83.1 at the Fallingwater Cascades Parking Lot, and the second is at milepost 83.5, the Flat Top Parking Area. After beginning on the well-traveled path that is rimmed with rhododendrons and hemlock, it is approximately 0.6 miles to the cascades.

The purling cascades serve to enhance the brilliance of the natural scenery, making this a lovely hike for the intermediate traveler. (It is particularly beautiful with the red, brown and gold of autumn.) Grab a friend, a bottle of water, and a camera, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Fallingwater Cascades.

Photo by Tara Stoll

Click here for original post.

“All of our jurors this year are passionate about the outdoors, possess a significant and varied photographic background, and have been committed to the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition in some way over the years,” states AMPC Competition Director, Rich Campbell. “We are thrilled to have these individuals be a part of the AMPC who are dedicating their time, talent, and expertise to the competition this year.”

William A. Bake

William A. Bake has photographed the South for over 35 years and has created five successful books as well as booklets, prints, and posters. Considered one of the South’s premier landscape photographers, Bake has captured many of the unique landscapes found in the southern Appalachians.

Among his published photography books are Wayfarer: A Voice from the Southern Mountains with James Dickey; The American South: Four Seasons of the Land and Towns and Cities, both with James J. Kilpatrick; and The Blue Ridge. In addition to being a well-regarded photographer, Bake is also an accomplished writer and interpreter of the natural and cultural heritage of the United States.

Ellen Gwin

Ellen Gwin grew up in a family full of artists and fell in love with photography in middle school. Having graduated from Appalachian State University with a double major in Technical Photography and Communication, Gwin has been working professionally as a photographer ever since. She enjoys shooting photography in both film and digital formats.

Passionate about her home in western North Carolina and the amazing natural and outdoor resources available, Gwin strives to promote these resources at every given chance.

Andrew Miller

Andrew Miller developed a passion for photography in the mid-nineties when he began capturing the wild and unique places he found himself working in as an outdoor educator and guide. He continues to work as a freelance photographer capturing the work of artists for print, web, and archival purposes and has had images published in fine art catalogs and WNC Magazine.

While working at Appalachian State University, Andrew developed the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition and Exhibition and oversaw the competition through the first 8 years.

This year’s competition deadline is fast approaching! Be sure to get your photos uploaded by 5:00 pm Friday, November 18, 2011.

Rich Campbell

The AMPC has grown into one of the most prestigious regional photography competitions and we aim to strengthen that position. We have developed a very strong partnership with local entities such as the Turchin Center, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Virtual Blue Ridge, Appalachian Voices, the Mast General Store, Bistro Roca, Footsloggers, Peabody’s, Stick Boy Bread Company, and others.

Connections in the community create so many opportunities for us as a competition. We really want this to continue to be a true community event. We want people who visit the exhibition in the Turchin Center between February and June to feel like they have just seen the best collection of images available that depict the unique character, people, places, and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians.

I have been Associate Director at ASU Outdoor Programs for 15 years, and am thrilled to be more closely linked to the competition. I have directed the Banff Film Festival every year since its inception and I am excited to work closely with both the photography competition and film festival this year. The two events complement one another so well that it is a natural progression.

2011 Banff Film Festival Audience

We have intentionally created the AMPC to be a part of the Banff Film Festival weekend. That weekend has really turned into a celebration of mountain culture. The Banff Film Festival brings films from all over the globe highlighting mountain culture. The AMPC is a way for our community to interact, in a very personal level through photography, with our own mountain region and community. We have Banff bring us films from all corners of the globe, and we have our own community showcasing new aspects of our beloved Southern Appalachian region through the AMPC. It is a great ‘local to global festival’ on mountain culture every spring, right here in Boone.

Our Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE) are programs and trips that are longer and they travel to more diverse locations in North America and abroad. SOLE programs emphasize discovery of self and expedition team members – as well as discovery of the landscapes and cultures of the wilderness areas and countries we explore. We travel in regions of countries that are seldom visited, remote and exceptionally beautiful. Traveling in these settings through adventure education, students learn valuable skills in leadership, perseverance, group dynamics, teamwork, responsibility, wilderness ethics and global perspectives.

[Video for New Zealand SOLE Trip]

Proceeds from the Banff Film Festival and the AMPC make these experiences, that many students share with us as life changing, more accessible to more students.

We encourage photographers to enter this competition regardless of their previous experience. We do have professional photographers who enter, but we have also had plenty of success with amateur photographers in the past, including amateurs who have captured Best in Show. Photographers who capture a unique perspective of a familiar landscape or an interesting take on a familiar subject tend to do really well in this competition.

One of the primary goals of the AMPC is to encourage photographers to grab their camera and create their own story that they want to share with our community. When hundreds of people do this, the end result is a powerful exhibition and an important archive of what is so special to our own mountain community that we call home.

Deadline for submitting entries is Friday, November 18, 2011 at 5:00 pm. Follow Virtual Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition on Facebook for all the latest updates and news.

“We wanted to create a fun event that would give kids a chance to be more involved in the animals’ day and provide us with the opportunity to raise awareness about the improvements that we hope to make to our eagle habitat,” said Christie Tipton, habitat manager.

Halloween activities take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are included with regular admission. Kids in costume will get in at half price.

The day begins at 10 a.m. with Halloween-themed crafts in the Nature Museum. At 10:30 a.m. kids can go trick or treating in the animal habitats, which will be decorated in mummy, werewolf, ghost and graveyard themes.

At 11 a.m. Naturalists will meet by the Mildred the Bear statue in the Nature Museum to lead an interactive program titled “Going Batty for Bats.” Participants will learn all about bats and their importance to the environment.

Prepare to be captivated by ghost stories at 11:30 a.m. in the Nature Museum Auditorium. Local storytellers Maggie Christenbury and Owen Gray will lead scary tales to thrill the whole family.

At 12:30 p.m. kids get a chance to compete in a costume contest and vote on their favorite costume worn by the animal habitat staff. Voting takes place in the Nature Museum lobby.

Immediately following the costume contest, guests have a unique opportunity to participate in the animal enrichments by decorating pumpkins and other treats that will later be given to the animals. An enrichment is anything different that can help to break up the animals’ day such as a scent, a new toy or a treat.

Join the Mountain’s Naturalists in the Nature Museum at 1 p.m. for the “Creepy, Crawly Critters!” program. Participants will learn about creatures of the night, creatures that bite and other spooky animals.

At 2 p.m. the Habitat Staff will begin the animal enrichments.  Meet at the deer overlook to watch the animals enjoy their decorated treats.

The last of the day’s programming will take place in front of the fudge shop at 2:45 p.m. An “Owl Encounter” allows guests to meet and learn about the spooky night prowlers that can be found in the High Country.

Throughout the day guests can learn more about the eagle habitat, special programs offered by habitat staff and additional opportunities to get involved on the Mountain. For more information, contact the habitat staff at 828-733-8715.

Grandfather Mountain is a globally recognized nature preserve famous for its 360-degree vistas, native wildlife habitats and Mile High Swinging Bridge. The attraction is located on US Highway 221, two miles north of Linville, NC, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park in the public interest and participate in educational research activities.

For more information phone 800-468-7325 or plan a trip at www.grandfather.com.

Motorcyclists from around the world have come to see the best leaf colors in years on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Blessed with outstanding weather for motorcycle riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains, hardly a day has passed I’ve not made some excuse to get out on the bike. It’s been warm, the sun has been brilliant, and the skies clear and deep cobalt blue. Finally, the leaves at the highest sections have started one of the best fall color shows in years.

I spent Sunday riding the section of  the Blue Ridge Parkway between Waynesville and Maggie Valley admiring the colors. Hundreds of other bikers were out doing the same.

A view of riders enjoying the dramatic scenes below Waterrock Knob near Maggie Valley

I met some riders from Florida at the Mt. Lynn Lowery overlook. I spoke with another couple of travelers from Ontario, Canada a little further up the road. At Waterrock Knob I recognized a dialect I’d last heard in the Czech Republic and stumbled out a greeting in my broken version of Russian with an offer to take a group photo.

Motorcyclists have traveled from around the globe to see this spectacular sight and this year it’s worth the effort, the leaves are exploding with brilliant color.

These riders from Ontario, Canada were loving the spectacular views from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

There’s still time to pack up the bike and make a trip, the colors start at the highest points then creep down the slopes a bit more each day extending the show over several weeks. The lower sections are still green and waiting their turn.

Don’t miss out on one of the best fall seasons in a long time on the nations most popular motorcycle ride.

It’s an easy trip, there a plenty of affordable rooms available, and this year it’s a sight to be seen!

Behind the Scenes tours take place daily at 1 p.m. and additionally at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Guests will see where the cougars and otters sleep at night, meet black bears that are not commonly on display and even observe a training session. Animal keepers will also answer any questions that may arise during the program. Participants must be capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain. Closed-toed shoes are required.

In addition to the daily opportunity for a behind the scenes look, the cost of the program has been reduced for October. Behind the Scenes Tours cost $25 per person in addition to regular admission into Grandfather Mountain. Annual pass holders can participate for $20 per person.  For more information, or to reserve a tour in advance, call 828-733-8715.

Grandfather Mountain is a globally recognized nature preserve famous for its 360-degree vistas, native wildlife habitats and Mile High Swinging Bridge. The attraction is located on US Highway 221, two miles north of Linville, NC, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park in the public interest and participate in educational research activities. For more information phone 800-468-7325.

The OVNHT preserves and commemorates the route used by patriot militia in their 1780 campaign that led to victory over loyalist forces led by Major Patrick Ferguson at the key battle of Kings Mountain.  Working with a variety of partners, the National Park Service (NPS), as administrating agency for the trail, continues to identify trail segments and open them up for public use.  The newly opened 1.3-mile section of pathway is actually an original part of the route and is a roadbed that is centuries old.

On September 29, 1780, this section of historic roadway saw the passage of hundreds of patriot militia on horseback heading east through Hefner Gap and towards North Cove.  Led by Colonels John Sevier and Issac Shelby, these Overmountain men had come from frontier settlements in present day east Tennessee some days previously.  They would play a key role in the victory at Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780.

In 2008, the Conservation Trust for North Carolina was able to purchase the 534 acre Rose Creek tract, preserving land which borders the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as containing the newly certified OVNHT segment.  In April of this year, the land was conveyed to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, which has worked with NPS officials to have the trail section certified.

The event is free and open to the public.  Members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association in period colonial dress will participate.

In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held at the nearby covered pavilion at the Historic Orchard at Altapass, located at Parkway milepost 328.3.

For further information, please contact OVNHT Superintendent, Paul Carson, at (864) 936-3477, or Blue Ridge Parkway Ranger, Jonathan Bennett, at (828) 765-1228.

In 2010, 88 people died walking or cycling on our Virginia roadways. 621 cyclists and 1,585 pedestrians were injured. By contrast, 84 people died walking or cycling in 2009.

Drive Smart Virginia and Bike Walk Virginia want Virginia motorists to ‘Share the Road’ with cyclists and pedestrians and are partnering for the third year in a campaign designed to save lives and reduce the number of injuries.

Lack of knowledge and risky behavior often leads to crashes between roadway users. Taking time to learn the laws and safety practices can save a life, especially with area schools starting back up and many students walking, cycling and driving on the roadways.

In Virginia, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. “Many people don’t realize that,” said Janet Brooking, Executive Director for DRIVE Smart Virginia. “Bikes, just like cars, have to obey all the traffic signs, signals, lights and markings.” A bicycle should always travel in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic.

Motorists must leave at least two feet when passing a bicyclist and pass at a reasonable speed. Bike Walk Virginia Executive Director Kimberly Perry said, “Whether you’re on a bike, walking or in a car, if you behave in a predictable manner you can reduce the risk of crashes.” Whether riding in a car or on a bicycle, all safety precautions should be used, including a safety belt in a car, and a helmet on a bicycle.

Cyclists can also protect themselves by wearing bright clothing, using flashing lights during day and night, and by securing loose clothing.

Pedestrians can improve safety by wearing bright colors during the day and reflective material or blinking lights at night. Light colored clothing is slightly helpful in making you visible at night, reflective tape or reflective fabric is much better.

For more information please contact Rob Richardson, Public Relations and Outreach Manager at Drive Smart Virginia at (804) 929-2988. Shane Cusick, Programs and Outreach Manager at Bike Walk Virginia (804) 859-4820.

Grandfather Flash Mob

There will be a flash mob at Grandfather Mountain Tuesday, September 13 and we need your help! We need as many people as possible to come and be a part of the event to make it GREAT!

This flash mob will consist of a large group of people (that’s you guys and ladies!) converging on and around the Swinging Bridge and singing “The Hills Are Alive.” A team from ASU will be on hand to help us capture the event and produce a video for YouTube. We hope to have some local celebrities make cameos as well.

The event should be a lot of fun! Our goal is for the flash mob and subsequent video to promote the High Country, Grandfather Mountain, and a Balsam Range concert we’ve got planned for later in the month (details about this are on the Grandfather Mountain website).

PLEASE SHARE THIS EVENT INVITE WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND COWORKERS IN THE AREA.

Those taking part in the flash mob need to arrive at Grandfather on September 13th between 5:30 pm and 6 pm. We’d like for the flash mob to begin as close to 6 pm as possible. Those taking part will not need to pay admission. We hope to have everything wrapped up and the park cleared at 7 pm.

The rain date for this will be September 14.

Quick Facts About Best Easy Day Hikes – Blue Ridge Parkway

  » Author :: Randy Johnson
  » Maps:: 35
  » Pages :: 154
  » Size :: 8.96″ x 6.32″
  » Format :: Paperback

The author, Randy Johnson, is a widely published photojournalist who has helped design Parkway trails and lives near the Parkway. He’s the author of Hiking North Carolina, Best Easy Day Hikes Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and other books.

Purchase this book online at the Virtual Blue Ridge Bookstore.

Jerry Butler and the Blu-J's

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s Fall Concert Series will present three concerts in September, premiering on Friday, September 2 with a performance by Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s. All the concerts begin at 7:00 pm and are presented in the Heritage Center’s outdoor amphitheater which has a roof over the entire amphitheater so that concerts take place rain or shine.

Based in Knoxville, Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s are bluegrass festival favorites. Their repertoire consists of original and traditional bluegrass songs, familiar classic country songs and heartfelt gospel.

Band leader/guitarist/vocalist Jerry Butler began playing and singing bluegrass music at the age of twelve.  His first band, The Knoxville Newgrass Boys, included Phil Leadbetter, a classmate and dobro virtuoso. They started out playing at high schools and then played at festivals around the South and even performed at the White House during the Bicentennial. Butler has also performed with Lynwood Lunsford & the Misty Valley Boys, The Joe Isaacs Band, and Pine Mountain Railroad.

The Grassabillies

On September 9, The Grassabillies are returning to the Heritage Center after making a big splash at their Fall Concert Series debut last year. Hailing from Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains, The Grassabillies are a musical group of family and friends that plays bluegrass music with no rules and no apologies. The star of the show is vivacious vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Kata Hay. A native of Oklahoma and a talented yodeler, she holds the distinction of being the youngest person to win the Ed McMahon Star Search at age five. She then went on to tour the country, opening concerts and working with such artists as LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts, Ray Price, Kitty Wells, Mickey Gilley, and Barbara Mandrell. In 2005, she took a job in one of the music theaters in Pigeon Forge, TN, where she met Robbie Helton, her future husband, band-mate, and co-writer. They later became featured performers at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and formed two bands, Kata Hay & The Blaze and The Grassabillies.

The Lonetones

The Fall Concert Series will conclude with a performance by The LoneTones from Knoxville. Also making their second appearance at the Heritage Center, The LoneTones are a very talented group of songwriters and musicians with a unique acoustic sound. They play original, Appalachian roots-based music that stretches the “tradition.” They’ve been called modern folk, Americana, folk rock, folkadelic, and more by various music writers attempting to describe their music. At the center of the band are married couple Steph Gunnoe (guitar and vocals) and Sean McCollough (banjo, mandolin, guitar, keys and vocals). They are backed by the strong rhythm section of Maria Williams (bass and vocals) and Steve Corrigan (drums and glockenspiel).

The Fall Concert Series is sponsored by Boyd’s Jig & Reel. Admission to each concert is $5.00 per person at the door, with Heritage Center members admitted free. Food and beverage concessions are available for purchase on site. No coolers, food, drink, or pets are allowed. For more information, call the Center at 865-448-0044 or visit their website.

Grandfather Mountain’s

“Hiking 101″ is designed to teach beginners how to successfully complete a day hike.  Presented Saturday, August 20 at 11 am, the class will cover equipment, clothing, footwear and what to pack for a day in the woods.   Whether you consider yourself a seasoned outdoorsmen or a novice, everyone should find this class a great planning discussion before striking out into the unknown.

“There are a lot of variables that one should consider while planning a hiking or camping trip,” said Chief Interpretive Ranger Gabe Taylor. “Having the proper equipment and being prepared for a variety of weather is a must.”

“How High Is That Tree?” will teach visitors to identify the types of trees they encounter and how to use a clinometer to measure the height of a tree.   Participants will make their own clinometers (an optical device for measuring elevation over horizon) and apply the tool not only to trees but also to a variety of other calculations. The program will be offered Saturday, August 27 at 11 am.

Programs with Grandfather’s interpretive rangers last approximately one hour and are free with the price of admission to Grandfather Mountain ($15/adult and $7/children ages 4-12).

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation merged its trails and naturalist departments in June in order to create an interpretive ranger staff that provides visitors with additional ways to experience and learn about the mountain’s diverse environment.

The rangers are also offering guided hikes along the Mountain’s famed Grandfather Trail. A half day hike to MacRae Peak and back (0.9 miles) is $15 per person and a full day hike to Calloway Peak and back (2.4 miles) is $30 per person. A minimum of two people are required to book a guided hike.

These hikes allow participants to learn more about the history, geology, flora and fauna of Grandfather. The Grandfather Trail is strenuous and has some extremely steep sections where hikers use in-place cables and ladders.

To book a guided hike or for any questions on interpretive ranger programming please call 828-737-0833 or send an e-mail.

7 Walkers Featuring Bill Kreutzmann and Papa Mali, Infamous Stringdusters, Possum Jenkins, Simplified, Major Sevens, Strange Lady, and Great Funktier Added to Performer Lineup.

Music On the Mountaintop has confirmed the second round of artists slated for the fourth annual two-day music festival outside of Boone, North Carolina this August 26-27, 2011. The newest artists joining the performer lineup at the camping festival includes: 7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann and Papa Mali; Infamous Stringdusters; Possum Jenkins; Simplified; Major Sevens; Strange Lady and Grand Funktier. These latest additions to the environmentally conscious festival join previously announced performers: Sam Bush; Railroad Earth; Greensky Bluegrass; Acoustic Syndicate; Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band; Frontier Ruckus; Town Mountain; River Whyless; Naked Gods; the Mantras; the New Familiars; the Lazybirds; the Native Sway; Simplified; Uncle Mountain and Secret B-Sides.

Music On the Mountaintop is held at the Grandfather Campgrounds in Foscoe, North Carolina. The first year at the new location, the venue is located approximately ten miles from Boone, North Carolina, providing potable water throughout, several public restrooms and bathhouses, a public store, and over 200 shaded campsites. The campgrounds provide the perfect setting for the ecologically driven festival, which focuses on educational awareness on pressing environmental issues. Music On the Mountaintop will work closely with Mountain Alliance and Appalachian Voices, to continue efforts for a cleaner more sustainable world.

“It is important that Music On the Mountaintop is trying to give back,” states festival veteran and 2011 headliner Sam Bush. “It’s not just a music festival, it’s helping out with environmental issues and helping their community.” Bush recently created a video message in support of Music On the Mountaintop, which can be viewed in it’s entirety below:

Tickets are on sale now and begin at $40 for a single day ticket and $70 for a weekend pass. You can purchase tickets online or at the gate. There will be two levels of camping this year. Level One, standard camping will be made available for  $15 in addition to the festival pass and Level Two is primitive camping, available for $12 in addition to the festival pass. Car Camping Tickets are limited.

Music On the Mountaintop is produced by Yellowdog Entertainment. Visit the Music on the Mountaintop website for the most up to date information.

Those who wish to review and comment on this document may do so by visiting the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/roanokevalleytrailplan. Even though using this website is recommended, written comments may also be submitted to:  Blue Ridge Parkway, ATTN:  Suzette Molling, 199 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803.  Comments must be sent by September 12.  Ideas and concerns expressed by those who comment will be used to prepare the final proposal and impact analysis.

Comments are typically treated as a public record and made available for public review.  Individuals may request that the National Park Service withhold their name and address from disclosure.  Such requests will be honored to the extent allowable by law.

Comments will also be accepted at a Public Meeting to be held on Thursday, September 1, 2011. The public meeting will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Virginia’s Explore Park Visitor Center Auditorium, Milepost 115.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Members of the public may stop by at any time during these hours to meet with Parkway staff and provide comments.

Professional and amateur photographers are officially invited to participate in this year’s Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition! Every year the competition gets more fierce as photographers from all over the world submit hundreds of entries for review. What will you be submitting this year?

There are a couple of new developments for this year’s comp that we’d like to make everyone aware of.

The prize for the Our Ecological Footprint category is larger than ever, totalling $450. Appalachian Voices will be furnishing $200 cash while Mast General Store will be contributing a prize package worth $250. That makes this category the 3rd largest prize! If you need inspiration on capturing imagery that shows negative impacts on the environment in Southern Appalachia please visit the Appalachian Voices website for the latest news.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s category, Blue Ridge Parkway — A Ribbon of Road, will focus on images of the Blue Ridge Parkway that incorporate some aspect of the roadway itself.

Please note that this year’s timeframe for submissions is a bit different as well. This year’s contest starts August 1, 2011 with a deadline for submissions on November 18, 2011.

As usual, please help us spread the word! We have press releases available on our Media  page, and this nifty banner that you can use on your own websites and blogs. If you’re promoting the comp on Twitter, please use the hashtag #appmtnphoto.

<a href=”http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org/”><img src=”http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org/images/banners/ampc-banner-9th-annual.gif” border=”0″ alt=”9th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition” width=”525″ height=”116″ /></a>

Remember that a portion of the proceeds raised from the AMPC support Outdoor Programs Student Learning Expeditions at Appalachian State University. SOLE trips take students around the world on educational journeys of discovery. Visit the Outdoor Programs website to learn more about this exciting program.

Thank you for your support this year and Happy Shooting!

The Doughton Park Campground and Brinegar Cabin are open and accessible by traveling the Parkway from the south.

Beginning the Spring of 2012, additional closures and detours will follow between Milepost 218 near Cumberland Knob and Milepost 230. The Bluffs Lodge and Coffee Shop will remain closed for the season.

The Historic Stone Guardwall Reconstruction Project will involve 28 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 217 to Milepost 245) that contain 32,000 linear feet of historic rock masonry walls. A significant portion of the walls are severely deteriorated due to settlement and the effect of freeze-thaw cycles over the past 75 years. This project rehabilitates and reconstructs the most deficient wall sections.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is recognized worldwide as an international example of landscape design achievement. Designed and built to provide a leisurely recreational driving experience and showcase the scenic resources of the central and southern Appalachian Mountains, this section of Parkway displays the historic rock guide walls that line the motor road.

Constructed during the late 1930s, these rock walls are now an important historic Parkway resource. Though built in the rustic style used throughout other American national parks, the walls have become a significant feature that defines the visual and historic character of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This project will restore the structural integrity and historic appearance of this important cultural resource.

Blue Ridge Parkway management regrets the inconvenience or delay this closure may cause Parkway visitors.

This year’s theme is “Rock Your Park!” NRPA and its grassroots initiative, America’s Backyard, encourage Americans to show the country how parks and recreation make life extraordinary! NRPA will support park and recreation agencies and citizens as they plan special events and initiatives that remind local decision makers and the community of the exciting and vital role that parks and recreation play in the lives of Americans.

This year is particularly motivating as there are five weekends in July, giving citizens a record number of opportunities to get out to their local parks and recreation areas and get active. NRPA, in coordination with park and recreation agencies nationwide, is inspiring people to create a healthy weekend habit by getting out to a park, trail, playground, swimming pool, natural area or other public space every weekend this July. To make a personal commitment to get outdoors, citizens can sign the Five in July Park Pledge.

“According to recent studies, about one-third of Americans struggle with inactivity, obesity and associated health challenges,” said NRPA CEO Barbara Tulipane. “Now is time for change. Through Park and Recreation Month, we’re encouraging Americans to get out, get active and get healthy. By signing our Five in July Park Pledge, citizens can become a real part of the movement toward wellness.”

Park and recreation agencies are at the forefront in the fight against obesity and in the campaign for health and wellness; however, their services and programs are dangerously at risk due to budget cuts. National Park and Recreation Month is just one way citizens can develop healthy habits and get out locally to show their support of this vital resource.

To spread the word and demonstrate the power of parks and recreation, NRPA is hosting a national “Rock Your Park” Flash Mob Contest. Citizens are encouraged to put together a group of people and show the power of parks together in Flash Mob form. Also, NRPA is hosting its second annual July Social Media Project. Individuals are encouraged to take photos with the official “Rock Your Park” social media sign and post them on their favorite social media sites.

Through efforts by NRPA, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an official resolution for Park and Recreation Month in 2009. The association supports the national park and recreation community and the general public by advocating for federal support for park and recreation programs and legislation.

As a President’s Challenge Advocate, NRPA is also pleased to promote the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award program in support of the Let’s Move initiative. For those looking to extend their physical activity commitment, the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, or “PALA,” can be earned by taking part in 60 minutes of physical activity for kids (30 minutes for adults), five days a week for six weeks. For additional information, please visit www.millionpalachallenge.org.

Choose from these link options:

• 468×60 Graphic Banner
• 300×250 Graphic Banner
• 125×125 Graphic Banner
• Detailed Text Link
• Plain Text Link

For the 468×60 Banner

Copy and paste this code into your website or blog:

<a href="http://www.blueridgemotorcycling.com/" ><img title="Blue Ridge Motorcycling" src="http://www.blueridgemotorcycling.com/images/banners/blue-ridge-motorcycling-468x60.gif" alt="Blue Ridge Motorcycling" width="468" height="60" /></a>


Copy and paste this code into your website or blog:

<a href="http://www.blueridgemotorcycling.com/"><img title="Blue Ridge Motorcycling" src="http://www.blueridgemotorcycling.com/images/banners/blue-ridge-motorcycling-300x250.gif" alt="Blue Ridge Motorcycling" width="300" height="250" /></a>


Copy and paste this code into your website or blog:

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Get your free ride maps and information on motorcycle-friendly destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains at Blue Ridge Motorcycling!

Copy and paste this code into your website or blog:

<p>Get your free ride maps and information on motorcycle-friendly destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains at <strong><a href="http://www.blueridgemotorcycling.com/">Blue Ridge Motorcycling</a></strong>!</p>


Blue Ridge Motorcycling

Copy and paste this code into your website or blog:

<strong><a href="http://www.blueridgemotorcycling.com/">Blue Ridge Motorcycling</a></strong>


There are so many great rides out there and sharing these routes is a great way to foster camraderie among the online community. We look forward to getting your submission!

Click here to submit a motorcycle ride for the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Floyd Fandango

If the true definition of ‘Fandango’ is a lively dance done in triple time, then Floyd Fandango, a weekend-long Independence Day celebration, is not too far off the mark. This unique event, which is held annually off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Floyd, Virginia, has garnered somewhat of a cult following since its 2004 inception. Unorthodox festivities are often the headline, including past performances by Junior Brown playing under an Italian carnival tent with snake charmers and a trained dog show, and other carnival-themed attractions. This year’s attendees can expect an equally solid roster of non-traditional entertainment and merriments.

Upon arrival at the pristine mountain venue, located at milepost 170.5 off the beautiful, and non-commercial, Blue Ridge Parkway, attendees exchange a ticket for a commemorative wine or beer glass and wooden pogs for beer tasting (wine tastings are free throughout the day). Meander along a shady garden path, past a small stage of string musicians, and onto the main field- a 40-acre expanse culminating with a jaw-dropping, timber framed stage set against the tree-lined backdrop of Rock Castle Gorge. Set up a chair or shade tent and relax to the alt-country sounds of the aptly-chosen band These United States and Big Easy musical favorite Anders Osborne, both opening acts for headliner JJ Grey and Mofro, a southern-born crooner with a large southwest Virginia following.

Two large covered tents feature wine tastings on one side of the field and beer tastings on the other, with a competition for ‘best in show,’ ‘people’s choice’ and ‘judges choice,’ as well as best red wine, best white wine, and best light, medium, and dark beer. This year’s event showcases over 50 vintages of wine from local favorites Chateau Morisette, Villa Appalaccia and AmRhein wineries, as well as Cooper Vineyards, Davis Valley, Fincastle, Horton, Mattaponi, and Rockbridge vineyards. Craft beer options include Long Trail Brewing, Highland Brewery, Starr Hill, Blue Mountain Brewery, Breckenridge Brewing, Bull and Bones Brewhaus, Crispin Hard Apple Cider, Foothills Brewing, Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales, Old Dominion, River Company, Stillwater Artisanal Brewing Company, and Woodchuck Hard Cider.

With the 4th of July falling on a Monday, there’s no reason to rush back to school or work – weekend tickets include on-site camping and a low-key, high-octane Saturday night party, held after hours for those with a weekend camping ticket, extending the fun until midnight. All told, Floyd Fandango shares many of the attributes that might be used to describe the beverages it showcases- lively, full-bodied, and with a hint of blush.

For tickets or more information on this fine event, visit www.floydfandango.com or call 1-888-VAFESTS

Motorcycle Journeys Through the Appalachians

The best motorcycling in the East is tucked away deep in the mid-coast’s Appalachian mountains. Motorcycle Journeys Through the Appalachians will take you to the greatest roads and roadhouses that only the locals, like author Dale Coyner, know about. Packed with colorful photos and maps, tips on places to eat and play, and of course Dale Coyner’s humor.  [ More Info ]

The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Travel

This guide book is perfect for motorcyclists to help prepare for traveling long distances over extended periods of time. Whether you’re getting ready for a weekend trip beyond your home turf, or for a transcontinental odyssey lasting several years, this motorcycle travel guide details the fundamentals for riding in comfort, safety, and convenience.  [ More Info ]

Taking a Break on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Virtual Blue Ridge is announcing the launch of a new website focusing on motorcycling in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Joe Veler, president of Virtual Blue Ridge, said “The launch of the website is perfect timing since May is Motorcycling Safety Awareness Month, and the lack of motorcycling safety tips specific to mountain driving was astonishing – until now.”

BlueRidgeMotorcycling.com features tips for driving in the mountains, an important feature since 27% of motorcycle accidents in 2010 occurred in the mountain region where only 12% of the state’s population resides. “Coordinating with Sgt. Mark L. Brown with the North Carolina Highway Patrol was paramount in getting a lot of this safety information together,” said Veler.

Sgt. Brown, coordinator of BikeSafeNC, says the Highway Patrol is very interested in reducing motorcycle fatalities by partnering an education tool such as www.BikeSafeNC.com with an enforcement element. There is no one better to teach this than the motor officers that do it for a living every day. BikeSafeNC is funded by a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) and partners with local departments to offer courses for motorcyclists. As a joint venture of the GHSP, the Highway Patrol, and local agencies, BikeSafeNC’s common goal is to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities statewide.

Enjoying a Sunset on a Mountain Ridge

The new site is dedicated to providing information on routes favorable to motorcyclists including scenic features, mile by mile directions and interactive maps, as well as tips to keep them safe.

Motorcycle-friendly businesses are highlighted on the site to provide information so motorcyclists will have an easier time finding the best places to stay, eat, and play.

Future phases of the website will include motorcycling videos, Road Journal posts, guest ride submissions, additional destinations, community interaction, and GPS downloads of the rides. “We know these features will be instrumental in growing an online Blue Ridge Mountain Motorcycling Enthusiast community, and everyone’s feedback will be instrumental in how well the site progresses,” said Veler.

In addition to Sgt. Brown’s contribution of content, other motorcycling enthusiasts have helped to provide valuable content and popular motorcycle routes.

Misty Journey on a Mountain Road

Wayne Busch, cartographer, explorer, and designer, is no stranger to two-wheeled adventures. Owner of AmericaRidesMaps.com, Busch provides insider info to motorcycle rides with interesting twists. He is also prolific in producing point-of-view videos for the enjoyment of all. Busch has been featured in several publications and worked with SpeedTV on the Speed Channel. Every year Busch travels thousands of miles, selects the best rides, and presents them in a series of motorcycle maps.

Dale Coyner is the author of two books geared for motorcyclists. His expertise and sense of humor have made him a popular author with motorcycle enthusiasts. Coyner has been riding and writing since 1989, and has been featured in dozens of publications, including Rider and Motorcycle Consumer News.

FloydFest

2011 marks the 10-year anniversary of an event that has become a model for the independent, grassroots, multi-genre family friendly outdoor music festival. In the way of marketing imagery, this anniversary edition of FloydFest X, the experience is aptly named.

The “X”, according to spokespersons for the Floyd, Virginia based Production Company, Across-The-Way-Productions, stands for all things ‘X’ (eXcept ‘X-rated’). It is eXponential, that ticket sales for the festival are hovering at 100% over last year, trending to an early sell-out for an event that started in 2002 with 3,000 people on a farm off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway near Floyd, Virginia.

It is ‘eXtraordinary’ that the aforementioned parkway locale gives the venue a breathtaking beauty. Watching performers on the custom timber framed Dreaming Creek main stage against a backdrop of trees and stars, with not a commercial building or vehicle in sight is a near-spiritual experience for anyone attending.

The 2011 line-up could be called ‘eXtreme’. It’s being touted as the “best of a decade” and includes these performers: Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Taj Mahal, The Tony Rice Unit, The David Grisman Sextet, Peter Rowan’s Bluegrass Band, Railroad Earth, North Mississippi All Stars, Sam Bush Band, Hot Tuna Electric and Acoustic, Del McCoury Band, Cyro Baptista & Beat the Donkey, Toubab Krewe, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and many more.

With over one hundred bands showcased on nine uniquely different performance stages and spanning Wednesday through Sunday, it could also be named ‘FloydFest the eXtended version’.

You can’t forget ‘X marks the spot’ – FloydFest X offers as much diversity in the non-musical arena as it does within it. Children are well occupied in a safe and central ‘Children’s Universe’ that features open-mic performances, stage entertainment, waterslide, martial arts workshops, free trapeze lessons, and a gaming tent. Alternative-trending adults (and those just looking for a great massage) will thrill at the array of workshops and variants of therapy from tai chi to qigong. Food offerings range from organic vegetarian to brick oven pizza to gator bites, solar smoothies, homemade doughnuts, local coffee, Virginia wines and craft beer including Magic Hat, Starr Hill and Foothills Brewing. Over 100 regional artisans offer a selection of superior products from handcrafted moccasins to instruments, clothes, jewelry and fine art.

‘EXponential, eXtreme, eXtended, FloydFest X is definitely shaping up to be all that it proclaims- basically the music eXperience of the summer.

For more information, please visit www.floydfest.com.

In planning for MerleFest 2011, challenges were faced given the economic climate. However, the festival team agreed that it would not cut back on the quality of the event or in any way diminish the experience their fans have come to expect. At the same time, they renewed their commitment to Wilkes Community College – determined to maintain the fundraising levels already established. After a year of hard work, we are presented with the 24th edition of the festival. It’s sure to be as good as every prior year where everyone enjoys the Music, experiences a MerleFest Moment, and makes Memories at MerleFest 2011!

Here’s a video preview:

And a photo gallery:

View the Merlefest 2011 lineup and purchase your tickets.  We’ll see you there!

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College Endowment Corporation and a celebration of “traditional plus” music. Scheduled for April 28 – May 1, 2011, the event is held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

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!

Click here for AMPC press & media resource information.

This year it comes to Boone for the 15th annual “best of the festival” world tour on Friday April 1st and Saturday April 2nd @ 7:30 pm at Farthing Auditorium. The Banff Mountain Film Festival features the world’s best films on mountain adventure, culture, and the environment selected from hundreds of entries submitted from around the world. Appalachian State University’s Outdoor Programs choose screenings designed to educate, entertain, and inspire you. Tickets are currently on sale at Farthing Auditorium and Footsloggers in Downtown Boone for $7 (students) and $9 (all others).

It’s always been the case that the Boone stop for the tour has had the biggest turnout, and more importantly those that watch the films show the most enthusiasm for the festival and the filmmakers that make it possible.  It’s definitely a must-see event for the travel and outdoor enthusiast.

Here are some more clips from this year’s films:

I look forward to seeing you there!

Gates will open soon! Recent view at Wagon Road Gap

It won’t be much longer before the gates to the highest sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway open for the season and there are none I’ll be happier to see swing wide than those which have cordoned off the rock slide area near Mt. Pisgah in North Carolina.

At times, one lane was open. Waiting to pass at the Ferrin Knob Tunnel.

More than a year ago about 800 feet of steep hillside broke loose and the section of the Blue Ridge Parkway below was closed. I’d watched it develop in slow motion over the years. The curve bulged outward and subsided a bit. Efforts were made to patch it, the road was moved, but eventually gravity did the job.

Terracing and stabilizing the slope was a massive undertaking

Since, access to a strategic section of the Blue Ridge Parkway has been spotty as a massive effort to stabilize and terrace the hillside progressed.  Over the weekend, the Asheville newspaper reported the job will be completed April 4 so long as the weather cooperates.

Motorcycles pass the work area at the slide.

This section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina makes the steady climb from the French Broad River in Asheville to the highest points on the road. There are more tunnels on this long ascent than any other segment. The views are great but soon forgotten once you reach Mt. Pisgah and beyond where the long high stretch that continues towards Cherokee yields some of the grandest panoramic vistas you’ll find.

We’re still playing with the occasional snowy blast, but the flowers are budding and the first hints of green are emerging down low. These high parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway will lag by 6 weeks or so, and making the climb is like watching the calendar roll back. Spring is still to come up high, but it is coming. Motorcycles, get ready to ride!

Community members and a Crossnore School photography class attended the annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, March 16 at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. Brook Bower, Assistant Curator and Andrew Miller, Competition Director spoke about the role AMPC plays as part of a greater celebration of mountain life.

The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition is part of a trio of programs coordinated by Outdoor Programs that celebrate our unique mountain culture each spring. April 1st and 2nd will mark the 15th annual screening of the Banff Mountain film festival in Boone to one of the largest audiences on the North American tour. Each year, the festival features the world’s best films on mountain adventure, culture, and the environment selected from hundreds of entries submitted from around the world. We choose screenings designed to educate, entertain, and inspire the high country audience.

Outdoor Programs is also excited to introduce the Appalachian Adventure Achievement Award (A4). Our goal is to inspire youth to adopt a healthy, and active outdoor lifestyle and to celebrate young people in our community and who inspire others through their active, healthy, and adventurous lives.

This years judges then lead the group through the exhibition answering questions and sharing their experience in selecting the 46 finalists from among all entries. “The goal of the AMPC is to give people an active way to connect with the themes of mountain culture, environment, and sport that are highlighted in our annual screenings of the Banff Mountain Film Festival”, says Andrew Miller, Competition Director and Outdoor Programs Coordinator. “To have this additional opportunity to share AMPC with the community is just icing on the cake.”

Bring a bagged lunch to the Turchin Center and we’ll provide the bottled water! We look forward to this Lunch and Learn meeting of the minds.

Sponsored by the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.

More Details:

Date and Time: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from noon to 1:00 pm
Contact: Visitor and Member Services
Email: turchincenter@appstate.edu
Phone: 828-262-3017
Location: Turchin Center for the Visual Arts (Google Maps)
Admission: Free

Voting for this year’s People’s Choice Award is still open! Vote here.

A public reception on Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7:00 pm for this year’s finalists chosen for the 8th Annual AMPC will also kick-off voting for the much-anticipated People’s Choice Award. A kiosk will be setup for gallery visitors, but you can also cast your vote by going to the AMPC website. Voting closes at 5:00 pm on Friday, April 1. The winner receives a $350 cash award furnished by Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitter in Boone and Blowing Rock.

March 4 also marks the time for final judging, where our 3 esteemed judges will review the finalists to select Best In Show and name seven category winners.

Winner’s will be announced April 3, 2011 once votes have been tallied for the People’s Choice Award.

Visit Virtual Blue Ridge to read more about the press release for this year’s People’s Choice Award. We wish everyone the best of luck in choosing your favorite for this year’s PCA, it definitely won’t be quick and easy!

Appalachian State University’s Outdoor Programs is seeking your help in identifying the High Country’s role models and young mountain sports stars. These young men and women will be recognized through the first ever A4 inititiative – Appalachian Adventure Achievement Award. Honors will include recognition on stage at the Banff Mountain Film Festivals, and a selection of prizes made possible by project sponsors.

There are two age categories for the A4: 17 and under, and 18-24 years old. Nominees must either reside or attend school in the High Country of NC (Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties) to be eligible. Nominations can be submitted for individuals in successive years, but a nominee can only receive the A4 once for their age category. The April 1 screening of Banff will recognize the 17 and under A4 winner, while the April 2 screening will honor the 18-24 year-old A4 winner.

Deadline for nominations is March 18, 2011. For more information on nominations, and to actually submit a nomination, please check out the A4 Nomination Form.

These films focus on themes of environment, culture and adventure in the mountains and represent the best of the best. Hundreds of entries were submitted from around the world and Outdoor Programs has selected films for this viewing that will not only educate, but will also inspire and entertain you.

Online ticket sales for Banff can be purchased through Farthing Auditorium, or if you’re in downtown Boone, NC you can pick up your tickets at Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters. Tickets are $9 (students can grab tickets at $7).

Check out the Banff Mountain Film Festival trailer for 2010-2011:

For more information on the Banff Mountain film festival, please visit Outdoor Programs, including a list of sponsors that make this event possible, and to see clips of other films available for viewing.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the Parkway when the weather finally breaks? I like to take leisurely strolls on the trails, hopefully with my camera in tow. Pre-season exploration of the Parkway can bring surprises for photographers –like a newly felled tree, or the lack of people in general in areas that stay crowded during peak visitation times.

But one of my favorites is visiting waterfalls. I must admit, I’ve been a life-long resident of Boone and thought I knew the area pretty well when it came to finding waterfalls, but there are a couple of books and maps at the store that showed me otherwise! Weather breaks like this before winter is officially over and springtime arrives means you may get lucky and find icy waterfalls without having to deal with the cold weather that normally comes with it. Just another bonus for checking out the various falls in the area this time of year.

Here are some of my favorite waterfall guides:

Great Waterfalls of North Carolina

This book is great for a photographer, with easy-to-follow driving directions, ratings for trail difficulty and beauty, and even points out the best photographic locations for every waterfall — a great feature for amateur photographers.

Click Here for more info

This map is incredible, listing more than 300 waterfalls and includes Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Even better is the tear-resistant and waterproof paper because let’s face it, maps like this tend to take a beating after a while so it’s nice to have something stand up to long-term use.

Click Here for more info

Virtual Blue Ridge’s first featured sponsor of the page is the Smoky Mountain Host of North Carolina. They are the destination marketing organization for the seven far western counties of North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The North Carolina Smoky Mountains offer a family vacation value with extensive opportunities for experiencing the cultural history, outdoor adventure, mountain crafts and stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.  The Blue Ridge Parkway’s southern entrance at milepost 469.1 marks the beginning of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

More resources will be available soon so keep checking back for updates!

Stopped near Grandfather Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway

 I made my first motorcycle ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway today way earlier than expected. I found the gates open in Blowing Rock and I turned south to enjoy what winter had to show. A few deep snowdrifts still lingered along the road in shady spots, but most of the rest had melted.  It was good to be back on the nations most popular motorcycle ride. I can’t wait for the southern section to open. 

I enjoyed some great views of Grandfather Mountain and the Lynn Cove Viaduct. It was lined with snow and very pretty. The Blue Ridge Parkway is wonderfully free of the gravel and salt that covers nearly every other road in the Smoky Mountains right now, though there were a few spots with some sand on them. There was a high wind advisory in effect today and it was howling up on the ride, but I enjoyed it all the same. No trees had come down (yet), though there were some branches to dodge. Keep your eyes out for rocks in the road with the thaw, and crews are out working on projects. 

The Lynn Cove Viaduct - last section of the parkway, completed in 1983.

My fun was too short as I hit the first road closure south of Grandfather Mountain. I ducked around it with one of my fun little shortcuts, but had to leave Blue Ridge Parkway in Linville. I couldn’t resist making up run up the Diamondback on the way home. It was in pristine shape and I was on the edge of my tires until the last few switchbacks near the top of the mountain. Here I ran into the sand and salt again and wiggled my way to the top as quickly as it would allow. Unfortunately the parkway was closed here at both exits. I’m still thankful for what I got! 

It's no wonder this area is so popular. Lot's of great riding.

It’s still a ways to spring, but let’s enjoy this nice winter weather while it lasts.

You’ll also find waterfalls, major recreation areas, and several backroads identified to make your trip an adventurous one. Buying all 3 maps together means you’re covered from milepost 0 to 469.1. Who wouldn’t want America’s Favorite Scenic Drive accessible at their fingertips?

• Blue Ridge Parkway Detailed Guidemap Gift Set – Buy Now

You can still purchase these maps separately, in case you feel like covering a smaller area.

• Northern Section Guidemap to the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Central Section Guidemap to the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Southern Section Guidemap to the Blue Ridge Parkway

Happy Travels!

Congratulations from the organizers and sponsors of the AMPC to all the selected photographers and a sincere thank you to everyone who submitted photographs for consideration sharing their vision of the people, places and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians.

And the finalists are . . .

Remember, the exhibition at the Turchin Center on the campus of Appalachian State University opens on Friday February 4th and the images selected for exhibition will be posted on the High Country Photos website as soon as the People’s Choice Award voting goes live at 5:00 pm, March 4. This night also marks the opening reception of the 8th annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition.

To all of this year’s participants: thank you for your support and participation. Together all of you keep raising the bar. Proceeds from the annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition support Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE Trips) at Appalachian State University. Visit www.op.appstate.edu to learn more.

Snowman greets Blue Ridge Parkway visitors at Soco Gap

You won’t find any motorcycles on the Blue Ridge Parkway this time of year. Cars either.   The road’s been closed to winter traffic for a while now if it’s on wheels.

That doesn’t mean there is a lack of visitors.  Even when blanketed in snow you’ll find people out enjoying the road. Sledding, skiing, on snowshoes or in winter boots, plenty drive to the nearest cross road and set out to enjoy the seasons scenery and solitude.

At times snow piles deep along the high ridge tops. Icy beards grow on the rocky faces. Every trickling stream is framed with frozen adornments. Clear winter air yields landscapes of hillsides sketched in black, white, gray, and brown. Even the sky pales, never reaching the deepest blues of summer. You can appreciate both the harshness and the softness that winter brings to this exclusive landscape.

Skis or snowshoes - you'll find both enjoying the snow on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I’m grateful to note the days are getting longer. While some of the lower sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will open from time to time, here in western North Carolina there’s nothing but to wait it out and enjoy the road as best you can in the mean time.

Ski it when the snows come. Hike it when it’s clear. Watch for those signs of spring and keep the motorcycle ready to go!

The new year has started on a fun note here in the lab. That’s right, lab. Many of you don’t think of beakers and test tubes when you think of wine making, but the transformation of grapes into wine is as much a science as it is an art. We have been sampling, testing, and tasting–searching for the perfect blends to take from the lab to the cellar. It’s hard work tasting and retasting blend samples day after day (okay, okay, it’s not that hard!), but it’s all worth it when you find that perfect blend and have that satisfying “ahh” moment.

One of our first blends to move from the lab to the cellar this year is the 2010 Vidal Blanc. It promises to be another in a string of scrumptious Vidal blends, and will be composed of Vidal Blanc from four different Virginia vineyards. In order to get as many opinions as possible, we enlisted some help from a few of our tasting room employees, who were all too eager to weigh in. The final blend, which came to be known as “Number 1.5″ (catchy, isn’t it?), will soon be carefully blended on a grand scale, then left to rest comfortably in aging tanks.

After several months of aging, the tasting process will begin again to determine when the wine will be ready to bottle. Until then, we’ve got lots more tasting and testing to do on our other blends. Our time will be split between the lab and cellar as we perfect each blend, barrel or tank the wines, and start the aging process. Oh, the life of a winemaker and his “cellar rats”! Our work is never done!

Hello friends of and participants in the 8th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition,

Preliminary judging for the 8th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography has been delayed due to weather conditions and the resulting travel delay experienced by one of our judges. We anticipate completing preliminary judging by week’s end and are sending notifications by Wednesday of next week (January 19).

We will update you of any additional delays as they arise. If you are in an area effected by the current winter weather conditions, bundle up and stay safe. If you have entered photographs in the 8th Annual AMPC, good luck!

Sincerely,

Andrew Miller Coordinator, Outdoor Programs
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-4954
millra@appstate.edu
www.op.appstate.edu

Those of you that have been following Wayne know just what kind of thought, hard work, and expertise has gone into these maps. It’s like having your own personal motorcycle riding tour guide in your back pocket!

Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Maps

Jackie admires a stunning late fall view of Devil’s Courthouse on an exceptional day

Now that the leaves have dropped, the landscape reveals a more rugged and chiseled character. The vibrant colors of the spring blooms and the fall leaves have had their turn. Now it’s the more muted shades of brown and gray which give contrast to the brilliant blues of the clear winter sky. Uncloaked from the green summer blanket of foliage held aloft by summer branches, the mountains snuggle tight beneath a thick carpet of quiet leaves. The bare trunks and branches of the trees stand naked and stalwart against the coming season exposed and ready to fend for themselves.

The pine, spruce and balsams maintain patches of green on the otherwise muted hillsides. A close look shows the parkway snaking along the ridge tops.

Free of summer haze, the clear skies bring even distant details into sharp focus. While your eyes are drawn afar, the freshly exposed rocky massifs and craggy faces exert a gravity which pulls your attention back and keeps you anchored in the landscape. The world up high seems both larger and more expansive, yet the newly seen details hidden by summers foliage find me scanning the slopes of each ridge and valley to reveal the features so long obscured. The winter season is rarely appreciated by the parkway traveler yet is just as beautiful in manifestation as each of the others.

The best viewpoints were social gatherings spots. It was a day to slow down and savor the experience.

Stops at a few overlooks to admire the views were often longer than planned. At several, people sat quietly in folding chairs just being present in the moment, basking in the experience. As is often the case on nice days, motorcycles outnumbered cars this afternoon. While a few buzzed by enjoying a more spirited engagement with the terrain, most were intent on savoring the day. At each overlook we passed time chatting with other riders and parkway visitors as if everyone was looking for that excuse to spend just a few more minutes enjoying all this exceptional afternoon offered.

In a few short weeks the gate arms will swing shut and the Blue Ridge Parkway will start it’s lonely winter hibernation in the higher sections of the mountains. Beards of ice will grow on the rocky cliff sides as it slumbers, waiting for the longer and warmer days to return. At times the mountains will roar with the passing winds of winter storms, but for the most part it’s a silent and peaceful sleep.

Looking Glass Rock anchors a view that stretches into South Carolina and Georgia.

We’re grateful for each of these late season rides and the memories that will hold us over until the Blue Ridge Parkway reawakens in spring. There’s still time to enjoy them, but not for much longer.

The detail and craftsmanship on this old home in rural Virginia is inspiring

My travels take me up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s the backbone from which I begin my mission to explore the miles and miles of two lane back roads, small towns, and beautiful and historic sights which surround it. As I course through the countryside there are certain sights which I find personally rewarding and tend to appreciate, my sweet spots. One of them is old wooden houses and buildings.

I can’t help but take note when I pass by one of those ramshackle gray dwellings bent and blighted with age and and wonder what was it like to call this place home in its glory days? Who lived and worked there? What did they do? The mountain landscape is dotted with these abandoned and declining homes and businesses which must have stories to tell if only there were someone left to tell them.

1895 General Store stands in Sandy Mush, NC

For me they hold a beauty to appreciate. The craftsmanship, how they fit into the landscape, and the sense that someone of substance once lived in these often large and rambling homes. Broken windows, if not the very frames and sills, the fallen-in roofs and hanging doors, the sparkles of sunlight which burst through the gaps and holes in the walls and twisting vines which embrace these faltering structures are for whatever reason something which gives me great peace and pleasure.

What about you? What are your sweet spots? Is it roadside waterfalls or maybe old barns? Historic churches or steel bridges? Mountainside herds of goats on a sunny afternoon, or clouds gathered in the valleys below as you look down from above? The mountains hold a continuously changing canvas of scenery that never disappoints.

Where’s your sweet spot?

Rough Ridge Celebration!

Twenty-five people representing numerous Blue Ridge Parkway partnerships met at one of the most scenic Parkway vistas to celebrate a new era of collaboration.

Stephanie Gemache called from North Augusta, S.C. the day before to make sure there would be enough parking, but also to tell Lynne Fletcher at the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, “I have only made one gift to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it was for Rough Ridge.”  Stephanie stayed at a local hotel the night before so that she could be on hand for this special event.

The occasion was to celebrate the re-decking of the boardwalk  straddeling this fragile ecological landscape, but also to honor the Blue Ridge Parkway Corp, a formal association of student volunteers from Appalachian State University’s Outdoor Program who have been formally trained to monitor the area and offer advice to visitors on how to protect the locations fragile vegetation, but also to remind them to “stay on the trail” and limit rock-hopping to the newly accessible “view rock”.

Greg Brown, president of Friends of the Parkway, talked about the opportunity to the park of what so many volunteers could do … and the addition of new chapters being added to the quiver of many.  One of the most recent chapters is the Boone / Blowing Rock chapters was represnted by Mike Kebelbeck who is already working to engage volunteers to complete a handicapped access walk around the circumference of Price Lake.

Susan McCracken, Vice-President of Community Relations at Appalachian State University, talked about the how the idea of a “Blue Ridge Parkway Institute” could provide the catalyst as well as the framework for managing so many collaborative relationships and opportunities to the Parkway.  Eric Furman added that funds could become available through federal assistance programs to compensate students for summer work.

The guest presentation was delivered by Randy Johnson - author, writer — who crafted the wilderness trail system for Grandfather Mountain and owner, Mr. Hugh Morton decades ago.  Randy was also on the team who designed the Tanawha Trail which stretches from Beacon Heights to near Price Lake, a part of which is the Rough Ridge segment.  Randy applauded what he saw was a new era of collaboration among many and more partners who could collectively and positively impact the health of the country’s most visited national park.

The event was hosted by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Wayne Busch looks forward to year-round riding in the Smokies

It may seem an odd time to start blogging about motorcycling the Blue Ridge Parkway. Leaf season has pretty much run it’s course. Parkway concessionaires have their eyes on shutting things down. The first of the winter Blue Ridge Parkway closings has occurred at the rock slide repair site near Mt. Pisgah. Before long the weather will dictate the seasonal barricades to the higher sections of the nation’s most popular motorcycle ride. Not much story left to tell, see you next spring? Hardly.

While most motorcyclists are starting think about clearing out that corner of the garage where the bike will hibernate through the winter months, I’m putting the new tires on that will carry me through the coming cold season. Even though the Blue Ridge Parkway is practically in my back yard, its closing won’t mean an end to my riding, it just means I’ll go another way.

There’s always another way waiting. The Smoky Mountains are laced with enchanting two lane back roads that twist and wind throughout them. Few rise to the regal heights of that 469 mile long king of the roads, but each of these byways which intersect or lie adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway has something to offer. The lordly views from mountaintop parkway are but one perspective.

A fall day on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I believe the NPS chose the right name for those scenic points along the road – Blue Ridge Parkway “overlooks”. As grand as they are, few recognize they are “overlooking” some really fabulous motorcycle riding. Few ever discover but a fraction of the great motorcycle riding that makes the Smoky Mountains one the top riding areas in the world. The mountaintop is but one perspective. The climbs to reach it, the rides through the narrow valleys, and the ancient paths which follow the riversides open a richness of experiences that are lost up high.

While I wait for the parkway to reopen, I’ll have plenty to share about the world of great motorcycle riding in the Smoky Mountains that remains largely undiscovered. I’ll have no shortage of things to share with you, things you can plan to include on your next motorcycle vacation visit. Let’s turn a two dimensional Blue Ridge Parkway ride into a 3D world of interconnected motorcycle riding fun and adventure.

Competition Organizers are excited to announce this year’s Blue Ridge Parkway Share the Journey ® Category theme: The Parkway Tree Project.  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 region and to document significant trees that contribute to the character, environment, and/or aesthetic of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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.

Those submitting images to the Parkway Tree Project will be asked to identify the tree species, document the tree’s location (e.g. GPS coordinates, Parkway Milepost, 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.

Photo from Doughton Park, hike to Bluff Mountain from lodge

Blue Ridge Parkway historic landmark, Bluffs Lodge and Coffee Shop, could remain closed indefinitely

Economic conditions and planned road closures due to guidewall restoration will likely keep the favorite-destination lodge and coffee shop closed for the foreseeable future.  The operating concessioner (lessee), Forever Resorts (Scottsdale, Arizona)has indicated that they will not be renewing their lease arrangement with the park service next year.  Other properties that will be affected by their pulling out of the Blue Ridge are Mabry Mill, Rocky Knob Cabins, the boat rental operation at Price Lake near Blowing Rock, N.C. and the Crabtree Falls Coffee Shop south of Little Switzerland, N.C.

The guidewall restoration project will require sections of the motor road in the Doughton Park area to remain closed until 2012.  Experience with road closures from Hurricane Ivan when road slides have occurred and parts of the Parkway have been closed, visitors are very reluctant to venture beyond detour signs to visit an attraction or Parkway landmark.

Road closures at Doughton Park will not begin until after November 1 when the lodge formally closes for the season.

Up to date closures can be found on the Blue Ridge Parkway website, or by calling 828-298-0398

Facilities like Bluffs, the Pisgah Inn, and the Peaks of Otter Lodge are managed through concession agreements which can be favorable to the invested parties i.e. the concessioner and the park service when there are conditions of annual profitability, a long-term return on investment, and good visitation numbers for the concession operator.

The National Park Service (Blue Ridge Parkway) is accepting inquiries from interested parties through November 8.

The economic downturn and diminished Parkway visitation compared years past has affected concession decisions.

No one knows what the future may hold.

Guidewall Replacement at Milepost 243 with Survey Reference Marker

Constructed in the 1930’s, the rock masonry guide walls that line the Blue Ridge Parkway are a significant feature defining the historic and visual character of the Parkway.  This project involves the rehabilitation of 32,000 linear feet of guidewalls from Milepost 417 to 425.  This project is confined to the area of Doughton Park, near Sparta, NC.  A significant portion of these walls has deteriorated due to settlement and the freeze thaw cycles over the last 75 years.  This project rehabilitates and reconstructs the most deficient wall sections and will restore the structural integrity and the historic appearance of this important cultural resource.

Parts of Doughton Park will be closed consistently through early season of 2012.

Last weekend my wife and I went to Graveyard Fields at MP 419. I had read much about the hiking trail there and wanted to check it and the foliage out. The trailhead started with a tunnel of rhododendron. We had a great time hiking all the way to the Upper Falls which was about 1.6 miles, with great variation of terrain and trails.

It was a good workout but not too tough. The falls were a little light but the rock formations all around it were awesome. As we traveled back we took the upper trail to the Lower Falls. Oh by the way the colors, mostly reds were beautiful. It was quite a hike down to the falls but it was well worth it! They were absolutely gorgeous! I took about 60 pictures on this trip and we will certainly return.

Optimal color condition exist at Graveyard Fields for landscape photography.  This popular site at Milepost 418 south of Asheville and the Pisgah Inn is a photographers delight.  Go now!

Also become familiar with the enhancement projects for the area being lead by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation!

On the opening eve of the 8th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition, I want to share with you a couple of highlights from one of the 2010 Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE Trips) which are supported in part by AMPC proceeds.

This summer marked the 7th New Zealand expedition hosted by Outdoor Programs at Appalachian State University. This 28 day short-term study abroad program immerses students in the landscapes and cultures of this remarkable and stunning country. This year marked the 4th time I have served as a leader of this experience and I have to say, the stars really aligned on this one.

Twenty-one students participated in the expedition along with Rich Campbell, Director of Outdoor Programs, and myself as expedition leaders. 10 semester hours of credit offered through 4 separate classes are associated with this active journey of discovery that offers rich and authentic experiences. One of the early in-country components of the New Zealand expedition is an introduction to the Maori culture.

Believed to have first arrived nearly 1,000 years ago in what is now known as New Zealand, the Maori (mow-ree) people present our students with a unique perspective on both the near universal challenges faced by indigenous populations and an example of a country that is dealing head-on with reparations and integration of their native population.

Te Puna Wanaka and Waikawa Marae (y-ka-wa ma-rye) (both community centers for Maori tribes) welcomed us into their sacred spaces and shared their language, music and culture. We in turn are excited to share our music and culture with them by presenting our own version of traditional Appalachian songs accompanied by traditional Appalachian instruments. This year, our team learned the song Shady Grove and as it always seems, we had several talented individuals adept at playing stringed instruments.

We were able to bring with us a banjo purchased at Appalachian Music Shop and put on our show. After sharing our song at Waikawa Marae, we presented them with the banjo, which has become tradition. From our years of visiting, we have gifted Waikawa a dulcimer, a mandolin, and now a banjo—if we can figure out how to get a standup bass in the overhead compartment of a 747, they will have everything they need for their own bluegrass jam!

Another component and arguably the most complex part of the trip takes place shortly after our departure from Waikawa; an 8-day east to west traverse of the top of the South Island that includes a source-to-sea experience following the Leslie and Karamea rivers.

This has traditionally been not only the most logistically challenging element of the expedition, but also the most physically challenging. 5 days backpacking up and over the northern end of the Southern Alps leading us into the rain forests and river drainages of the west coast.

After 5-days of walking into the wilderness we arrive at a large curve in the Karamea River referred to as the Karamea Bend. Here, the trails end and we await several helicopter loads of gear and guides who will join us for 3-days of navigating the class III-IV rapids of the Karamea. Just to be clear, we are in the middle of nowhere on a river that maybe sees 100 people a year. This is a true wilderness experience that demands focus, resilience and an adventurous spirit. The water levels this summer were ideal, the weather rarely matched, and the group well tuned and highly productive. As I said before, the stars aligned on this one. We followed the Karamea with ease out to the west coast taking off the river less than 1 mile from the Tasman Sea in the small town of Karamea.

Other components of the New Zealand SOLE trip include work with reforestation, in part to off-set our carbon footprint, and a 5-day sea kayak journey along the Abel Tasman coast. These trips are far more than playing outside for the students who participate. They foster cultural competence, independence as well as interdependence, environmental stewardship and friendships that endure long after the last tent is packed away.

The proceeds from AMPC and Outdoor Programs annual screenings of the Banff Mountain Film Festival are used to subsidize the budgets of these trips, lowering the cost and reducing financial barriers for those participating. I, too, see them as a right-of-passage of sorts; something that seems all but lost in modern American society. The students I know before arriving in New Zealand are rarely the same students I see returning from the expedition—as if this experience outlines a new chapter in who they are and what drives their passions.

To learn more about Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions and everything Outdoor Programs offers, visit www.op.appstate.edu.

Parking spaces face Price Lake and the boat rental area. The Amphitheater is to the far left of the lake and is not far from the road. Handicap parking faces the short path to the amphitheater. Loop A campsites run directly behind the amphitheater and places campers in the perfect spot for attending events.

This outdoor amphitheater seats 300 people and various events are held here during the summer and fall seasons. Tucked away by trees, and surrounded by Price Lake, it’s a relatively shaded area. Sunday mornings in the summer (June-August) church services are held and open to the public.

For more information on this amphitheater and possible upcoming events you can contact Parkway Headquarters at 828-271-4779.

• Wear a bicycle helmet
• Be sure your bicycle is in good operating condition.  Carry a spare tube and tools for minor repairs.
• Wear high visibility clothing.  It sets you apart from the scenery and more visible to motorists.
• Carry a cellular phone to report emergencies but remain aware that there are many dead spots with no cell coverage in many National Park areas.  You may need to change locations to make a call.
• Avoid riding during periods of low visibility.  Fog and rain may occur unpredictably.  Reschedule your trip or allow time for flexibility to ride during periods of better weather conditions.
• Use caution when riding through tunnels.  There are 26 tunnels in North Carolina and 1 tunnel in Virginia.  It is recommended that you have an illuminated light on the front of your bike and light or reflectors on the rear.
• Temperatures vary greatly with elevation and aspect changes in mountainous areas.  Wear clothing in layers.  Hypothermia can be deadly, so take precautions to prevent it.
• Safe drinking water is available on a seasonal basis at park facilities.  Many parks will winterize water lines and systems by the end of October.  Be sure to check on what facilities are open and bring adequate water with you.  Do not drink unpurified water from streams and springs within even the most pristine park areas.  There are no areas within the United States now free from bacteria that will wreak havoc with your digestive system.
• Make an honest evaluation of your abilities before beginning a bicycle trip.  Do your research and determine what elevation changes you will be challenged by.  As an example you can find such information for the Blue Ridge Parkway by downloading this PDF:
• When cycling with a group, adjust your spacing to be single file and allow for motor vehicles to pass safely.

If driving a motor vehicle rather than pedaling a bicycle, be alert for cyclists and be sure to

Although most roadways through National Park areas do not allow commercial vehicles and large trucks you will still encounter tour busses, motor homes, and vehicles pulling trailers.  Be alert for such traffic and always assume that a possible hazard may be around each blind curve.

Here it is the beginning of September, and we have hardly been able to catch our breath! This was, by far, the busiest August in our 30 year history. The hot summer weather has really gotten things going early. In a “normal” harvest we may see one or two grape lots picked in August, for a few percent of our total harvest. This year, at the end of August, we find ourselves already over 28% of the way through the harvest! Early grapes tend to be white, and this year is no exception–so far, everything we have harvested is white grapes. The first reds should begin to trickle in soon if this early trend continues. We still have a couple chardonnay plantings to harvest, one traminette vineyard, a bit of vidal blanc, and some luscious viognier. Then we will be through with our whites and focusing on our reds!

 September is a great month to visit the winery if you are interested in seeing some of our harvest in action. When a truck full of freshly harvested grapes arrives, the crush pad comes alive! Cellar workers move every which-a-way in organized chaos to get the grapes where they need to go–into the destemmer, through the press, and (the juice) into vats ready for fermenting. It’s a busy and exciting time, but we’ll slow down enough to answer your questions and even let you taste some of the fresh wine grapes. If you are planning a visit this month and would like to see the harvest, call ahead to find out if we’ll be out on the crush pad. Cheers!

Kevin Adams, ascending into heaven at sunrise!

Kevin Adams workshop was the most informative that I have attended …  Joe Sikes

Kevin’s  presentation on “Concept Photography” really hits home the message that one can take outstanding pictures if one can open up their mind and let go of the so called “rules of photography”…Sai Chandrasekharan

The retreat is set in a magnificent area with grounds that are truly a part of the Blue Ridge Mountains…Skip Pudney

For schedule information and to enroll:

Vist us here!

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.

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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In my opinion, Flat Top Manor is a hidden gem of the Parkway. With only a brown sign reading “Moses Cone Memorial Park”, I never imagined there could be a 3,600-acre estate on the other side of those trees.

As I navigated my car down the narrow road leading to the Manor, I had a feeling it was going to delight my camera lens.

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.

Photo Gallery:

What a better way to spend a gorgeous summer weekend than visiting two of Asheville’s most popular attractions. Bele Chere, for those of you who don’t know, is an annual festival that covers over half of Asheville’s downtown blocks. And I doubt if anyone doesn’t know what the Biltmore Estate is!

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:

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

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 heels 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.

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.

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 Virtual Blue Ridge Bookstore. Cool Runnings!

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.

Check out Fishing Regulations for the Blue Ridge Parkway here.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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 .

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.

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.

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.