Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Oh how I Love the Blue Ridge Parkway

If you ever want to take a beautiful drive in Summer (also in Spring and Fall),  there's just no place better than the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The parkway follows the tops of mountains from NC all the way to VA...  Then --if you want to go farther into northern VA,  take the Skyline Drive (which is a continuation of the Blue Ridge Parkway).  George and I have (at various times) been on the entire parkway including Skyline Drive.

For my birthday this year,  George took me out of this horrible heat we've been having here --and took me on a nice ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC.  We started at Maggie Valley and drove to the Mt. Mitchell exit.

Today,  I 'll show you some photos of some of the magnificent beauty  we saw during those two days while driving along the parkway.  First of all,  the temperature was in the 70's --so we enjoyed riding with the windows down.   That cooler air was fabulous---and that glorious mountain smell just filled my heart and soul.

Just sit back and enjoy today's photos.  It was a sunny/cloudy day --so on days like this, I love to photograph the sky as much as the mountains!!!! Remember that you can enlarge the photos for some larger views...










Thanksgiving Dinner, anyone????






Break through those clouds,  Mr. Sun!!!





If you want more beauty than your heart can imagine,  visit the Blue Ridge Parkway!!!!!

Hope you enjoyed my photos.  We certainly had a fabulous trip. Sorry I didn't get to many of your posts yesterday.  Our internet was out for many hours!!!!  Grrrrr.....

Hugs,
Betsy
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51 comments:

  1. Ms. AAugust 31, 2011 at 2:06 AM

    Your views are much better than mine were, the last time we were there. It was just coming out of winter and not yet lush and green.

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  2. JoAugust 31, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    Ah beautiful Betsy! And it's so nice to travel with windows wound down to fully enjoy nature: sounds, sights and smells. Thanks for sharing your birthday trip. Blessings, Jo

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  3. BeatrizAugust 31, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    Hello Betsy!!!

    I love driving in summer too! That's what I'll do at the end of this year on the east coast in Brazil!!!
    Kisses

    Bia
    www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

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  4. CatherineAugust 31, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Looks like that Turkey needs to put on a bit more weight before it's ready for Thanksgiving dinner. ;)
    xo Catherine

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  5. Ruth HiebertAugust 31, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    Gorgeous.I love the multiple layers in many of the pictures.

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  6. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmAugust 31, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    We are fortunate enough to live about 10 minutes from the Blue Ridge parkway. I really enjoy running there - so serene.

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  7. Arkansas PattiAugust 31, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Thank you Betsy. The only time I traveled the parkway, it was either clouds or fog for all I could see was the road.
    Now I know what I was missing.

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  8. pennyAugust 31, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    Thanks so much for the wonderful mountain getaway, Betsy. I needed a break from our 90+ summer heat. Nothing can compare to cool mountain air especially with these beautiful views.

    be Well n Happy,
    Pam

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  9. Les BarrAugust 31, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    Your great Images from the Blue Ridge brought back memories for me from years ago.

    I have been on the Parkway a number of times in the past. On the Parkway in our car & Touring the Blue Ridge on our Goldwing touring bike. I never grew tired of enjoying the view's that the Blue Ridge had to offer, and never will. Nice Post, Betsy.

    Les

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  10. ConnieAugust 31, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    Such lovely scenes, Betsy. I have been along part of this. It is really something to see.

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  11. Out on the prairieAugust 31, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    I have been on all of this with many stops to take a pic. Lovely shots.

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  12. Fred AltonAugust 31, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    The Blue Ridge is one of my favorites in all the world. There's just something about standing on top of a mountain and having valleys and mountains unfold before you that refreshes me.

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  13. diane bAugust 31, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    It sure looks a beautiful place with the blue mountains rolling away in the distance. I wish our tour had included this part of the country.

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  14. DorothyAugust 31, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    Great pictures! I love this area, too! Every Fall we feel drawn to the Smokies and I would also like to see them in the Spring!

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  15. I Am WoodyAugust 31, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    One of my most favorite memories involves turkeys and The Blue Ridge Parkway:)

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  16. TexWisGirlAugust 31, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    really beautiful. even just seeing the photos is refreshing for the heart and soul...

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  17. linda mAugust 31, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    Beautiful pictures. I can almost smell the cool mountain air. If I lived closer I would be there all the time. Thanks for sharing and making my day.

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  18. KarinAugust 31, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    So lovely to drive through a fabulous place like this with the windows down and the breeze caressing the face! Have a great day!

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  19. Carol MurdockAugust 31, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Beautiful pics Bets! You're making me homesick! :)

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  20. RoseAugust 31, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    Beautiful photos, Betsy!

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  21. ChristineAugust 31, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Thank you Betsy for giving me a dose of those beautiful mountains! Just what I needed this morning.

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  22. From the KitchenAugust 31, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    I don't think I have to tell you how I feel about these photos--and the Parkway and Drive. Thanks.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  23. Busy Bee SuzAugust 31, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    I love it too. One day, I hope to visit there while fall peaks!!!

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  24. BethAugust 31, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    We didn't make it there this year, but perhaps we can plan one for next summer. The photos are gorgeous. I think God's majesty is best shown in mountains, oceans, and the sky.
    That shot of the sun 'fighting' to come through those blustery clouds is awesome, Bets. You need to blow that up and frame it!:>)

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  25. Kim@stuffcould....August 31, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    This brings back memories of my childhood rides in these mountains. Gorgeous!!!

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  26. Becca's DirtAugust 31, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    I hear ya on the internet. Grrrrrr! My computer was down most of last week - going in the shop on Monday and again on Thur. Acting up all week long. Beautiful photos Betsy. What an awesome place. Beauty to behold.

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  27. MadSnapperAugust 31, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    we just got home from more beauty than our hearts could stand at the beach. it was so beautiful, the skies looked a lot like this, but over sand and gulf waters not mountains. vistas are wonderful, mountains or beaches.

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  28. Debbie TaillieuAugust 31, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    You do live in God's Country!!!
    Enjoy your day!!

    Debbie's Travels

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  29. Small City ScenesAugust 31, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    A glorious drive, Betsy. What a nice birthday present from you r wonderful George.
    I like having clouds around too. MB

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  30. Ginny HartzlerAugust 31, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    This post could have been called "Layers", because that's what it is. Layers and layers of beautiful mountains, how I LOVE my mountains. I don't think people realize how much they really do protect us. Gosh, I have never seen a wild turkey just walking around, they are so cagey and shy.

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  31. HappyKAugust 31, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    We sure have a beautiful world to enjoy! : )

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  32. nannyAugust 31, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    I would so love to drive the parkway.....your pictures are so great!
    Wow I've missed reading blogs. Haven't sat down for a week and am trying to catch up!
    OK gotta read your recent ones...see you later, ha

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  33. imacAugust 31, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Betsy the Beauty, lol
    Wonderful info and great shots my friend.

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  34. KayAugust 31, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    It's easy to see why they call the "Blue Ridge". Very beautiful.

    Kay

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  35. AnonymousAugust 31, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    wow, 35 comments already! You have such a successful and popular blog. Congrats! And your photos, as usual, are spectacular!

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  36. Linda at To Behold The BeautyAugust 31, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    I love the amazing landscapes in the west, but there's just something about the mountains in the Smoky Mountain range that just call to me. It's so peaceful looking. Great photos.

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  37. RoeHAugust 31, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    It IS beautiful!! I was not there long enough in 1996.

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  38. Together We SaveAugust 31, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    It is beautiful!! Thanks for sharing it with us!

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  39. Chatty CroneAugust 31, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    The second to last photo of the clouds was awesome! So is the Blue Ridge Parkway - I have seen some of it and it is gorgeous! sandie

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  40. Cheryl @ TFDAugust 31, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    This area is definitely on my places-I-have-to-visit list! Beautiful photos, Betsy. I love the mist in the mountains, or do they call it fog? Whatever, it makes for a beautiful scene!

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  41. AnnAugust 31, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    thanks for taking us along for the ride. Beautiful scenes.

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  42. Sally WesselyAugust 31, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    The Blue Ridge Parkway is just beautiful. I really do hope we make it to that part of the country someday. Thanks for sharing.

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  43. LolaAugust 31, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    Been there, saw some of the beauty but once is not enough. Sure wish I could go back.

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  44. DianeAugust 31, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    I can certainly see why they call them the Blue Ridge Mountains. They're such beautiful colors. Diane

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  45. CarlettaAugust 31, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    It's been such a long time since we've traveled over Skyline Drive. I think it may well be time for a fall one. :)
    You captured the rolling mountains beautifully! How could anymore not look at these and give a deep sigh.
    Hope you're having a great week Betsy!

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  46. NealSeptember 1, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    Your beautiful pictures make me want to go back again. I love driving down the parkway.

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  47. KathyASeptember 1, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    Beautiful! Thanks for the tour. Was that wild turkey white???

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  48. LorenSeptember 2, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    Oh my....wild turkeys!! That is awesome! :) those clouds are something aren't they :) Love how the sun is peeking through!

    Great pics and I am sooo glad you had such a wonderful time and celebration for your bday :)

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  49. LyndaSeptember 2, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    That turkey looks white or is it just how the sun is hitting it? I, too, LOVE the mountains!

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  50. Cicero SingsSeptember 2, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    You sure don't have to travel far to be in the midst of beauty! A beauty amongst the beauty celebrating her birthday!

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  51. AngelaSeptember 2, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    I love the mountains! It has been over 15 years but we did drive on the Skyline to the Parkway. It was a wonderful drive. I love going on scenic drives like that. Great pictures!

    Hugs,
    Angela

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