I checked out of my hotel and decided to take one last look at Skyline Drive. It was a cloudy, rainy day, with temps in the mid-60s (about 18ºC). I didn't walk today; it was enough merely to drive and to stop at several overlooks along the way. I had plenty of time before I was to go down to Mike's place in Fredericksburg, so I drove to Mile 40-something on the Drive before turning around. Because the Drive can lull you into slumber, which is dangerous given how curvy it is, I stopped at the Thornton Gap entry/exit and took a long nap in the expansive parking lot. That did the trick.
Some images:
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a marker for the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Georgia to Maine (can't remember the overlook), crisscrossing the Drive at several points |
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| I saw tons of these striking blossoms from the first day I did the Drive. |
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| sort of a light fuchsia...? |
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| possibly Cercis canadensis |
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| also known as the eastern redbud |
I will miss this place. But maybe one day, I'll walk its length.
UPDATE: I'm in Fredericksburg, having just eaten a lovely pork-chop meal, with salad and green beans. Otherwise, tonight is mainly about settling in and staying out of the family's way. They're very nice to be hosting me like this.
Beautiful shots and great views. Glad you are making the most of your journey to the past.
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