The main focus of our trip this fall was to return to North Carolina and the Smokey Mountains via the Blue Ridge Parkway. We have done many miles on the Parkway but this trip will be 469 miles on the Parkway. Smokey Mountain NP will be the ending of the Parkway. We will take several side trips but mostly we will be on the parkway.
First item on the to do list is get to the entry gate at milepost 0 in Virginia and get our senior parks pass that will be good for Paul’s lifetime. A great value as long as we keep moving. Not only do you get into the National Parks free but also get 1/2 off camping in most. So on this trip we spent (actually Amy and Stephanie bought it for Paul’s birthday) $80 and saved about $60 in entry and camping.
A real senior benefit
Our first view of the beautiful area is behind Paul. We will get in some hiking on this trip but also a lot of views!
Because of the winds last night the parkway had lots of debris because the NP Service does all the maintenance and often closes stretches of the parkway if they cannot get to it. That happened at about mile 30 but the detour was beautiful also. We missed about 11 miles of parkway but none of the big stops.
Peaks of Otter near Mile Post 86 is a beautiful resort area complete with a lodge, restaurant and a beautiful lake.
The lodge of Peaks of Otter
Fuel is not available on the parkway so you need to exit the parkway and even though there are lots of signs on the parkway it is a National Park so signs of what is available at the exits is minimal so it is up to your smart phone to guide you to the outside world. Sometimes you get really lucky and find some amazing place! Some not so much!
You decide!
Paul pulls into the station for fuel and sees this sign and says “you need to go shopping! I have some work to do!” Ok then, it was kind of a warehouse with lots of racks of clothing in beautiful colors. Tunics and Leggings were the hit of the party. I walked out with a $75 Credit Card bill but some really cute leggings for Halloween.