Day 11 Alien on the Blue Ridge

Day 11 Alien on the Blue Ridge, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Did I tell you it was sunny and cold on the road today? Here I am wearing my red sunglasses and camo neck gator (from the hunting dept at Wal Mart) looking like a creature from another planet. I was feeling so much better and having some fun.

Day 11 "On" the Road, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Thought you would want to see a photo of us ON the Blue Ridge Parkway. Get it? Eeeee...I'm really funny sometimes.

Day 11 Mabry Mill, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We stopped to stretch our legs and warm up at Mabry Mill. It was originally built in 1910, and includes an historic water-powered grist mill, sawmill and nearby blacksmith shop which provide a view of pioneer life along the parkway. Those ducks in the pond followed us around a little. What is this attraction that ducks have for us?

Day 11 Man in Leathers, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Sid (in his leather chaps and jacket) inspects the blacksmith shop.

Day 11 The Family Part 1, originally uploaded by Gail S.

My sweet family gathered to visit with us when we arrived in Roanoke. On the right is my sister, Judy. Her son, Pete, is in the center holding his 7 yr old daughter, Isabella. Dawn, Pete's wife, is on the left.

Day 11 The Family Part 2, originally uploaded by Gail S.

My niece, Stacey, is on the right holding her son, Dakota. In the center is Stacey's older son, Forrest. Stacey's hubby, Dave, is on the left.

I have really missed seeing this side of the family since they all migrated to Roanoke. Sid and I stop to visit every chance we get. I couldn't ask for a more loving, wacky family than this.

Sid and I plan to see a bit of Roanoke tomorrow. Plus, Judy and I are getting manicures. It should be a relaxing day.

Day 10 Wheezy Rider

Day 10 Sid and Musical Park Ranger, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Well, after an entertaining evening at the Williams Motel in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, I awoke with full blown bronchitis. Yes, I was sneezy, weepy, wheezy, whiny and the rest of the seven dwarves. Sid MADE me get out of bed, pack and get on the road, assuring me I would feel better once I started moving around. Fearful that he would leave me at the motel, I complied.

After an omelet at the Woodhaven Family Restaurant, we headed back to the Blue Ridge Parkway via Hwy 18. Our primary destination on the parkway was the Blue Ridge Music Center in Virginia.

Promoters of traditional music have always said that picking banjos and sawing fiddles are everyday occurrences in the talent-rich Appalachian region. Music is as commonplace as air in the mountains, and musical ability seems to come as naturally as eating or sleeping to a surprisingly large portion of the population. You don't have to attend a concert or convention to hear the best musicians the mountains have to offer - just pull up a chair on a porch packed with pickers or stop by an old country store.

Or you can stop by the center to hear some of their talented resident musicians.

Day 10 Blue Ridge Music Center, originally uploaded by Gail S.

It was our good fortune to hear and interact with the Buck Mountain Band who were playing in the breezeway of the center.

Day 10 Buck Mountain Band, originally uploaded by Gail S.

These talented folks shared some of the history of their band and their traditional blend of mountain music. It was truly delightful and engaging. After visiting with the musicians and buying a CD, we toured the center's historical exhibit. What a surprise to discover the Park Ranger playing the dulcimer and other instruments in the center.

We headed back out on the parkway, stopping for lunch at the Lake View restaurant in Fancy Gap, Virginia. At this point I was feeling worse and we stopped our travels for the day after logging only 78 miles. Would we ever make it to Roanoke? I slept 9 hours that night.

As the band Alabama sings:
"Oh, play me some mountain music
Like grandma and grandpa used to play
Then I'll float on down the river
To a Cajun hideaway, hey hey

Oh play me mountain music
Oh play me mountain music
Oh play me mountain music
Oh play
Yeehaw"

Day 9, Part 2: Linn Cove Viaduct

Day 9 Linn Cove Visitor Center Mural, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Well, I was feeling unwell and fell asleep while blogging. I didn't get to finish telling you about Day 9, Sunday, September 27. One of our destinations was the Linn Cove Viaduct and Visitor Center.

Linn Cove Viaduct is a 1243-foot concrete segmental bridge which snakes around the slopes of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. It was completed in 1983 at a cost of $10 million and was the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be finished. It is said to be the most complicated concrete bridge ever built.

The viaduct was needed because of the damage that a traditional cut-and-fill road would have caused to Grandfather Mountain. The viaduct was designed by Figg and Muller Engineers, Inc.; construction began in 1979. It is 1,243 feet long and consists of 153 segments weighing 50 tons each. The bridge's segments were precast at an indoor facility at the south side of the parkway. After being transported to the bridge site, each section was lowered into place by a custom crane placed on either edge of the existing structure. The only work done at ground level was drilling for the seven footings which support the viaduct. In particular, there was no access road other than the Blue Ridge Parkway itself. The bridge has received eleven design awards.

The National Park Service maintains a visitor center and bridge museum at the south end of the viaduct. Walking trails that originate at the center travel under and beside the viaduct and connect with the Blue Ridge Parkway trail network.

This huge photo of the Linn Cove Viaduct is featured in the Linn Cove Visitor Center.

Day 9 Linn Cove Viaduct Model, originally uploaded by Gail S.

This large model of the construction of the viaduct is the centerpiece of the visitor center.

Day 9 Funny Sticker, originally uploaded by Gail S.

I found this in the Linn Cove Visitor Center. This emblem is featured on stickers, hats, shirts, zipper pulls, and more. I think it's funny...Sid doesn't. He looks a bit ill when he sees it. He wouldn't let me buy the sticker.

The visitor center was a confluence of motor vehicles, cyclists (bicycle riders), and serious hikers. It was really busy. There seemed to be an organized bicycle ride/race happening. The cyclists and hikers have legs of steel! I felt like a slacker riding on a motorcycle. I wonder how those softies in the cars felt...stepping out of their cocoon-like cars in their shirtsleeves (no jackets!), carrying their pet dogs, strolling in to the center to pick up maps, primping in the restrooms to make sure their hair and make-up look perfect. Humph!

Day 9 On the Viaduct - Ahead, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Here we are looking ahead on the Linn Cove Viaduct. The fall colors are really evident up here at 4,100 feet at the edge of Grandfather Mountain.

Day 9 On the Viaduct - Behind Us, originally uploaded by Gail S.

I turned around to shoot this view of the viaduct as we drove over it. Look at that cloud in the curve. Whoa!

Day 9 Linn Cove Viaduct - Looking Back, originally uploaded by Gail S.

As we continued north on the parkway, I captured this view between the trees from a neighboring mountain. Keep in mind that the last three photos were taken from the back of a moving motorcycle.

Soon after this, we left the parkway to head for North Wilkesboro to attend the final afternoon of the
Carolina in the Fall Music Festival. Noted mountain musicians performed on the hills of the Shepherd farm. It was interesting, and the music was good. Sid became weary and we headed back to the Williams Motel near the hospital in North Wilkesboro. This older motel has been run by Eric Williams for the past 30 years. Eric's father built the motel many years ago. Eric and his family live in quarters that extend from the office area to an upstairs area over the office. We were delighted to find they had a kitten in the office. The motel also includes weekly rental apartments where Steve (Eric's childhood friend) stays when he is in town.

Later in the evening, we gathered in the office/lobby with another motel guest. Eric pulled out his guitar and entertained us with many songs (including Folsom Prison!). Between songs, he and Steve told wild tales of their teenage lives during the late '60s. It was a memorable and unexpected end to a long day. We plan to be back on the parkway for Day 10.

Day 9 Is That the Sunrise?

DAY 9 Sunrise!, originally uploaded by Gail S.

This was the view from our cottage at the Big Lynn Lodge. What a relief to see the sun after yesterday's storms. I want to share the views and sights of the lodge with you. Take a look.

Day 9 Islands in the Clouds, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Sid described this sight as "islands in the clouds" with the mountain tops looking like islands. The sun hadn't quite risen when I took this shot wearing my nightgown (with jeans and a jacket!).

Day 9 New Friends: Sid and Bailey, originally uploaded by Gail S.

I told you that Sid made a new friend at the lodge. This is Bailey, the 4-year-old granddaughter of the lodge owners. She showed Sid some of her techniques learned during her piano lessons. When Sid repeated those techniques correctly, Bailey encouraged him with applause and "that's good"! I think she is a teacher at heart.

Day 9 Big Lynn Lodge, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Here's the front of the main lodge building.

Day 9 The Library, originally uploaded by Gail S.

This room adjoins the dining room. I loved it here. I found the original 1963 hardback version of The Graduate by Charles Webb here. Since the book consists primarily of dialogue, I read most of it in just a few hours while relaxing in this pleasant room.

Day 9 Dining Area, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Here's the part of the dining room that's in the atrium. Our table is near the window. Check out the recipe for the chocolate cake!

Day 9 Porch at Daybreak, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The porch on the main building is really pleasant. It was still daybreak in this photo.

Day 9 Cottage 114, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Our cottage (#114) is the first one on the left. The cottages are rustic with knotty pine paneling and ceilings. The Lodge will close for the season in November.

Day 9 Sunlight in the Valley, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Our last view from the Big Lynn Lodge before we headed back to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We plan to stop at the Linn Cove Visitor Center and then head to North Wilkesboro for a music festival. I'm still feeling a little sick - sore throat, cough, etc. Let's hope this gets better fast.

Day 8 In the Clouds...RAIN Clouds!

Day 8 In the Clouds, originally uploaded by Gail S.

This is the sight that greeted us this morning on our 8th day on the road. During breakfast at the Big Lynn Lodge in Little Switzerland. What you can't see is the steady rain predicted all day. During breakfast we decided to stay at the Big Lynn Lodge for another night. We just weren't up to donning our rain gear and jumping (okay, we don't jump) on the bike. Tomorrow, the forecast is for sunny skies. We hope those sunny skies are over the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We had a nice visit with the new owner of the lodge, Hoyt. He and his wife bought the place after finding it while traveling the Parkway. They just moved in about 6 weeks ago. They want to keep the traditions of the lodge, and do a bit of updating. When you stay here, you get a delicious dinner and scrumptious breakfast in the dining room overlooking the Catawba River Valley. The former owner, Carol, is still here doing the cooking through the rest of the season. I pray the new owners are able to keep this unique lodge running prosperously. Their granddaughter, Bailey (age 4), and Sid have been playing the piano and the banjo together. She is a remarkable little girl.

Our new friend, Hoyt, drove us to downtown Little Switzerland to the Switzerland Cafe where we tasted traditional North Carolina BBQ. It's different than Memphis BBQ, but delicious. We also visited the Little Switzerland Book Exchange. I could have spent all day in there, but it was time for Sid's nap, so we called Hoyt to come get us.

Unfortunately, I am coming down with a bit of bronchitis. It is miserable to be on the back of the bike feeling under the weather!

Day 7 From Helen to Blue Ridge

Day 7 Blood Mountain Idyll, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Okay, here's the story about my "brush with the law" in Helen. We've been on the road for almost a week and we ran out of clean clothes. Our motel (the Quality Inn) in Helen doesn't have a laundromat. The nearest public laundromat is across town. A quick search on the internet showed that the hotel nearby had coin operated washer & dryer. So, I headed over and posed as a guest of that hotel and started a load of clothes. The desk clerk sold me laundry detergent and needed my room number to post the charges, even though I had paid cash. I told her my room number at the hotel next door. She said they didn't have a room by that number. I told her I would call her with the correct number and dashed off. I'm a fugitive.

For the next two hours I worked out in the fitness room and lurked in the stairwell avoiding contact with the clerk. My biggest fear was that I would be busted and sent on my way with wet clothes. Sid told me I was on camera the whole time and the Helen police would meet me on my way out. It really made me nervous...but our clothes are clean and dry!

We started Day 7 heading toward North Carolina. I loved this scene of the cattle grazing along side the mountain stream at the base of Blood Mountain in Georgia. You can't even see the mountains in the background because of the fog.

Day 7 Lake Chatuge, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Just two days ago, this place was sunny and gorgeous. This morning it looked like a scene from a scary movie.

Day 7 Cloudy North Carolina, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We left Georgia and headed to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with this layer of fog hanging over the mountains. It wasn't long before we discovered we were lost, but didn't know it. We were in Dillsboro when we stopped for breakfast and determined we didn't really mean to be there. A few adjustments and we found a shortcut to the parkway.

Day 7 Cold Mountain, NC, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Just outside of Waynesville, NC we found ourselves on Cold Mountain, the setting for the book and the movie. This valley was so pretty. Highway 276 led us up to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mount Pisgah.

Day 7 Blue Ridge Parkway Tunnel, originally uploaded by Gail S.

When we arrived at the Blue Ridge Parkway, it felt like I had come home.

There was something about this photo of the tunnel that made me start humming Folsom Prison Blues for most of the day.
"I hear the train a comin'
It's rolling round the bend
And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when,
I'm stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin' on."

Sid must have thought I had totally lost it!

I've had the pleasure of visiting the parkway every year since 2005. Some years I may only travel a few miles of the parkway, as we did in 2007, or I may travel the entire length, as we did in 2006. It doesn't matter, it feels great to be back. I won't bore you with photos of the mountains, but I will show my more creative shots taken in the many parkway tunnels. The photo above is my favorite.

Day 7 Big Lynn Lodge NC, originally uploaded by Gail S.

After a long, long day we were gratified to see Big Lynn Lodge just off the parkway. Here's our ride under a tree overlooking Catawba River Valley. We look forward to a restful evening here.

Day 6 Our last day in Helen, Georgia

Day 6 Helen, Georgia, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We are spending our third night in Helen, Georgia, and decided to post a photo of the north side of town.

I was sad to learn that there was a fatality on Highway 129 - the Dragon - while we were there yesterday. I told you it was treacherous.

We traveled around the roads near Helen today and spent some time shopping in the town. We visited Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. The visitor center and rangers were fantastic. The road to the top is a steep one. It is the site of high-endurance bicycle races, and Lance Armstrong has been there several times to compete and train. In fact, we saw many bicycle riders training on the steep roads of the north Georgia mountains.

I had an adventure at a nearby hotel (Sid thought I was going to be greeted by the local police) and I must get to bed. Come back for more about Day 6.

Day 6 Hofbrau Restaurant, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Our favorite spot for dinner is the Hofbrau Restaurant on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Great chef!

Day 6 Chattahoochee River, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Sunset on the Chattahoochee River just a block from our hotel. Just after I shot this photo three guys floated down the river on tubes. They said the water was COLD!

Day 6 Lost Soles, originally uploaded by Gail S.

A local resident with a sense of humor has collected many flipflops on their riverfront property and proudly displays them. The signs posted on the tree say, "Beware. Lost Soles." The recommended rafting footwear is tennis shoes - NOT flipflops!

Day 5 The Dragon

Day 5 Sid at Hofer's Bakery, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We are still in Helen, Georgia. I took this shot of Sid at Hofer's German Bakery having a bit of breakfast. One day, while wearing his do-rag, a child approached him and asked if he was a pirate.

Day 5 Gail Preparing for the Dragon, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Sid took my photo at breakfast, too. We are stoked about heading 80 miles from Helen, Georgia, to North Carolina. We plan to ride the challenging curves of the Dragon at Deal’s Gap, also known as US Hwy 129.

Day 5 Riding The Dragon, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The Dragon boasts 318 curves in 11 miles, thus it is considered the best motorcycle road in America. US 129 is an interesting road, even to those that do not ride motorcycles. It closely follows an old Indian trail that wound through Graham County, North Carolina, before climbing the Smoky Range and crossing into Tennessee at Deal's Gap, where it continues along the ridges before emerging at Calderwood, and finally on to Fort Loudon.

Here is an aerial view of the road (shown in yellow). This map shows all the curves of this exciting, but treacherous, road. This website is maintained by the Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort located at one end of the Dragon. Be sure to check out the history of the road and the area around it.

Day 5 Calderwood Dam, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We stopped on the Dragon to rest at the Calderwood Dam overlook. It was a perfect day for a ride...sunny, dry roads, not overcrowded. Imagine our horror when we left this overlook to discover that a bike had gone off the road just minutes ahead of us. It really put a sobering perspective on the day.

Four ambulances and five emergency vehicles passed us before we reached the Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort at the end of the Dragon. I am watching for news of the bike and the fate of its rider(s). I'll update this blog when I know more.

Day 5 SRC Barn in Graham County, originally uploaded by Gail S.

It's my 5th Rock City barn so far on this trip. This one looks like it won't be standing much longer. We passed it on our way back to Helen. It was an exhausting ride. Sid kept us safe with his riding skill and watchful eye.

We walked to a restaurant where we had bratwurst, knockwurst, saurkraut and German potato salad with German beer. I'm weary and heading for bed (yawn).

Day 4 Destination: Helen, Georgia

Day 4 Self-Portrait, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Friends, I took so many terrible, blurry, dark photos today that I barely have anything to show for the day's travels. You will have to endure this self-portrait shot in the bike's mirror.

In spite of the news reports of flooding in North Georgia, Sid and I head for the hills of Georgia. We rode in mist, haze, fog and rain through the Blue Ridge Mountains from Tennessee to Georgia. It really wasn't bad at all. The mountains were gorgeous and we watched the sun rise over Tellico Plains during our ride.

Day 4 Waterfall Runoff from Lake Trahlyta, originally uploaded by Gail S.

As we headed up Blood Mountain we were startled to pass this roaring waterfall. We went back for photos and determined that this isn't a waterfall after all. It is the spillway from the overflow of Lake Trahlyta in Vogel State Park. The recent rains have turned this into a remarkable sight.

This stop prompted us to visit Vogel State Park where we encountered two Vogel Volunteers; who proudly shared the park's history and current information.

The park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is a true treasure of the Georgia State Park system and well worth a visit. We were quite impressed.

Day 4 Richard Russell Scenic Highway, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Our new friends at Vogel suggested a scenic shortcut along
Highway 348 to Helen, Georgia. We were gratified to see the sun as we crossed some mountains on this perfect motorcycling road. This is one of the few decent photos I managed to take today...

Day 4 Helen Georgia, originally uploaded by Gail S.

At last we arrived in Helen, one of the top tourist destinations in Georgia. We have arrived during Oktoberfest where we dined on German potato salad and schnitzel. It's too bad we aren't beer drinkers because all the premier German beers are available here.

Tomorrow, we will get a look around and, possibly, take a bike ride to view some of the local waterfalls that are roaring down the Georgia mountains.

Day 3 Bullies

Day 3 Bullies, originally uploaded by Gail S.

As we prepare to head over to the Lost Sea, Sid is approached by the duck pond bullies - three big white ducks asking for a snack!

Day 3 Lost Sea Adventure, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We embark on the the Lost Sea adventure. Listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as America’s largest underground lake, the Lost Sea is part of an extensive and historic cave system called Craighead Caverns.

Day 3 To the Cave, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We entered Craighead Caverns via this bright yellow tube. The caverns have been known and used since the days of the Cherokee Indians. From the opening on the side of the mountain, the cave expands into a series of huge rooms. I didn't post any photos from inside the cave because they really looked bad. I really needed a tripod to keep the camera steady.

Note the couple walking in front of Sid. We chatted with these retirees during the entire tour. They are from New England, but live in St. Augustine, Florida, now. Avid cave visitors, they also spend lots of time metal detecting on the Florida beaches and near battlefields (on private land). In addition, they are ghost hunters! They even shot some photos of "positive energy orbs" while we were on the boat tour. Our young tour guide, Brady, told them how the door to the maintenance shed had slammed open when he was cleaning the boats...in a cave with no wind currents. He was pretty disturbed at the thought of ghosts in the cave...bless his heart.

Day 3 Glass Shop, originally uploaded by Gail S.

An 18th century village outside the Lost Sea entrance has a wonderful glassworks shop, Glassworks Mfg. Master glass blowers August Bopp and his son, Van Camp, have over 60 years of combined experience producing beautiful and unique handmade glass art.

Day 3 Glass Bikes, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Artist Van Camp Bopp can create a custom motorcycle from a photograph. The red bike looks like our ride!

Day 3 Happy Surprise!, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Just as we left the Lost Sea, it stopped raining, so we headed south on Hwy and came across this Rock City barn between Sweetwater and Niota! I was ecstatic, and Sid actually stopped the bike so I could get a good photo.

Day 3 Our Buddy, Chuck, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Back at the motel (Econo Lodge in Sweetwater), we were greeted by our favorite duck from the pond. Chuck seems to have deformed wings and is constantly picked on by the other ducks in the pond - just like children on the playground at school taunting another child who is "different." Sid has taken to this intrepid underdog, giving him treats and pushing the bully ducks away.

Day 3 Bike Inspection, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Sid and Chuck circle the bike and trailer for a full safety inspection. Chuck is safe from the other ducks when he is near Sid.

Day 3 Chuck's Rain Shelter, originally uploaded by Gail S.

When the deluge came, Chuck took shelter under our trailer, napping and grooming himself. I gave him some cereal from breakfast. Who will protect him when we're gone?