The mountains are calling......

On the Blue Ridge Parkway near Meadows of Dan, VA

The peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch toward the heavens, with the dusty blue hue almost making them blend with the sky. As they seem to become one, the eyes must search to find where one ends and the other begins. The 469 mile Blue Ridge Parkway
straddles the peaks and valleys and affords travelers a view of the magnificence. The mountains, a part of the Appalachian Range, stretch from Georgia to Northern Pennsylvania alongside farmland, small towns and villages.

Small farms, tucked into the mountain valleys and hanging onto the mountainside, supply the farmer's markets, in the small towns. Signs proclaiming "locally grown" stand beside the baskets of bright red tomatoes, yellow and white peaches (still growing plentiful, in the mountains), apples, ears of sweet corn, and numerous other veggies . Occasionally, a field of tobacco reminds us that this area of the country is also known for their tobacco crops. 


Remnants of old buildings, guarded by split rail fences, still dot the landscape. Early settlers built their cabins by the rocky creek beds to have water for their families, their crops, and their livestock. Many stayed to farm and
raise their families in these mountains. The more adventurous continued westward, willing to endure the  hardships of early travel across the mountains, to open a new frontier.





In Rocky Knob National Park, a lush bed of green ferns - fit for any hanging basket - grows plentiful, under the tall stand of hardwood trees. The multitude of concrete picnic tables, scattered about the park, were being taken over by moss, indicating a lack of use by tourists. The paved roadway weaved its way through the park and crisscrossed with hiking trails, warning hikers to watch for bears. I complained to the Park Ranger that I hadn't seen the first bear, and she responded with "the only one I've seen crossed the road, in front of my car".  I would question the survival of this park during these hard economic times; for other than a peaceful drive through a mountain forest, or a quiet respite for weary travelers, it had little else to offer.

Just about a mile from the peaceful little village of Meadows of Dan (named for the Dan River) is Mabry Mill (photo shown above). The park, which includes a grist mill and blacksmith shop built in 1910, is now maintained by the National Park Service. Old farm tools, and wagons, placed about the park are reminiscent of how life was "in the old days". The blacksmith shop still functions, and Park Service Rangers give hourly demonstrations.

Off the Blue Ridge Parkway past Fancy Gap, VA, and into North Carolina, is Mount Airy. Famous as the birthplace of Andy Griffith, the town has really managed to capitalize on its famous son and Mayberry. There's the Mayberry Museum, Mayberry Theatre, Mayberry Souvenir Shops (where posters of Andy, Barney, Opie, and Aunt Bea are plentiful), Floyd's Barber Shop, and Opie's Candy Store, just to name a few.  If you're interested, Mayberry Tours will take you on a ride in one of the old black and white police cars. Now, my honey had the camera while I was in one of the Mayberry souvenir shops, buying my "collectible" magnet, so I didn't get to see the old black and white. (Only a true "take a picture of everything person" would think to grab and click when it passed by!)

                                                                                        

Not only is Mayberry famous for Andy,          
it's also famous for Snappy Lunch and
their "World Famous (in their words)
Pork Chop Sandwich". Opened in 1923,
in the same location, the diner gained
notoriety because of The Andy Griffith Show.

Cooked on a grill, behind the cash register, and visible from the sidewalk......the World Famous Pork Chop Sandwich is served, on a bun with cole slaw, tomato, onion, and chili! I just couldn't imagine eating chili on my Pork Chop, so I opted out of that selection.

It was good, and messy, but next time I think I'll just have my Pork Chop, with a biscuit!! And yes, it is boneless and more like a piece of pork tenderloin than a pork chop.


Back in Lake Ridge RV Park, just outside Hillsville, VA but within view of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, we can almost hear the mountains calling to us.

The mountains are calling, and I must go. - John Muir