My New Year's resolution for 2009 was that at least once each month I would take a weekend trip someplace. The year didn't start out to good as I missed January and February, but I haven't missed a month since then. So for July, I loaded up the TC and headed solo to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Being from Charleston, the land is flat.
You have to travel about 60 miles before you even get small rolling hills.
Since I had a few GeoCaches to do west of Charlotte, I headed up I-26 to I-77. Nearing Charlotte, I could seen the rain and lightening. Was getting ready to swing left on some back roads and hoped to miss the rain but didn't. Luckily, I passed through the rain quickly.
When by myself, I enjoy stopping at graveyards to stretch my legs as I walk around looking at the old head stones. This is the start of an old plank road and the series of caches I wanted to complete.
I completed the caches and headed up to the parkway on Hwy 321.
Oh, so nice to finally being on the parkway.
Passed some deer I wanted to get a few pics of, so stopped at Julian Price Lake.
A lot later than I wanted, but I finally made the Julian Price CG. I stayed in the tent/rv section.
Next morning, I was up early. After grabbing a few shots of Grandfather Mountain, I stopped for breakfast, enjoying the view.
After traveling down the parkway a few more miles, I dropped off the parkway on FR1511 down into Wilson Creek Valley.
This is one of the few areas in NC where at large camping is allowed.
On this narrow load, there are a few bridges to cross. This one was neat because of the sign you see as you cross it.
At the bottom of FR1511, you make a right, cross the creek and then make another right on Pineola Rd (FR464) for the climb back to the parkway. This sign is so true since the next 2 miles is up hill without a single straight section and several tight switchbacks.
Stopped at a trail junction where I took the trail to Little Lost Cove Cliffs. While there, this group of die-hard back packers showed up and collapsed for a break. They restedd the whole time I made and enjoyed lunch.
It took a GeoCache to get me to make the hike. But the views and flowers were well worth the climb. Can you find the red bug, wasp, and bee in the second picture?
After getting back up to the parkway, I found out I was out of propane. So I had to drop back down and drive the 30 miles into Marion to swap out the tank. I know I've had problem with the LP hose and it choose this time to need replacing. After two stops and 40 miles of driving, I ended back up only 2 miles from where I first discovered the problem. Luckily I had all the parts and finally managed to get the LP system back operational. I had originally planned on stopping at 2pm, but this problem meant I didn't get back to the parkway til 7pm.
I did have a chance to make one overlook and a tunnel before stopping for the night.
The second night, I wanted to stay at Linville Falls CG but it was to hyper for my taste. So I ended up 20 mile down the parkway at Crabtree Falls which is a small quiet campground.
There was another TCer in the campground which came over to ask where the nearest RV dealer was. Due to my earlier problems, I was able to provide the name, phone number, and address along with detailed driving instructions.
After the problems with the LP, the fridge still not working right, and stopping late both nights, I didn't think I was enjoying myself so headed home a day early. I dropped down on Hwy 80 where I was able to ignore the warning sign.
Well so long Blue Ridge Parkway, I hope to be back soon.
For a few more pics of my trip, check out my photo albums.
Epilogue: Well, it wasn't til I had been home a couple of days did I realize how much I was actually enjoying the trip. I should have just stayed at Crabtree Falls, taken the hike to the falls, and relaxed. Oh well, live and learn.
* This post was
edited 08/02/09 05:48am by kohldad *
Photo Albums (Devil's Fork SP added 11/17/09)
2004.5 Ram 3500 4x4 Quad-Cab SRW CTD 6-spd
2004 Lance 815
1982 CJ-8 Scrambler - going, going, anyone
Loving wife, two horse crazed teenage daughters, two horses, two cats
How did you like 80. Not so bad with a single vehicle like a truck. But with a TT, or MH. Would not be fun. Glad you enjoyed our part of the world. We sure like your's.
FR1511? Is that a Forest Service Road? Did you just take a chance on the road or is there a guide or map to these type of roads? Looks very interesting, something I would like to try.
Glad you enjoyed your stay at Crabtree Meadows. We were in the Phaeton parked just below you on site 8. We'll be here through October. Next time you will definitely want to hike to the falls:
Dennis and Cindy Henderson
fulltiming, currently at Crabtree Meadows at milepost 339 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
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