Saturday's Day Trip

We left home about 10am with the final destination to be Mount Mitchell on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We headed up I85 to I26 then onto the country roads for the scenic ride to the Parkway. Along the way we came upon Rockhouse Winery - which naturally I had to stop. Unfortunately the sign said that they were open at 1pm and it was well before that. I peered into the window and woke up the dog, as I was heading back to the car the owner called me back up and opened up the tasting room. So with some tasting done and interesting conversation we left with 2 bottles of wine in tow. Back into the car and up the road we headed to a restaurant just off the Parkway for lunch. We sat on the balcony with a spectacular view and the sound of the traffic below our feet. After a great lunch we headed up the parkway to Mount Mitchell, about a 20 mile drive.

As we ascended the mountain it was very evident that spring had just come to the mountains. Trees were first starting to bud, everything was just starting to come alive again. The temperature change wasn't too bad, as we turned off the parkway it was 64 and on top it had only dropped to 53, it was windy but not at all bad. The elevation of Mount Mitchell is 6578 and it truly has some of the most gorgeous views.

Back down the mountain and and off the Parkway to meet and have supper with some old friends of my husband's family, Max Woody and his wife Pat and his son. Max is a true craftsman, Max makes wood rockers that have been sold around the world, the waiting list for one of his rockers is about 4 years. Well after some great conversation and Max telling stories of the past and another great meal we headed out for our 2 hour trip home.

What a great day it was, I have posted more pictures of the Parkway and Mount Mitchell on my Webshots - hope you enjoy the views.

Mary