Update about blogCa

A small creek crosses under the Blue Ridge Parkway just as you approach the Tanbark Tunnel from the south. But if you pull over and park, you can see this little cascade on the opposite side of the Parkway before it goes under the road.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Day trip on high

 



Friend's granddaughter and a little waterfall by the Blue Ridge Parkway

Teresa captures a shot of the little waterfall

Used as my header, Tanbark Ridge Tunnel is just to the right of this cascade

Not a great selfie at all!


Looking out the window of the little store at Craggy Overlook...toward the northwest. Unfortunately the bushy foliage obscures this view from the walkway. You can sometimes see I-26 going toward Tennessee. The Craggy Gardens picnic area is still not open.

The Parkway Map with road closures still due to Hurricane Helene in Sept. 2024.


If you enlarge you might see 2 towers in the distance to the left, on Mt. Gibbes next to Mt. Mitchell, which I don't think is visible here.



Our lunch overlook, higher than  Graybeard Mountain. The Graybeard trail starts near home, in Montreat, and the mountain is easily seen from Black Mountain and Lake Tomahawk.

Next week I hope to go up to Mt. Mitchell for a picnic. Highest mountain east of the Mississippi, as I've mentioned before. It's about the same altitude as the place in Colorado I hope to move to.


A neat split rail fence with Graybeard Mountain beyond...not sure which peak however.





The yellow area to right on I-40 (east of Asheville) is Black Mountain. (I think this map calls it 73! which it never was, but was 70 before interstates!) Anyway, if you see the words National and Forest you can find Mt. Mitchell State Park halfway between them. I'm enlarging this from a topo map that was for sale at the information store at Craggy Gardens.

This gives a better idea of where the Parkway has overlooks. Many times I'll just go to Tanbark Ridge Overlook. That's I-40 going left to right along the bottom of this view.



When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.

JIMI HENDRIX


15 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos, looks like a great day to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway. I love the John Lennon quote. Take care, enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Eileen. Have a great Wednesday!

      Delete
  2. You live in a beautiful region. I think your next one also has its charms.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh you just gave me a jolt of pleasant anticipation. I do look forward to exploring the west! Hope my health is better too. Would you believe it's 53 this morning and 100% humidity...but no rain is in the picture today. I won't venture out till noon when it's a bit drier and warmer, and hope to breathe easily!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ...it's been a few years since I've enjoyed your beautiful mountains. So thanks for the refresher. You will need to give up this candy when you move, but the drier air should be better for your health.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I admit to loving the green more this year than in the past, in anticipation of not seeing it next summer. But being grateful is a good feeling.

      Delete
  5. Lovely part of the land there in NC mountains. Though the photos you'll be sharing from CO will be gorgeous too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I may take a few days away from blogging...but will read as much as I can of friend's blogs. But then I do tend to just post from FB whenever I'm busy...we shall see, buttercup!

      Delete
  6. The area is absoutely beautiful as are your photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bill...I am sort of addicted to going out, taking photos of wherever, and sharing some here. Would you believe how many I toss? Maybe half.

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. It is so nice to be able to sit and observed these old mountains, any time of year. The overlook where we ate lunch is also on the Mountains to Sea trail, which goes up to Mt. Mitchell somehow as well. Many miles of trails before you would get to the ocean!!

      Delete
  8. You are leaving a beautiful area. I can't wait to see your new horizons, too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. You are commendable in taking advantage of the Parkway. It's been several years since I visited it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I find mountains so unusual. We don't have any here! Nice trip!

    ReplyDelete

There is today, more than ever, the need for a compassionate regenerative world civilization.