Mountains in Hendersonville, NC and Roanoke, VA
Monday, June 30th, 2008I figure it’s time to post some good things about our trip to the mountains — and while we had very little opportunity for recreation and my enjoyment of it was tempered by my injuries, we still took in some incredible scenery. First up is Jump Off Rock, in Laurel Park (near Hendersonville), North Carolina. It was a slow, steep, twisty drive to the top of the mountain.
There were a couple of hiking trails, but I was in too much pain to hike. As you can see, though, there were some truly incredible views. Later that night we saw some other mountains on the other side of town.
On our way to Roanoke, VA from Hendersonville, we got caught in a couple of intense storms. We stopped at an overlook alongside the incredibly scenic Interstate 81. It was still raining and there was thick fog nestled in the mountains. My photos don’t do justice to the sheer size of some of these mountains or the atmospheric beauty we witnessed.
Fog rises from the mountains during a thunderstorm
One of many climbs on the interstate
Panoramic shot of the mountains and the interstate
In Roanoke, we made a trip up to the top of Mill Mountain, where the Roanoke Star sits. It’s a 100-foot lighted star on the mountain overlooking the city. This spot also offers panoramic views of the Roanoke Valley. Once again there had been strong storms and the whole region was enveloped in a thick fog.
I also took a few infrared shots. It’s interesting how well the IR shots cut through the haze
Part of Roanoke Valley, in infrared
Steps on the short hiking trail
Trail leading back to the parking lot
We also took in part of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke. It was absolutely stunning.
Hazy mountains as darkness falls
The Blue Ridge Parkway — maybe someday I’ll get to ride part of this
Sun setting over the mountains
As you can see, our trip was not exactly a bust in terms of scenery. And while we experienced the mountains from a more passive perspective than I prefer (driving, rather than hiking or biking), I feel lucky we got to go at all.
It’s true what they say. Virginia is for lovers. I sure was glad to be there with mine.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:55 am
Great shots – I especially like the layered mountains shot, and that stormy panorama.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:22 am
wow, the storm clouds are awesome. great shots. hope that finger isn’t hurting you too bad