Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive!

My wife and I took drive to Humpback Rock along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. I discovered a group of stunted pines (Pitch Pines) which were growing on top of a rocky outcrop. They looked to be 5 - 12 feet tall. Some had thick trunks up to 15 inches in diameter. Here are some pictures taken by my wife.










And here is a pine (Pitch) at Raven's Roost. Approx 15 feet tall, trunk at the base of the rock is over 2 feet in diameter. Classic roots disappear into the rocks, and are exposed and worn with lots of bleached wood. Stunning and reverent; a
proud presence!


If you ever get a chance to take this drive... awesome vistas of our beloved mountains...the oldest mountain chain in the world!
Salut, Todd

awesome vistas of our beloved mountains...the oldest mountain chain in the world!

Well, close (kinda) but no cigar . . . (From Wikipedia because my old historical geology book isn't on line to be copied):


I wholheartedly second Todd's praise of our ancient hills, though. The Blue Ridge Parkway (one of our most-used National Parks) follows the ridge line from well into Virginia to north Georgia some 469 miles. Parts of it are often closed in the winter, but it may be one of he most heavily traveled roads in the world in the fall, when the trees turn color.

You all could visit the Caroina Bonsai Expo Oct. 9-10 at the North Carolina Arboretum, just off the Parkway and stay for a while afterward and see the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Parkway for yourselves. Some trees should be starting to turn at that time.

There's a map of the entire parkway here: http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/ See the center panel.

Oh how I remember the L&H song...Ohhhhhh, the blue ridge mountains of Virginia....on the trail of the lonesome Pine.

Mike

Hello Todd, The parkway holds some of my favorite places to visit and gather inspiration. Linville Gorge and the mountains along its path have always been among my very favorites. I was very disappointed to see that drought and fire have done in the majority of the amazing Pitch (3 needles) and Table Mtn (2 needles) pines in that area.



I will second Jim's invitation for folks to discover the Parkway and the Carolina Bonsai Expo. It is only 2 months away.

John

JimLewis wrote: You all could visit the Carolina Bonsai Expo Oct. 9-10 at the North Carolina Arboretum, just off the Parkway and stay for a while afterward and see the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Parkway for yourselves.

Oh how I wish! This one is top of my list of shows to visit when I have saved up the hard-earned sufficiently. Unlikely this year as it is my Dad's 90th birthday on the 9th October. Mebbe next year.

I want one of those trees

90 years old. That is awesome Fiona. Did you get your horticulture know-how from him?
Your avatar is a great candid picture!.

While you are viewing the wonderful scenery, keep at least one eye on the road for cyclists!
Here are a few pics I took on a ride last fall...