Thursday, May 31, 2012

Blue Ridge Parkway - Mabry Mill

Mabry Mill on Blue Ridge Parkway

During our drive from Lake Keowee to Margot's parents in Vinton, Va we took the Blue Ridge Parkway for part of the trip.

This is Mabry Mill. It is the most photographed spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway they say. I'm sure there are some nicer photos in better light out there.




Mabry Mill on Blue Ridge Parkway


We got on the parkway at Fancy Gap - just across the border in Virginia on I-77. The road conditions are great - very smooth and on a Friday afternoon essentially no traffic. The only bad thing is the speed limit is 45 MPH. In the curvy sections that's about right but in a lot of places it was hard to keep below 55.

This is an aqueduct that brings water from a pond to the mill. Not sure how long it is. We didn't walk to the end.
Blacksmith shop at Mabry Mill on Blue Ridge Parkway


This a blacksmith shop on the site. No one was working there when we went by.

Mabry Mill on Wikipedia

Google Maps - Mabry Mill
Castle Rock Gorge


There are some spectacular overlooks on the parkway. I think this one looks in Castle Rock Gorge.

The parkway passes about 1/2 a mile from Ed and Nancy's home so it is pretty convenient from that respect.
Oxalis Wildflower


Lots of wildflowers even at the end of May.

Not sure what this is - maybe Oxalis?


Not sure where this is.

You can see for miles and miles from some of the overlooks.
Flame Azalea


Margot took this picture out the car window.

It is a Flame Azalea  or Rhododendron calendulaceum.
Chateau Morrisette winery

We stopped at the Chateau Morrisette winery that was just off the parkway. We didn't really do any tasting but did buy a bottle for dinner.

They have a pretty nice facility there.






Blog stat update - I have picked up blog visitors from 6 more countries since I last mentioned it. South Korea (thank you Alyssa), China, Tunisia, Kenya, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. If you are interested in what the Azerbaijan flag looks like (or where the heck it is) click on the Flag Counter in the upper right, then the DETAILS link and then to the second page.    Flowers, bumblebees and blog stats

I also picked up one more state - Alabama. If you know anyone in Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, Vermont, Delaware or Washngton, D.C. please send them a link to the blog.

You can catch up on the earlier part of the trip by clicking here --- > Lake Keowee

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