Blue Ridge Parkway

  Even though my two day trip to the Blue Ridge got turned into a one day trip, due to rain, I really was able to see quite a bit in the short time I had. The afternoon I arrived I did some exploring around Sherando Lake. Then in the morning I headed up to the Parkway, and drove south for about 60 miles, stopping along the way at several of the overlooks, taking a short hike, and having a picnic.

  A fern frond, backlit by the afternoon sun, at the Sherando Lake Recreation Area.

  Last year, when I was visiting the same area, the Mountain Laurel were in bloom. This year I got to see something different, these pretty purple wild geraniums were everywhere. This particular photo was taken on the Fallingwater Cascades Trail, as was the one below. In all honesty I didn't love this trail, it was in serious need of maintenance, and the views of the waterfalls just weren't as great as Wigwam Falls.

  One of the many rivers and streams along the parkway.

  I can't wait to go back! Hopefully I'll have time this autumn to explore the area around Asheville during the foliage.