Category Archives: scenic drives

Blue Ridge Parkway

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Blue Ridge Parkway

I’m batting  .500. Got to 1 waterfall and skipped the 2nd and it’s not even noon yet. I decided to use the afternoon to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. I had passed a sign for the Parkway so I was probably pretty close, right? On vacation. What else do I have to do except explore? With that thought in mind I headed down the mountain to find the turn off to the Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

 

The Blue Ridge Parkway was the first national rural parkway to be conceived, designed, and constructed for a leisure-type driving experience. The Parkway is the highest and longest continuous route in the Appalachian area. It has a total length of 469 miles! Lots of room to explore

Blue Ridge Parkway

Scenic Drives

I spotted the sign for the Blue Ridge Parkway at the bottom of a long grade. There was a gas station and souvenir shop on the corner. The left turn quickly became a winding, two lane road with deep ditches along the sides. A good sized stream  ran along next to the road. The stream tumbled over rocks and created rapids. I would get a glimpse here and there as the road wound though a series of tight curves and switch backs. It was beautifully scenic but there was no shoulder so no place to pull over for pictures. As I rounded another corner I spotted a pickup truck off the road. The right side was in the ditch, the undercarriage of the truck was on the side of the road and the left side of the truck was on the pavement. It was clear that truck was going no where without a tow!

Blue Ridge Parkway

Clouds and Haze

Blue Ridge Parkway

The drive to the Parkway was much longer than it appeared on the map. Of course if we went “as the crow flies” we could cut the distance in half. By the time I reached the turn off for the Blue Ridge Parkway the sun was hidden behind a layer of clouds. My sunny day had disappeared. Still this is beautiful country. The mountain range seems to go on forever. I grew up in the Adirondacks but there you see a mountain, here you see row after row of mountains. It’s a different perspective and it’s gorgeous even with clouds and rain moving in.  

Blue Ridge Parkway

 

The Road to Sapphire

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The Road to SapphireAshville to Sapphire

Once I got headed in the right direction I left the road construction by the airport behind. RT 280 was a wide , well maintained highway. There was plenty of room for the crazy local drivers to pass. I could take my time and get acclimated to the drive. I felt pretty protected along this stretch because there was a church every mile or so.  Baptist, Methodist, 7 day Adventist, they were all there but not so many Catholic. All of the churches were large and well cared for. I knew I was in the “Bible Belt” but I had to wonder how a rural area like this could support so many churches so well. I guess the business of religion is very successful here. 

The Halfway Point- Brevard

My map said it was 45 miles from Ashville Airport to Sapphire but I felt like I had been driving a long time before I got to Brevard. Brevard was when the drive began to change to what I came to think of  as the half way point. Brevard is a little college town. It’s pretty and it’s loaded with fast food restaurants. There’s Wendy’s, Micky D’s, Bojangles and even a drive through BBQ place. Brevard is where I picked up RT 64. Rt 64 was to become my most traveled route while I was in North Carolina. It would take me to the waterfalls and the Blue Ridge parkway. It would also scare the pants off me until I got used to it. 

The Road to Sapphire

Rt 64 to Sapphire

I was relieved to see signs for Sapphire Valley as I was leaving Brevard. At least I was on the right track. I made a mental note to make a return trip to Brevard before my trip was over. I wanted to see a White Squirrel.

As I left Brevard, RT  64 began to narrow from a multi lane road to two lanes, no shoulders. That was ok but then I got to the mountain. I have no idea what the name of the mountain is but the locals just refer to “The Mountain”. They tell you that you’ll go down the mountain, around the mountain, over the mountain but they never name the mountain. 

Brevard to Sapphire Valley

The drive up the mountain to Sapphire Valley took about 45 minutes to an hour. Much of the road was made up of hairpin turns and switchbacks. The signs showed twisty turns with 15- 25 mile speed limits. There was no cutting corners either because there was always a car coming the other way. I began to wish I had a passenger who could take a video or at the least pictures. There was no place to pull over so I couldn’t do it. I had both hands glued to the wheel! 

The Road to Sapphire

This kind of driving is an adrenaline rush. It’s fun but I enjoy it only when I’m not being tailgated and that was going to be the bane of my trip. The locals, who are the nicest people face to face, are demanding, crazy drivers. They know the road and it’s twists and turns and they don’t pay any attention to the speed limit. I became quite adept at locating the narrowest of pull offs so they could go around me. When I’d get out of the way I’d get a friendly toot and a wave as they blew my doors off going by. 

The Road to Sapphire

This was almost as challenging as driving in the mountains of South Dakota! I was very happy to see signs saying “entering Sapphire Valley”. Now I just had to find the resort and check in. 

The Call of the Loon

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Loons return to New Hampshire

It’s springtime in the lakes region of New Hampshire and the haunting warble of the loon’s call has returned too. That means it’s time for me to begin my quest for a decent photo of the common Loon.  The Common loon once was plentiful in New Hampshire waters but now sits squarely on the endangered list mostly due to man’s disruption of their habitat and lead poisonings from fishing lures and sinkers. 

I know finding the perfect photo is a lot of luck when it comes to wildlife photography. Wild Things don’t present themselves on demand! It took me years to get a decent moose photo and I had to go to Wyoming to get it.

A Moose heading for the trees

Moose in Maine

Moose in the afternoon

Moose in Wyoming Grand Teton

 

But even with that photo I feel it could be better. But I’m giving moose a break and turning my attention to the Common Loon

So last year I took my first loon photos on Lake George. They weren’t very good.

Lake George Loon 2020

Lake George Loon 2020

Gray and fuzzy but we all have to start somewhere. I’m going to try my luck at Squam Lake this year. It’s chick season now so I’m heading to New Hampshire.

On Golden Pond

Little Squam Lake was the filming location for the 1981 movie, On Golden Pond. It’s a beautiful lake. There are actually 2 lakes. Big Squam and Little Squam. Our Loon Cruise would take us into Little Squam where there are nesting platforms for the loons. It’s chick season now and I’d love to catch a glimpse of some of those little guys. When first hatched they can’t regulate their body temperature so they often hitch rides on their parent’s backs.

Loon with chicks- Unattributed from web- (wish it were mine)

 

But that behavior only lasts for about 2 weeks. Not much time to catch them in action

The Call of the Loon

Little Squam Lake 2021

The Loon Cruise

I drove from my Home in Taunton to Squam Lake , about 2.5 hours one way, for a 90 minute cruise then drove home after the cruise. It was worth it. We had a naturalist on board who specializes in Loons.  Her stories and tips really explained the behaviors we got to see.

The Call of the Loon

 

We spotted 2 adult loons right away near the first nesting platform.  You can see one of the adults on the nest here.

At the next stop there were 2 tiny chicks, just hatched. They were too small and too far away for me to get a picture but it was exciting. It was also at this spot that we saw a display of territorial behavior. The 2 adults were trying to send a 3rd loon away. They were splashing and flapping their wings. Right before they all took flight we heard them call. That was amazing. I love to hear the call of the loons.

The Eagle and the Cormorant

We stopped by another nesting site but it didn’t seem to be active. Still is wasn’t a total loss.  As we pulled away we spotted a bald eagle.

The Call of the Loon

Bald Eagle- Squam Lake 2021

 

We picked up speed to head back to the dock and right in front of us we spotted a Cormorant. So of course we had to slow down and watch him for a bit. Unfortunately I missed his take off when he decide to leave.

The Call of the Loon

Cormorant – Squam Lake 2021

 Not Done Yet

It had been a full trip with lots to see but we weren’t done yet. As we neared the end of the cruise we spotted a great blue Heron on a rock. It was being harassed by 2 loons who clearly did not want Mr. Blue in their territory.That was a great ending to a fun cruise.

So maybe I didn’t get that “Iconic” Photo but I got some good memories.

3 adult loons taking off – Squam Lake 2021

 

Fraser & Keystone Colorado

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Fraser & Keystone Colorado

Lets take 2 Colorado locations today, Fraser and Keystone. Why 2 you ask? Because they are both very close to other locations we’ve already discussed. Fraser is only 2 miles from Winter Park so I’m sure the research I did for Winter Park also applies to Fraser.

From Diamond Resorts Web page

In Fraser we would stay at Indian  Peaks Condos. At Indian Peaks, a lot of effort has been placed into seeing that your vacation home meets your expectations, but this resort is not for you if you need your hand held; there are no organized activities. No basket-weaving, no Stampn’ Up! This resort is all about immersing yourself in nature and the beauty of the Rockies, with more than 800 miles of marked trails through National Forest and National Park at your doorstep. Not for the faint of heart either, a few of the units are on the third floor, spectacular views but no elevator.

From Great Sandunes National Park web page

There are somethings I’d like to see and/or do in Fraser. There’s Great Sand Dunes National Park to name one. A sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles and the tallest dune towers 750 feet high. Feeling adventurous? You can even go sledding down the dunes. It will satisfy the kid in you!

Fraser Wildlife

From Fraser Activity Web Page

Left your hiking boots at home? Don’t worry, there’s no need to hit the trails to see Colorado’s wildlife in its natural habitat. Hundreds of scenic roads lead safely past elk, bighorn sheep, moose, bison, bald eagles and other watchable wildlife — making this the perfect activity for travelers of all abilities. With a pair of binoculars, you won’t even have to unbuckle your seatbelt

Keystone

Keystone is centered around River Run Village, which sits at the base of the slopes. The town sits at 9,280 feet above sea level, with the mountain summit at 12,408 feet. It’s located less than an hour and a half from Denver, in busy Summit County.

Keystone is more urbane than some other mountain towns in the sense that it has a very upscale, high-end bunch of spas, athletic groups, and restaurants that cater to those looking to be wowed. 

As to be expected in a ski resort, there is a gondola to the top of a mountain. The Scenic Gondola Ride is a perfect activity for the whole family. Ride to the top of Keystone Mountain where you can enjoy incredible views of Lake Dillon, the Continental Divide, & the Ten Mile Range. 

Keystone is only 10 miles from Breckenridge and Vail is about 37 miles. Check the posts for Vail and Breckenridge for more comments on the area. 

Still Thinking About Colorado

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Colorado on my mind

Yes, I’m still thinking about a Colorado Vacation. I’m one step closer since I got my first vaccine shot last week. 2nd dose is scheduled for April 22. But I have a confession. I miss seeing the sights but I don’t miss the effort it takes to get there. Planes, TSA lines, layovers…my body gets tired just thinking about it. Too bad travel couldn’t be like the Enterprise. Beam me up Scotty and I’d be wherever I wanted to be. I always tell my traveling companions they need to embrace the journey, not just the destination. Half the adventure is getting there but my body is starting to get weary. 

Mesa, Colorado

 

Well enough complaining lets see what Mesa, Colorado has to offer for vacation. 
If you like to ski Goldenwoods Condominiums is located right on the slopes of Powderhorn, and the ski lifts are within walking distance of the resort. 

But what if like me you don’t ski and the old knees make hiking and climbing mountains difficult. What can you do in Mesa? 

Summer activities in Mesa

Maybe I need to get that knee replaced because the hiking sounds really fine. There are tons of trails and it’s reported that there are no crowds! You can hike through dense pine forests while others trails  trek along high ridgelines with unobstructed views in all directions. Camping is another attraction. Large sites (and a rumor says you can go car camping)  allow you to enjoy the mild evening temperatures to fall asleep under the stars.

If your joints are getting a bit creaky and camping and hiking aren’t your thing there are over 300 lakes in the region for your boating, paddle boarding and fishing pleasure. 

Last but not least is the Scenic Byway 65 (Grand Mesa Scenic Byway). The Grand Mesa leads through old-growth forests, aspens, meadows and so many lakes you’ll lose track. That’s Grand Mesa in a nutshell. Allow at least  2 hours to travel the full 63 miles. This drive is definitely best in summer as  parts of the road  may be closed in winter.