to the south entrance in North Carolina ’ s Great Smoky Mountain National Park . Alas , Tropical Storm Fred and his weather friends sent torrential rains and tornado-like conditions to the Carolinas . So , we bailed halfway through the trip and rode our 2013 Honda Goldwing home – through cool rain – about 720 kilometres to Northeast Ohio .
Abbreviating our trip was another life lesson . We were reminded that we ’ re not in control and we must sometimes pivot . As if COVID hasn ’ t already made pivoting abundantly clear . Still , half the Parkway is better than no Parkway .
A printed travel planner from the Blue Ridge Parkway Association ( blueridgeparkway . org ) helped . It lists attractions , hiking trails and rest stops at various mile markers as well as exits with gas stations , restaurants , and lodging . We carried the planner because internet and GPS access can be sketchy at Appalachian elevations
and sometimes rendered our mobile devices useless .
When the trail started , I found myself dramatically inhaling in fear as hills dropped and valley views stretched for miles . The anxiety grew in areas lacking guardrails . Soon , though , stunning mountain views became the norm and I relaxed . The scenery included deer sightings and abundant wildflowers . A bear sighting could , happen , though not likely .
The first stop that beckons , Humpback Rocks , is only ten kilometres into the trip . If you ’ haven ’ t exercised lately , pace yourself for the kilometre or longer climb that registered as seventy-five flights of stairs on my Fitbit . We gave up on our first trip to the overlook five years ago . We conquered on our second visit and were rewarded with a fogobscured vista from on high .
By late morning ., day one , we were hungry and used the trip planner to find Olde Liberty Station Restaurant in Bedford . Leaving at mile maker 86 , the Honda zig-zagged into the valley to an 1881 repurposed train station . Lunch included generous salads and the ubiquitous Southern staple , fried green tomatoes .
It ’ s important to note that the parkway , with its elevation and shade is cooler than the small towns in valleys along the way . Temperatures rise nearly 6 degrees Celsius when you get into the valley . Dressing in layers improves comfort options . At 265 kilometres down the Parkway we stopped in Floyd , Va ., just southwest of the parkway , where I had planned two nights at Hotel Floyd .
Built in 2007 , Hotel Floyd is influenced by that artsy vibe and environmental consciousness . It was constructed with sustainable materials and furnishings , easy access to Wi-Fi , electric-car charging and includes a gallery of local art in
TRAVERSE 99