Day 05: Hillsvale, VA, to Maggie Valley, NC. Parkway

Day 05: July 3, 2006
Hillsville, VA, to Maggie Valley, NC
10:00a-7:15p; 280 miles

Today my attention was directed to parkway flora; I did not see any out of the ordinary wildlife. The peak blooming season is over, but a number of plants and wildflowers still have flowers. The part of the parkway I traveled today has large patches of rhododendron. In some places the rhododendron was so thick it formed walls along both sides of the parkway. Most wildflowers appeared in small clusters, but I did pass one large field of Black-Eyed Susans. (Click on pictures to get a larger view).

The past two days I purchased a deli sandwich about an hour before noon and selected a shady
spot with a view as my lunch room. I drink a lot of water, some iced tea, and an occasional diet soft drink with caffeine. It is easy to become dehydrated when you are out in the sun and encased in a helmet, jacket and gloves.

I arrived at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the evening (actually about 12 miles from the end – I will do those last few miles tomorrow when I enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). The Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation live on the south end of the national park. My Aunt Viola told me about a play, Unto These Hills, that is performed there every summer. I was able to get a ticket and quickly rushed off to the play after I checked into my motel.

Another connection – this time to the past, and one not to be proud of. Our treatment of Native Americans, in the past and the present, is a shame. The play noted the many broken promises and treaties of the American government and the forced displacement of the Cherokee in what became known as the “Trail of Tears.”

The past two days have been exhausting. Although the parkway speed limit is 45 mph, there are many sharp turns and steep hills, and the weather has been hot. My goal was to be in Nashville tomorrow night, but I decided to cut back and have a more relaxing day. I will take more time in the park and spend the night at Lenoir City, TN.

Here is some quick advice on traveling the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway:

1. Plan on three or four days to drive the entire length. There are many overlooks, hiking paths, nature centers and other interesting things to visit.
2. Gather information in advance and plan for sightseeing, stops, lodging, etc.
3. Expect to average about 10 mph slower than the posted limits (Skyline 35 mph; Blue Ridge 45 mph). The many curves and switchbacks have to be taken slowly and there are many people who drive slower than the posted limits. With few places to pass vehicles, your speed is often determined by the leader of the pack.
4. Stop at as many overlooks as possible
5. Plan fuel stops carefully - especially if you are on a motorcycle which may have a shorter fuel range than a car. The roads travel through unpopulated areas and you often have to exit to find fuel.