Virginia Mountain Dreams

Reviewing Fred First’s book, Slow Road Home

Gary Boyd — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:40:45 +0000

It was Fred First and the lead up to his publishing of this, his first book, that started me on this journey with my “Mountain Dreams”. Way back when he first had it listed at Amazon I sat down at lunch one day and wrote the following review. I originally put it up at North Carolina Mountain Dreams, my everyday blog at that time….

Today for lunch I joined a friend I’ve never met. We walked along a creek with no name under hemlocks in a valley I’ve never seen. We passed a barn I’ve only envisioned in painted light upon my screen. The sun I couldn’t see glistened on grasses in the field to dry the dew I did not feel. I wasn’t there, and yet I was, visiting with Fred on Goose Creek in the mountains of Floyd County.

I’ll go there again tomorrow for lunch as I revisit a “Slow Road Home”. Won’t you come along? We’ll visit Ann’s Falls, we’ll sit a spell under the white pines, we’ll wave at the neighbors from the front porch. We’ll while away the time as we discuss the important issues of the day, the bumblebees at play, and the hawks upon the wing. We can discuss anything at all as we visit there on the creek with no name along that “Slow Road Home”.

A visit to Fred thru a “Slow Road Home” always slows the day, sets the pace to another time, and takes you to another place. The place you’ve longed for since childhood, a place that brings back the memories of grandparents and more. A time when the constant companion was a single word…Why? Walk a while and listen to another’s whys, you may discover the child you left a long time ago, far, far away. Where else can you feel free to laze in a summer rain, loll in an open field at night to watch the fireflies rise and stars fall, or chase spiders as they glide by? There is a maple on the cover that shelters a house that seems to have been there forever. The house is nestled up to the ridge like you shelter in the covers of a bed. How do I know this? I have seen this house thru the eyes of someone who loves it, and the tree, and the ridge and all it encompasses. You can see it too. Come walk the pages of Fred First’s “Slow Road Home”…You never know, we may meet along the road.

Of course, since I wrote those words, I have had the pleasure of walking beside the creek with no name with Fred and Ann. We sat upon the porch and watched the sun go down on the field that holds the most photographed barn in all of Floyd County. We shared coffee at the kitchen table there in the white house on the “Slow Road Home”.

Others have also found pleasure in the measured words that Fred has published…

“There is an old saying that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. In Fred First’s case, when he was ready to learn new lessons, he let Nature be his teacher.”

“What he discovered about himself and his connection to his new home in the Blue Ridge Mountains will strike a familiar chord in everyone who has reached the point in life where our goals leave us unfulfilled.”

“His weblog journal, Fragments from Floyd, becomes a tapestry of his days chronicling his angsts, his sometimes humorous efforts to overcome them, and his epiphanies.”

“Not all interesting journeys require a lot of mileage”

Take A Walk On The Slow Road Home with Fred First…You’ll Enjoy The Trip!

Slow Road Home Back when I first started dreaming my “Mountain Dreams” I...
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BLUERIDGERAMBLER.COM: Floyd VA

Gary Boyd — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:55:56 +0000

Today I discovered another of that legion of fellow travelers drawn to Floyd, Virginia. Go and check him out.

FLOYD VA

The logo of the Oddfellas Cantina sums up the town of Floyd, VA. Drawn in the style of Grant Wood’s painting American Gothic, the logos’ graphic shows three men standing side by side: a farmer wearing bib overalls, holding a hoe; a Jerry Garcia lookalike, and a businessman in a suit sporting a bowler hat. Co-existing quite happily in Floyd are the farmers that have worked the land for generations, the hippies that started to arrive in the ‘60’s, and the businessmen that keep the Floyd economy buzzing. Retail shops in Floyd seem to cater to all three cultural cohorts: there is a Hardware & Farm store, a mix of real estate companies and banks, a natural foods store, books stores, coffee shops, and enough tie-dyes in clothing stores to outfit a hippie army.

via BLUERIDGERAMBLER.COM: Floyd VA.

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Blue Ridge Parkway 2010 Operating Dates and Times

Gary Boyd — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:18:38 +0000

FACILITY OPENINGS/CLOSINGS

CAMPGROUNDS – Open – Close

Linville Falls – 04/02/10 – 11/01/10
Otter Creek – 04/02/10 – 11/01/10
All Other Parkway Campgrounds – 05/14/10 – 11/01/10

PICNIC AREAS

Price Park Open year-round - (weather permitting) (Full Service Restrooms and Water Fountains open April 30)
Peaks of Otter 04/09/10 – 11/15/10
Humpback Rocks 04/09/10 – 11/15/10 (Port-a-Johns will be used April 8 to May 7, and October 23 to November 16 at
Humpback Rocks and Peaks of Otter Picnic Grounds
Linville Falls 04/09/10 – 11/01/10
All Other Parkway Picnic Areas 05/14/10 – 11/01/10

VISITOR CENTERS Hours

Humpback Rocks

April 23 – May 26, 7 Days a Week – Closed for Lunch (12-1) 9-5

May 27 – October 31, 7 Days a Week

Last Day Open: Oct 31

James River

May 27 – October 31, 7 Days a Week 9-5

Last Day Open: Oct. 31

Peaks of Otter

April 30 – May 26, 5 Days a Week, Closed Wed & Thurs 9-5

May 27 – October 31, 7 Days a Week 9-5

Last Day Open: Oct. 31

Explore Park Visitor Center (operated by Roanoke County)

May 1 – October 31, 7 Days a Week 9-5

Rocky Knob

Weekends Only (Sat, Sun): May 8, 9; May 15, 16; May 22-23 9-5

May 27 – October 31, 7 Days a Week 9-5

Last Day Open: Oct 31

Blue Ridge Music Center

April 30 – May 24, 5 Days a Week, Closed Tues & Wed 9-5

May 27 – Oct 31, 7 Days a Week 9-5

Last Day Open: Oct. 31

Moses Cone

(Information desk and bookstore)

May 27- Oct 31, 7 Days a Week 9-5

NPS Desk: Last Day Open Oct 31 (EN may stay open weekends in

November, but will make that decision later in the season.)

Moses Cone Concessions

(Craft Center open April 2 – November 29) 9-5

Linn Cove

April 23 – May 26 Closed for Lunch (12-1) 9-12, 1-5

May 27 – Oct. 31, Full Time, 7 Days a Week 9-5

Last Day Open: Oct. 31

Linville Falls

April 23 – May 26: Closed for lunch 12-1 9-12, 1-5

May 27 -Oct. 31, Full Time, 7 Days a Week 9-5

Last Day Open: Oct. 31

Museum of North Carolina Minerals

Open Year Round

(Closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day)

Oct 31, 2009 – May 26, 2010: Closed for Lunch, 12-1 9-12, 1-5

May 27 – Oct 31 2010 9-5

Nov 1, 2010 – until 2011 spring season: Closed for Lunch, 12-1 9-12, 1-5

Craggy Gardens

Weekends April 10-11, 17-18 10-4

April 23 – May 26 10-4

May 27 – Oct 31 9-5

Eastern may stay open a few weekends into November, weather permitting.

Folk Art Center

Open Year Round

(Closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)

January 1 – March 31 9-5

April 1 – December 31 9-6

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Open Year Round

(Closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day) 9-5

Waterrock Knob

April 23 – May 26, 7 Days a Week 10-4

May 27 – Oct 31, Full Time, 7 Days a Week 10-5

Last Day Open: Oct 31

CONCESSIONS FACILITIES

Otter Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop – Milepost 60.8

May 1 – October 2

Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm

October 3 – November 1

Monday through Thursday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm

Peaks of Otter Lodge/Restaurant/Lounge/Gift Shop – Milepost 85.9

Lodge, Restaurant and Gift Shop: Open Year-Round

Peaks Country Store: Saturdays and Sundays in May -

May 9 & 10, 16 & 17 and 23, 24 & 25

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Daily

May 30 – November 1

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sharp Top Bus Service: Same dates as the Peaks Country Store

10:00 am to 5:00 pm (bus trips on the hour)

Rocky Knob Cabins – Milepost 174.1

April 23 – November 2

Mabry Mill Restaurant/Gift Shop – Milepost 176.2

April 23 – November 2

Bluffs Lodge/Restaurant/Gift Shop – Milepost 241.1

April 23 – November 2

Price Park Lake Boat Rentals – Milepost 297.1

Weekends: May 15 – 16, and weekends between September 12 and October 25

Daily: May 22 – September 6 (Memorial Day – Labor Day)

Crabtree Meadows Snack Bar/Gift Shop/Camp Store – Milepost 339.5

Apr 23 – October 23

Northwest Trading Post Gift and Craft Shop – Milepost 258.8

April 16 – November 15

Parkway Craft Center at Moses Cone Manor House – Milepost 294

April 2 – November 29 (closed Thanksgiving Day)

Folk Art Center – Milepost 382

(Closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)

January 1 – March 31 9-5

April 1 – December 31 9-6

Pisgah Inn/Restaurant/Gift Shop/Country Store – Milepost 408.6

March 23 – November 2

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Families Find Savings with Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Deals

Gary Boyd — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:54:24 +0000

RICHMOND, VA (PRWEB) April 21, 2010 — As the Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s Favorite Drive, celebrates 75 years in 2010, Virginia invites families to join in the fun with travel deals showcasing natural beauty and traditional favorites. The Blue Ridge Parkway is an iconic travel destination, stretching 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains. The parkway is a classic road trip, where travelers can connect with loved ones and enjoy outdoor adventure, great small towns, history, music and more.

Celebrate Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary, with year-round, affordable package deals on America’s iconic roadway

The following is a sampling of Virginia’s diverse and affordable travel packages celebrating the parkway’s 75th anniversary. A complete list of package deals, as well as a chance to win a seven-day, six-night vacation for four on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found at www.Virginia.org/brp:

Natural Bridge to the Blue Ridge Package

* Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center – Natural Bridge, Va. (Valid through December 31, 2010)

The Natural Bridge, known as nature’s cathedral, is a natural archway soaring over 20 stories high across Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley. The Natural Bridge to the Blue Ridge Package includes one-night accommodations at Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center, breakfast and passes to Natural Bridge and Trail, Monacan Indian Living History Village and Natural Bridge Caverns and museums. Prices start at just $129 per night for two people and $169 per night for groups of four.

Relaxing Getaway with Aerial Tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway

* Best Western Waynesboro Inn & Suites – Waynesboro, Va.(Valid through December 31, 2010)

Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway like never before with this package featuring a 30-minute aerial tour by plane of the Blue Ridge Parkway provided by one of the experienced pilots from Eagle’s Nest Airport in Waynesboro (maximum 3 guests). This package also includes one-night accommodations in a spacious suite with mountain views and breakfast buffet. Prices start at $139.99 per night, based on double occupancy.

Mariners Landing Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Package

* Mariners Landing – Smith Mountain Lake, Va. (Valid through December 31, 2010)

Mariners Landing, an exciting family adventure destination on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake is offering the seven for five special. Book five nights at the standard rate and receive two additional nights free. This package includes spacious, fully furnished condominiums, convenient amenities, lake access and daily express breakfast. Regular rates start at $156 per night and depend on room type and date of visit.

Relax, Unwind in the Charm and Hospitality of Downtown Waynesboro

* Belle Hearth Bed and Breakfast – Waynesboro, Va. (Valid through December 31, 2010)

Enjoy “hospitality in the valley” when you stay at Belle Hearth Bed and Breakfast in downtown Waynesboro, located at the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Package includes: one-night accommodations, welcome basket, breakfast and dinner, private Blue Ridge and Shenandoah wine tasting, outdoor yoga facing the Blue Ridge Mountains, picnic lunch to enjoy by the South River and two 60-minute massages using Blue Ridge herbal oils. Package starts at $385 per night.

Family Reunion Lodge Package Skyline Drive

* Shadow Mountain Escape – Luray, Va. (Valid through December 31, 2010)

Enjoy the proximity to Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway with the entire family. These timber frame cabins rest on 15 pristine acres bordering the park land. All cabins include intricate hand-crafted Oak timbers and extensive rockwork. A pond, stream and nature trail offer outdoor recreation. This package includes accommodations for up to eight guests, a bonfire under the stars and a welcome basket filled with homemade treats and award-winning jam. Package price starts at $1200 for two nights.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org to start planning a visit. Or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

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Visiting the Shenandoah Valley On a Budget

Gary Boyd — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:48:00 +0000

The Washington Post did a very good job of laying out a number of opportunities to enjoy the Shenandoah Valley and not go into hock in the process.

Many people, when planning a trip to the Shenandoah Valley, instantly think of Shenandoah National Park. Yet the region covers a lot more territory. The valley stretches a couple hundred miles, from Roanoke in southwest Virginia to Winchester in the north, and encompasses relatively large cities, small hamlets, mountains, rivers, national forests and state parks as well as the national park. For their first decision, Grace Kunkel of Burtonsville and Adi Lang of Baltimore must choose accommodations that will put them within striking distance of both a town with good restaurants and parkland with hiking and other outdoor activities.

Go read the rest at… Visiting the Shenandoah Valley on a budget.

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