Mountain native baby boomer revisits the Blue Ridge Parkway

I grew up in Boone, NC, and spent many happy days on the Parkway with family and friends starting in the 1950's. Last summer I decided that, in honor of the 75th anniversary, I would drive the entire length of the BRP. There were parts I had never been on amd, of course, parts I had traveled many times. So I started out at Lowgap and also went back there the weeknd of the actual anniversary of when construction began. I covered some parts between Linville and Lowgap several times over the last year. Most of my journey in 2010 covered the northern part, from Lowgap/ Cumberland Knob to Rockfish Gap. I decided to add the Skyline Drive to my journey, so I also covered that 105 miles. On June 24, 2011, I set out for the BRP once again, this time to complete my journey. And on Sunday afternoon, June 26, 2011, I finally reached milepost 469 and the Oconoluftee River! Most of the trip I was alone, including some fairly strenuous hikes for a 58 year old woman! Some of my family went along for part of the ride. I have at least 2000 pictures and many more wonderful memories... along with the memories of my childhood and youth that this trip conjured up. A photo-journal will be forthcoming!

- Beth from Lewisville, NC