| s/y Nine of Cups Shenandoah National Park - Virginia August 2012 |
| Don't forget to check out: National Parks & Monuments? American Odyssey...Part I? (Las Vegas to Denver) American Odyssey...Part II? (Denver to Boston) American Odyssey...Part III? (Boston to Vegas) Birds of North America? Wildflowers of North America? |
| Shenandoah National Park was established in 1935. It encompasses 300 sq mi of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rising above the Virginia Piedmont to the east and the Shenandoah Valley to the west. More than 1100 flowering plants, 100 trees and 330 species of animals thrive in the park. This park is home to the largest concentration of black bear in the USA. Skyline Drive, the park's scenic byway, runs the entire length of the park and follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 105 miles. It offers 75 scenic overlooks and vista points. At its southern end, it joins the Blue Ridge Parkway which stretches nearly 470 miles to Great Smoky Mountains NP. |
| Lonely Planet |
| We entered Shenandoah NP on the north end at Royal Gap. Despite it being the height of the summer season, it was not very crowded and we took our time driving along Skyline Drive, stopping at overlooks and taking in the views despite some very foggy mornings and hazy afternoons. |
| The Skyline Drive is a narrow mountain road and wildflowers grow profusely on its shoulders. Butterflies were everywhere. We saw more here in just a few minutes than we'd ever seen outside of a commercial butterfly pavilion. It was incredible. From left, spicebush swallowtail, eastern tiger swallowtail, white cabbage, great spangled fritillary. |
| We stopped at nearly every one of the turnoffs. There was always something to see: tremendous views when it was clear; creeping fog in the mornings. |
| There are lots of birds and critters around during the day, and although we'd hoped to see one of the many bears that roam the area, we did not. That's a blue-tailed skink to the left and an eastern chipmunk. Mr.Turtle was just sitting on the side of the road contemplating life. Virginia day flowers were lovely. |
| President Herbert Hoover's Rapidian Camp has been restored within the park. Also known as the "summer white house", the Hoovers found quiet refuge here from the turmoil of Washington. |
| The Byrd Visitor Center at Big Meadows had an interesting interactive exhibit entitled "Within a Day's Drive of Millions", which tells the story of the park's establishment and development. |
| Iron Mike represents a tribute to the thousands of CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) who worked in the park between 1933-42 constructing, among other things, Skyline Drive and its overlooks. |
| Stone mile markers provided a good reference point on the map so we didn't miss anything. |
| Located at the highest point in the park (3,680'), Skyland Resort offers Blackberry Ice Cream Pie, its signature dessert.. How could we resist? No lunch...just pie. |
| We didn't see as many birds as we'd hoped, but then we didn't spend enough time looking. Easily seen, goldfinch and eastern bluebird. |
Next up ... we'll continue along the Blue
Ridge Parkway to Great Smoky
Mountains National Park, the most
visited national park in the USA.
Ridge Parkway to Great Smoky
Mountains National Park, the most
visited national park in the USA.