October 21, 2010 - Thursday

     We got up early and headed North on 81.  We drove back up to Front Royal to start Skyland Drive at the North Entrance.  The Ranger noticed the handicap tag hanging in the Bug.  He asked if it was a permanent disability.  So Sam signed and dated a form and the Ranger gave him a lifetime access pass to all the National Parks.  Great way to start the day!

Sam at the Visitor's Center

Some of Mother Nature's
Best Work!

     There are so many overlooks along Skyland Drive.  The very first one we pulled in and got out to take pictures - a HUGE bird with a white tail swooped down and dived into the trees!  An Eagle?!  It happened so fast we didn't notice the head. 
     We stopped at one of the Visitor's Centers to get postcards.  We watched a film and checked out all the displays.  The views are just breathtaking!  We couldn't have planned a better time to be there - the Fall colors were at their peak.  There was even a newswoman from one of the TV stations there filming the colors.
     Around one corner there were cars parked - not knowing what was going on we slowed down - what a sight!  A breeze had come up and the tall trees on both sides of the road had just been told it was Fall and the leaves were pouring down.  It was like a "Leaf Storm" and what a beautiful sight - a blend of swirling yellow, orange and reds!

     We drove on to Skyland - the highest point on the Drive.  We stopped to eat lunch.  We were seated in the room with all glass walls overlooking the mountain views.  Unfortunately the views were more spectacular than the food.  (AND the food was pricey too!)  The winds had picked up and by the time we left Skyland it was windy and chilly.  We were 1/2 done driving the entire length of Skyline Drive. 
     Alot of the drive on the South side was under construction.  There were flagmen so it wasn't too bad except for the time the flagman sent us into oncoming traffic!  The longest wait was about 10 minutes - but by sitting and waiting we were able to see some old apple trees.  We had been told at the visitor's Center that apple trees normally meant we were at a old homesite.   

Look closely - there are apples!



     After finishing the drive we took the back road through Stewart's Draft and stopped at Dairy Queen!

     Then we back to the RV and relaxed for the night!