The mountains were calling

I had a million things to do today. I should have gotten my work done. But I couldn’t get my mind off a friend in Richmond who is going through some serious health issues and is back in the hospital.... (photos, continue reading here)

Photos ... Skyline Drive in late November 2014

The Friday before Thanksgiving … we took the day to play in Shenandoah National Park. It was sunny but a very cold 22 degrees with some wind and few visitors. I wrote about our day with photos.... (continue reading here)

Shenandoah National Park’s hunting season night closure

Shenandoah National Park implements this policy each fall during hunting season.... (continue reading here)

Massanutten Lodge ... Skyland home of early 20th century renaissance woman Addie Hunter Pollock

This Skyland Resort mountain summer home called "Massanutten Lodge" (see Skyland Resort ... Shenandoah National Park) was owned by Addie Hunter, a Washington, DC, divorcee who later married Skyland developer George Pollock "when she was almost 40 years old," the lady ranger-interpreter told us. When they married, she said, he had financial issues and she was wealthy but, well, almost 40. Theirs was an interesting relationship that eventually floundered but is part of the overall history of Skyland.

Continue reading, more photos, here.

Photos: Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park

Skyland Resort stands at the highest point along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. While up there last week, I took photos of the resort's buildings and views, and included a bit of history about this beautiful escape from the city. Read more at Skyland Resort ... Shenandoah National Park.

Volunteers needed at Big Meadow Campground this Saturday

Shenandoah National Park is looking for help this Saturday, April 12, 2014. They owe much to the many volunteers who have dedicated their time and efforts to preserve and protect the park that we all love. Now is a chance to help! This Saturday, April 12, the park will be hosting an ash clean-up and campsite restoration event at Big Meadows Campground. The event will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Interested volunteers can meet up at 10 a.m. at the Big Meadows Campground.

For additional questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 540-999-3500 (extension 3181). Thank-you for all that you do!

Shenandoah National Park & JMU join for starry adventure

If you've never experienced a night hike in the mountains, you've missed an excellent opportunity to heighten the senses and explore the outdoors in a way not possible during daylight hours.

Next Friday, March 28, Shenandoah National Park will join with James Madison University's "Starry Nights" program by hosting an event at the Park:

Shenandoah National Park: Nature hikes, astrophotography, public star party, Brown Mountain Overlook (~0.8 mile South of mile marker 76) on Skyline Drive. Visitors will use RT 33 to get to the park at Swift Run and travel SOUTH on Skyline Drive about 11 miles to this overlook. Beginning at 8pm. For more information: http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/starrynightsharrisonburg-page.shtml#sthash.QkKZ7qWD.dpuf

"Starry Nights" will take place all next week, March 24-29. See the website for a complete schedule of events.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
Shenandoah National Park

Forest fire in Shenandoah National Park's south district - Updated

Photo by Kurt Michael

Around 3:45 Friday afternoon my friend Pam Michael looked out the window of her house and saw large plumes of white smoke rising on the Blue Ridge Mountains north of Waynesboro. About 45 minutes later her husband Kurt took photos and emailed them over.

The fire is in the south district of Shenandoah National Park about Milepost 90 which is north of Waynesboro and south of Crimora, according to the Shenandoah National Park Facebook page. While the fire has not affected Skyline Drive at this time, three trails have been closed: Rip Rap, Wildcat Ridge, and Rocks Mountain. These closures will remain in effect through the weekend.

Update #1: The fire has been pinpointed east of Crimora in northeastern Augusta County. 

Update #2: At 5:00 Saturday afternoon, the Park Service reported, "Paine Run Trail is now closed due to the fire. Latest estimate is 130 acres." 

Update #3: Saturday at 8 pm, the Park Service reported, "Final update for tonight: Some firefighters will be monitoring the fire through late evening, Saturday March 1st. Crews will return in force on Sunday morning." 

Update #4: Sunday at 5 pm from the Park Service: "The Rocks Mountain Fire in the southern third of Shenandoah National Park remains within the park’s boundary. Firefighters ensured containment lines were as secure as possible and then were sent to their homes as the winter storm approached the area this afternoon. Park fire managers will monitor the fire and plan for continued actions depending upon the effects of the winter storm. Estimated at 150 acres."

Update #5 - March 7, 2014: From Park Service: "Shenandoah National Park personnel have determined that the cause of the Rocks Mountain Fire was an illegal campfire. The fire, which was reported to the park at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014, had burned approximately 450 acres inside Shenandoah National Park before a winter storm brought rain, sleet and snow to the area. Fire managers visited the fire location just northeast of Crimora, Virginia today and confirmed that a continuous layer of snow still covers much of the incident area. Once the snow melts, firefighters will patrol the area for hot spots. The following trails remained closed: Riprap, Wildcat Ridge, Rocks Mountain and Paine Run."

Meandering the back roads of Augusta County

 The forest fire at Rocks Mountain in Shenandoah National Park reached 150 acres and continued on Saturday afternoon and into Sunday. However, the impending winter storm is expected to help extinguish the flames.

 One of the country estates in the central Shenandoah Valley.

 Barrenridge Road parallels the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 Barren Ridge Vineyards on an overcast Saturday afternoon.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 1, 2014

Snowy Blue Ridge Mountains

Skyline Drive. February 1, 2014.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 1, 2014

Photos: Skyline Drive, a snowy ribbon along Blue Ridge Mountains

See also:
- Shenandoah deer
- Exploring a wintry Skyline Drive on the first day of February

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Shenandoah National Park, Va.
February 1, 2014

America the Beautiful quarter to feature Shenandoah National Park

If you see a quarter this year with the familiar-looking Stoney Man overlook, it's one of the "America the Beautiful" series that features Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to be released later this year.

Reporter Jonathan Shacat with the Shenandoah Valley-Herald noted:

Pamela McInnis, superintendent of Warren County Public Schools, said the Park Service has reserved Skyline High School in Front Royal on April 4 for a ceremony marking the release of the coin. McInnis said the school division is excited to host the event.

“I think it’s a great idea since Skyline High School is located very close to the northern entrance to the Skyline Drive,” she said.

Beck-Herzog said the event will feature an unveiling of the coin, speakers and educational information about the U.S. Mint. Also, people will be able to purchase up to $100 worth of uncirculated Shenandoah National Park quarters in $10 rolls.

“We want all of our neighbors to celebrate that our region will have additional recognition because the Shenandoah quarter is out there,” she said. “We hope that people will want to come and visit our region.”

Started in 2010, the "America the Beautiful" series will eventually consist of 56 quarters.

Shenandoah deer

 Along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park on the first day of February 2014. Deer were everywhere and reluctant to move aside.

 This deer behind the wall was looking at the deer at the far end of the wall ...

 ... while the deer to the far right looked at this one. Both watching and waiting for us to move along. Both looking back and forth at each other. And for some reason they reminded me of some Muppet character ... don't even ask. It was hilarious and we laughed as they stared at us. I could just imagine what they were thinking ... "There's snow on the ground and the Drive is supposed to be closed so why is there a car here?"

They were, indeed, beautiful and stood out against the stark white background as the warmer temps gave a brief respite from winter.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 1, 2014

2014 National Park fee-free days

Monday, January 20, is the first fee-free day for 2014 in the National Parks. Locally that would be Shenandoah National Park. Here's the complete list for this year:

• January 20
  Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• February 15-17
  Presidents Day weekend
  
• April 19-20
  opening weekend of National Park Week
  
• August 25
  National Park Service Birthday
  
• September 27
  National Public Lands Day
  
• November 11
  Veterans Day

Free entrance to national parks this weekend

National Parks will offer free entrance this weekend, November 9-11, for Veterans Day. For those in the Shenandoah Valley, that includes Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive.

Virginia

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Assateague Island National Seashore
Colonial National Historical Park
George Washington Memorial Parkway's Great Falls Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Petersburg National Battlefield
Prince William Forest Park
Shenandoah National Park

West Virginia

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

A complete list of all national parks is here. Enjoy a weekend discovering America's outdoors!

Crimora Mine retreat for rent in Blue Ridge foothills of Augusta County

Crimora Mine Retreat is a beautiful log home available for rent that is located in eastern Augusta County adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and accessible by an old-fashioned covered bridge.

From their website:

Crimora Mine Retreat is a luxurious log home completed in the fall of 2007. This private vacation cabin is located on 150 acres of woodland in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bordered by the Shenandoah National Park and a few miles from the Appalachian Trail, Crimora Mine Retreat is the perfect place for a getaway with family and friends.

You can enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing all while soaking up breathtaking views from this stunning locale. Mountains, lakes and sunsets can be seen from every angle and the surrounding area is teaming with deer, bear, turkey, beavers, ducks, hawks and even an occasional bald eagle!

This state of the art, four bedroom, three bath home boasts a gourmet kitchen, game room, wrap-around porch with hot tub and most importantly…this all comes to you at an affordable price!

Crimora, Virginia is conveniently close to:

Harrisonburg

Waynesboro

Staunton

Charlottesville

Crimora Mine Retreat is part of the open pit manganese mines that started in 1866. Manganese was used in the production of steel and can still be found scattered all over the property. The three adjoining man-made lakes range anywhere from 20 to 100 feet deep with underground shafts connecting multiple water sources around the Crimora area.

Rental rates and accommodations info:
Crimora Mine Retreat sleeps up to ten people
No pets/smoking - 25 year age requirement
$475/night for weekdays
$575/night for weekends/holiday
$3000 weekly
$30/day optional golf cart rental

Pavilion available for rent separately for special occasions.

 Covered bridge entry to Crimora Mine Retreat.
Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell, November 2, 2013.

Afton Mountain's popcorn man

King's Gourmet Popcorn on Afton Mountain

"If you build it they will come." Or, perhaps more appropriately, they will stop and buy.

Ron King has found a market for snacks on Afton Mountain with King's Gourmet Popcorn located at the juncture of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, I-64, and Rt. 250. With views into the Rockfish and Shenandoah valleys, millions of tourists pass that way annually.

Once an oasis for hungry travelers, the past 15 years have not been kind to Afton. The Inn at Afton formerly known as the Holiday Inn, the Howard Johnson Restaurant, service station, and everything else have fallen into disarray. Only the Inn remains open. The sight of burned-out buildings and graffiti is not what most would expect while traveling the scenic mountain ridges.

That's why King's bright yellow vendor trailer, decorated now for fall with brightly colored chrysanthemums, hay bales, and orange pumpkins, is a welcome sight for hikers, travelers, and locals alike. He is filling a need, as evidenced by his steady customer base and ever-growing menu selections.

Eighteen months ago he started with a tarp and kettle korn pot, cooking the salty-sweet goodness on site while servicing curious customers. That fall he was joined by the apple man.

Then King's Gourmet Popcorn began branching out, offering bottled water and icy cold soft drinks followed by a wider variety of flavored popcorn and then pork rinds. That was followed by the bright yellow vendor trailer that replaced the tarp and kettle. He added picnic tables, hotdogs, coffee, ice cream, walking sticks, and tee shirts. A Facebook page was established that now sports 600 followers and comes in handy when late afternoon storms cause early closings, conveniently announced online. There's even a small neon "Open" sign that flashes when he's on site.

In short, King's Gourmet Popcorn is now a fixture on Afton Mountain, sought after by travelers who have become familiar with his offerings. My husband stops almost every time we're in the vicinity, grabbing his favorite bag of kettle korn before heading north on the Drive or south on the Parkway, and even sometimes as we head east on I-64 toward Richmond.

Ron King is becoming a tradition. But he's not finished. Plans are to add more food selections, mail order, and additional flavors. Many would be happy if he proved to be the seed that began the rebirth and rebuilding of Afton Mountain.

An interesting article by Waynesboro reporter Roger Gonazlez shares more about King Gourmet Popcorn and Ron King in The News Virginian.

If you go:

Kings Gourmet Popcorn
Afton Mountain, I-64, Exit 99 (look for the bright yellow vending trailer)
Open: 7 days a week
Follow on Facebook
Website: King's Gourmet Popcorn

Afton Mountain overlooks (from top to bottom) Skyline Drive, I-64, and Rt. 250.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
October 11, 2013