Blue Ridge parkway

We were rushing out of work at noon for an eleven-hour drive to Cherokee, North Carolina, to arrive just before three. After arriving and driving through the night, rest was needed, so a decision was made to sleep in the first night. Yet we still awoke at eight-thirty the following morning to begin our adventure onto the “Blue Ridge Parkway,” or so we thought. Stopping first at the Oconoluftee visitor center to pick up a few souvenirs and view the visitor center. As a photographer, I heard about the possibility of viewing elk grazing in the meadow. The visitor center and the adjacent field provide an excellent opportunity to view grazing elk. Yet it was late in the day, and I wanted to keep moving.

After stopping for a brief moment, maybe it was the excitement of finally being here or still waking up from the drive the night before we turned onto what we thought was the parkway; it wasn’t, however; it was a scenic drive through the Smokey mountains. Newfound Gap Road (Highway 441) Suppose that happens when you rely on cell service and GPS. Navigational skills become non-existent. Maybe we should have spoken to someone at the visitors center for directions. Having driven the whole extent of the road before realizing we had to go back through the switchbacks and slow pace of the drive. But it didn’t matter. We were away from the hustle and bustle of the daily nine-to-five. We Must have killed four hours that morning. Back on track and realizing we had now circled back to our lodge that we had stayed the night before to get gas from a nearby station to begin our drive onto the parkway. I'm being extra observant of the signs now. There was a quick right turn before the visitor center that we had missed before. 

Mountain farm house museum at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center

The day quickly became whiteout conditions, and the views from the overlook were non-existent. Once we had reached Richland Balsam overlook mile marker 431.4, the decision was made that we would have to stop, airing on the side of caution. Pulling in at Mount Pisgah mile marker 408.6 to stop for lunch and weigh our options, we decided to call it a night crashing at Mount Pisgah. Unaware of the road ahead but also where we would spend the night. Rooms were available, and there were options for food. Both dinner and breakfast the following day. How could we say no? We had dinner, the view dismal as the fog hadn’t passed. Fish and chips with a local brew, the girlfriend decided on a staple, their Pisgah pasta, of course adding grilled shrimp. White table cloth setting, the waiter’s service was exceptional. Returning to our room, we awoke refreshed and were greeted with a fantastic sunrise from our balcony. We would later have breakfast, myself settling for warm blueberry muffins; my company has a traditional breakfast of home fries and an omelet. The view from the dining room was incredible as the fog had finally cleared. Eastern towhees and chip monks were all around. Now full from breakfast and clear skies, we continued North. 

Continuing North, our next stop was the folk art center, mile marker 382, which showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians. Having Wheaton Arts close by from where we’re from it was a necessary stop as it reminded us a lot of that. We spent some time there viewing the numerous exhibits and art galleries on display. The afternoon was approaching quickly, and we began weighing our options for lunch. Leaving the art center, driving further north, we stumbled upon Craggy Gardens picnic area, mile marker 367.6. and later would move to their visitor center.

 After refueling on sandwiches and a mountain house meal, we checked our itinerary and noticed that Mount Mitchell was close by mile marker 355.4. Having researched it before the trip, we considered it a highlight stop of ours; however, we hadn’t had much luck on the trip, and to no surprise, the fog rolled back in, and visibility became nonexistent. We still chose to do the summit trail hike, which was a considerably short trail of just a quarter mile, yet while short, it was steep.

 Our second day was spent with great haste, trying to make up for the time we had lost during our first day. The realization of just how long and how much there is to do on the Blue Ridge now settles in and covers 469 miles with an average completion time of just under twelve hours to drive south to north. That does not account for stops and sightseeing, though. After Mount Mitchell, it was onwards to the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, mile marker 331. There, we learned about North Carolina’s rich mining history. It’d be a great attraction for kids as there were interactive exhibits that let you explore the creation of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Now, off the parkway, which conveniently placed us along a highway, we refueled at a local gas station and found a Walmart down the road. There, we decided to replenish our rations. Clean and maintain the truck, which we considered our home for the week. After taking a moment to re-organize our vehicle and perform a maintenance check, it was back onto the drive; ominous clouds rolled in, yet we were set on camping at Linville Falls for the night—mile marker 316. Yet, since we hadn’t progressed as far as we had the first night, we decided to make further progress North on the parkway. We were opting instead to have dinner at the Linville picnic grounds. It was around 4:30 pm. After stopping for dinner burgers, we picked up at Walmart and cooked on the camp stove on the truck bed. We surveyed the campgrounds and imagined ourselves staying there; however, being behind and the impending storms, we decided against it rather pushing further north. 

We were quickly approaching another highlight spot along the Parkway. The Linn cove Viaduct Mile marker 304. You've seen those postcards of the Parkway. Most likely, they were from the viaduct during the fall. I had wanted to replicate that shot and heard of a trail that takes you to that spot. So we progressed on the Tanawha trail, a considerable hike of 13.5 miles. Which I don't believe I knew at the time. I was envisioning that shot. Stopping at the observation overlook to marvel at the bridge above. Step rocks, rock stairs, and muddy terrain quickly changed our course of action, realizing how under-prepared we were and how late it had become. The rain from earlier made the hike more treacherous; it was decided the risk wasn't worth the reward of a photo. Now, Backtracking and driving forward, we got a shot of the viaduct from an overlook just up ahead following a dirt path. 

Overnight accommodations were still unplanned, so we continued onwards, where we later faced a detour off the parkway at Deep Gap mile marker 276. It’s gotten late, and the rain is now relentless. We followed the poorly marked detour along highways, farmland, and towns, only seeing signs 20 minutes from each other. After driving for about an hour in the dark, exhausted from the drive and previous hike, we finally returned to the parkway at mile marker 229, Sparta. The drive now even more treacherous, and wildlife we hadn’t seen before was now everywhere; deer and possum were found all over the road. With high beams, ditch lights, white knuckles, and total concentration, we finally made it to an overlook with service, where we booked a stay at Hampton Inn in Galax, VA. We had planned on camping and then doing luxury afterward, but our trips were unplanned with unforeseen obstacles. 

 

The following day, we awoke to a continental breakfast afterward, a quick stop to Sheetz to fill the tank. It was back on the drive. Our first stop was Groundhog Hill, mile marker 189, to view a watch tower and share a few snacks to prepare for the possibility of any hiking we might do. This region of the drive was mostly farmland and low fields. We took a moment to enjoy the drive and quickly approached another trip highlight—Marby Mill mile marker 176, which fit perfectly within the surrounding landscape. We learned about agriculture and how the Appalachian people lived off the land. It is rich in history and is one of the most iconic and photographed structures on the Blue Ridge Parkway. During our time there, however, the wheel was broken. It appears we could’ve had a nice lunch there, as they have world-famous pancakes and country-style offerings, yet we had settled for breakfast back at the hotel and were still full from it. We took the drive slowly after that and just enjoyed it. The weather cleared, and after passing the lowlands, we were finally rewarded with those iconic Blue Ridge Parkway shots. We were now stopping at overlooks to pause and enjoy the views. The mountain face dropped straight down, and the surrounding landscape seemed to go on endlessly. The mountains roll from left to right along the horizon. Marveling at the splendor that is the Blue Ridge Parkway, a drive providing so much, we stopped at one of the picnic areas for lunch. 

Lunch was Egg Mcmuffins made off the back of the truck bed. One thing to note about the picnic grounds is that we didn’t see too many people at those. The grounds seemed empty and provided a peaceful retreat. The silence, the sounds of nature surrounding us. We decided that since we did Mt Pisgah, we had to stay at the Blue Ridge Parkways other lodge. Peaks of Otter. Mile marker 86. It was another unforgettable night—picturesque views from our balcony and an exceptional dinner. I opted for their Trailblazer burger while she got the lobster mac and cheese, and we both shared their bread basket. Returning to the room, I realized we had practically done the drive. I awoke from Peaks to catch an early sunrise, but to no surprise, the haze and fog had followed us. The schedule for the day was busy. We tried to make up for lost time and learn from our previous days. 

Natural Bridge was someplace we knew we wanted to stop, located at mile marker 62. At the gift shop, we picked up jam; while checking out, the lady at the information desk said we had to check out Layne’s grocery if we liked preserves. We noted that along with a zoo that was close by, but we were hungry now from our previous hike at Natural Bridge. We thought about lunch there but knew that’d be costly and unsatisfying. So we decided to look for local diners around us. We usually do this: look for diners around us as they typically provide an experience of good food at a decent cost. To no surprise, we found The Pink Cadillac. Stopping there for lunch and then stopping at Laynes upon Natural Bridges' recommendation. Opting out of doing the zoo, we decided to do a safari park since we’d seen those viral videos of people losing their buckets in the truck and thought that’d be a good time; little did we know. It was a great time, and I even enjoyed their miniature zoo.

After all the afternoon activities, we stopped at Walmart to consider dinner options for a camp dinner. Arriving back on the drive at mile marker 40, the sun quickly setting, we were frantic to find an overlook with a view of the sunset. We eventually found one and enjoyed a warm cup of hot chocolate. After the sunset, we completed the drive. The realization that the trip was complete, seeing mile marker zero but also having a sense of accomplishment now driving that distance from mile marker 469-0.

 

Autumn foliage in Shenandoah National Park

A panorama of the blanket of fall colors over the Blue Ridge Mountains from one of the numerous overlooks along the drive.

Opened to the public in April 1965, Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges is a hidden gem in the Shenandoah Valley. Conveniently located just thirty-five minutes from the Thorton Gap entrance station and providing sleeping accommodations for just about whatever adventure you’d find yourself on. Whether a night in the main lodge, a cabin, condo, cottage, or a primitive camp spot to glamping you’re sure to enjoy your night here as there’s so much to see and do. The property itself is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and as such provides a spectacular atmosphere. The sunrises and sunsets here are not to be missed. You’re sure to cross paths with some animals here as well. During my stay, I saw numerous deer and a skunk along the road.

The family hosts a lot of activities on the farm as well. Whether timed events, live music, and festivals or reserved opportunities including Horseback Riding, numerous trailheads for hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, art workshops, and soap making to name a few. There’s so much to see and enjoy here you could spend a weekend here alone. I stayed Friday(11/5)-Sunday(11/7) and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I resided in the Poplar Log Lodge. The room offered a king bed which was comfortable, a bathroom with a shower and sink as well as a heater and air. It was a rustic feeling, the walls were wooden logs and the balcony just outside the room looked out into the woods. It was quiet and serene.

Before checking out I enjoyed breakfast at the main lodge, buffet style. On the menu were the classics. Bacon, Sausage Patties, and gravy. Scrambled eggs, hash brown casserole, pancakes, yogurt parfaits, baked apples, assorted fruits, vegetable crudites, homemade bread, muffins, and pastries. The food was hot the servers attentive and courteous. And that’s what I feel makes this place so special. You feel a part of the family. It has that southern hospitality that you can’t replicate or find anywhere asides from places like this. So if you’re in Shenandoah Valley and need a place to lay you’re head I couldn’t think of a better place.

View from atop Little Stony Man

Sky Line Drive has become almost a second home. It provides an escape from the daily routine of life. You can take the drive and just cruise through the valley at your own pace or you can challenge yourself on one of the many hikes the park offers. Whether a waterfall hike, Dark Hollow Falls is one of the more popular ones as it is only a short 1.4-mile out-and-back hike, yet the climb back to the parking lot can be strenuous as it has an elevation gain of 440ft. My first time hiking this trail, I got caught in a torrential downpour with all of my camera equipment. It's something I still talk about today. If you’d like a more challenging waterfall hike, I’d recommend the Whiteoak Canyon Trailhead. A word of caution, this trail is 7.3 miles over some tough terrain and includes some serious elevation gains and various river crossings, which I was unprepared for my first time out hiking this trail. Before hiking any trail, you should always know your physical condition and the trail conditions. Also, don’t be afraid to admit defeat as that’s what I did hiking this trail. I was woefully unprepared if I’m being honest. On this trip, I did neither waterfall hikes yet opted to hike Little Stony Man Trail. An easy .9 mile out and back hike that rewards hikers with one of the best views of Skyline Drive given its simplicity. The fall colors during that time only added to the park's splendor.

After the hike, I made it down to Big Meadows at mile marker 51. It provides the most ideal base camp for your adventures while on the drive. Being one of the few places to offer fuel while in the park, camping accommodations along with a great convenience store for all of those camping needs, helpful Park Rangers stationed at the visitor center to answer all of your questions, and an excellent lodge if you’d rather treat yourself to a room rather than stay in a tent outdoors. I often find myself here just for the meadow itself, as it provides essential habitat for many plants and animals, as well as opportunities to view wildlife, stargaze or wander the many paths the meadow offers. This time my attention was on Northern Harriers as they were flying just above the grass looking to capture any unexpecting prey.

After my time in the Meadows I captured an iconic sunset and here you can understand how the Mountain range got its name as the Blue Ridge Mountains, No matter how many times I’ve visited the mountains keep calling me back. There are still photos left ungotten, trails left unexplored, and memories still to be made.

Millville NJ Wheels and Wings Airshow 2021

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Labor Day weekend out to Millville’s Executive Airport for their annual airshow. Postponed twice because of Covid, however, it fell on the perfect weekend. Sunny and clear on Saturday, which provided clear blue skies as the backdrop while Sunday was breezy with an overcast sky which gave the photos a grey moody feel to them. Now while at these airshows it’s important to bring shades, sunscreen, and a hat as you’ll be out in the sun all day. And think about arriving early. Millville didn’t just host an airshow, they also had a car show. For the kids, they had bouncy houses and slides. So there are plenty of things to do to occupy your time before the show. Second, you want to claim a spot early if you’re photographing the event. Ideally, you want the sun to your back and photograph the planes with optimal lighting. So consider that while selecting your spot. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an option this weekend as the sun was directly in front of spectators, which lead to mostly shooting into the sun. Regardless, you learn to adapt. Make some friends while you’re at the show. Airshows bring like-minded people together. Whether you 're military, inspired by aviation, or enjoy photography like myself. I gathered a friendly group while shooting Saturday. Standard Gauge Railroader, a YouTuber, inspired me to start filmmaking again. As well as two other fellows who were shooting the show with telephoto lenses. One shared his story about a whale watch and the other mentioned the Conowingo Dam. Made the airshow that much more enjoyable. Now onto the show itself.

 

The show began with the Army’s Golden Knights taking to the sky in their C-31. Up to thirteen thousand feet before dropping the first parachuter. They sang the National Anthem as the Golden Knight came floating down, the American flag waving behind. Landing precisely at the end of the anthem and a surprise flyover accompanied. The featured performer an F-22 and P-51 buzzed over the crowd, the aircraft's crossed over one another show center. What a start!

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The show also hosted a variety of aerobatic performers, including the Jersey Jerks, Kevin Russo and his Snj-6, Jacquie B with her extra 300, and a familiar face, Mark Meredith with his super chipmunk. I photographed his plane at the Pocono raceway a couple of weekends back and met the pilot behind the plane at this event. After his performance, he came right up to the spectator line and handed out personalized cards. Inspiring youth about aviation and taking a moment with each spectator. Listening to their stories and sharing his.

A surprise act was Jerry Conley and his vampire jet. Development of the aircraft began during the Second World War in 1943 as an aircraft suitable for combat that harnessed the new innovation of jet propulsion; it quickly opted for a single-engine, twin-boom aircraft equipped with the Halford H.1 turbojet engine, which was later known as the de Havilland Goblin. Originally ordered as an experimental aircraft only, the decision to mass-produce the aircraft as an interceptor for the Royal Air Force (RAF) was finalized in May 1944. In 1946, the first production aircraft entered service with the RAF, months after the conflict had come to a close. The Vampire was the second jet fighter, after the Gloster Meteor, operated by the RAF, and it was the service's first to be powered by a single jet engine. The Vampire was quickly used to replace many wartime piston-engine fighter aircraft. The RAF operated it as a front-line fighter until 1953. About 3,300 Vampires were manufactured.

The Golden Knights took to the sky again, this time performing various demonstrations. First was a Baton Pass where two jumpers exit the aircraft and demonstrate the basics of flight control by flying their bodies together and linking up while in freefall. Once together, they exchange a wooden baton. Next up was the Cutaway. Where a single jumper exits the aircraft and intentionally causes his parachute to malfunction. This maneuver demonstrates what a parachutist would do should an actual malfunction occur. After that was the Diamond Track. Two jumpers demonstrate the incredible amount of lateral movement that can be achieved in freefall by gliding apart. Once they reach a pre- determined altitude, the jumpers change direction, turning back towards each other, while streaking through the sky at a combined speed in excess of 300 miles per hour, their smoke trails forming the shape of a large diamond in the sky. Last was the Diamond Formation. Four jumpers now fly their bodies’ together while in freefall. Plummeting through the sky at 120 miles per hour, the jumpers fly to within inches of each other yet never touch. At a predetermined altitude, the Team Leader signals the other jumpers and they each separate in different directions.

The main event and most anticipated flight of the day was the F-22. The most dominant fighter. Unprecedented in air dominance. The 5th generation F-22s unique combination of stealth speed and agility combined with lethal long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry makes it the best fighter in the world. The F-22 later banked and meet up with the P-51 for their heritage flight. A great showcase of how far fighter jets have come from and an impressive look at history firsthand.

If you enjoyed the article and want to view more I also made a video about the day. There you will see how I captured the shots as well as the performance of these aircraft. Thanks to our veteran’s past, present, and future as well as Millville’s Executive Airport for hosting this event.

Great Pocono Raceway Airshow 2021

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Despite the potential for storms, the rain held off and the air show was a tremendous success. Beginning on a solemn note, however, after losing pilot Andy Travnicek number 3 of the Geico Skytypers after an incident at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport the weekend prior. They dedicated the show in his honor. The schedule of events was short, yet none of the performers disappointed. The show began with a demonstration from Mark Meredith retired US Navy Captain and his super chipmunk which he rebuilt himself. Along with those achievements, Mark wouldn’t become a pilot until the age of 47, such an inspiring act. Next up was Mark Murphy with his T-6G a noticeably bigger aircraft than the last. They used this aircraft as a trainer to train pilots of United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), United States Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, and other air forces of the British Commonwealth during World War II. The pilot showed incredible skill as he effortlessly maneuvered this plane across the sky. The last act before the Thunderbirds was Scott Francis and his ultra-high performance MXS aircraft. Pulling 10Gs and soaring through the skies, all I can say is this pilot was insane! Last, the main event was the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Flying their F-16 fighting falcons, these highly experienced pilots fly in formations just inches apart from one another. The entire performance, beginning to end, was nothing short of spectacular. From the delta formations to diamond formations, precision. While fixated on that, you have the solo pilots who come screaming in from behind. Together, the solo pilots pull off some truly unbelievable acts as well. From flying upside down to flying in between formations at incredible speed. The whole airshow collectively showed extraordinary passion and skill from all pilots. The airshow at the Great Pocono Raceway was remarkable. Let us not forget pilot Andy Travnicek, all of our servicemen and women, along with all of our front-line workers. Thank you.

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GreenWood Lake Air Show 2021

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Greenwood Lake air show kicked off with the aero shells launching from the runway, later gaining an altitude to drop a parachutist from 8,000 feet. Once in formation, the parachutist dropped and began their spiral downward. They unfolded an American flag as they sang the National anthem, the aero shells circling. Next up was Home Wrecker. An F-750 with 3 GE J85 turbine engines. Firing those engines for a moment as it crept down the runway, which sent shock waves into the chests of spectators. You could feel the power of this thing. Circling to race a plane, however, it seemed as if one of them had gotten a false start as Home Wrecker screamed down the runway; the plane trailing behind. It would have been a close race, as this truck has a quarter-mile time of just over six seconds. Next up, Tom Larkin warmed up his SubSonex miniature jet on the runway and performed acrobats in his jet-powered by a PBS TJ-100 engine. Now I couldn’t help but think of Buzz Lightyear, as the jet looked very similar. The jet even comes in a kit and was the first kit ever sold and flown, and it has been flying for approximately 3 years. The experience, however, can’t be bought, as Tom Larkin is an accomplished fighter pilot, airline pilot, and aerobatic pilot. The next act had none. Crashing the air show, the Alabama boys took over and demanded a flight lesson, despite the day's events. While getting seated and shown the controls of the aircraft, one of the Alabama boys took off down the runway. Making it into the sky and performing many acrobatics. Even more surprising was the landing. Now you probably imagine them crashing, yet they put the aircraft down onto a moving pickup truck. Unbelievable!

Mentioned earlier, the Aeroshells fly an AT-6 Texan, which was the primary training platform for all U.S airmen in WWII, which leads us into the next act. A WWII showcase flyover! The planes represented were iconic P-51, P-40, and B-25. They came in fast to the right and buzzed over spectators. Which took me back to how quickly they moved through the sky. Saturday night's air show ended with a bang as night fell on the performers. Their planes were now illuminated by leds, their props back-lit, and what appeared to be sparklers on their wingtips trailing through the night sky as they performed once again now at dusk. They again brought Home Wrecker out, and the show reached a crescendo. Pyrotechnics accompanied now pulsing its turbine engines once again. I can say I was in awe as the music played. The jet truck screamed down the runway as fireworks blasted off, all while planes were overhead performing their routine. What an incredible show.

If there's an airshow close to you I’d recommend checking it out. Made me proud to be an American. Thanks to all the volunteers, staff, and performers at the Greenwood Lake airport. Appologies for not including every act I expect to arrive at next year's show to capture better photos. Until then next weekend is the Thunderbirds over the great Pocono Raceway and I look forward to bringing you more photos from that event.