The leaves are turning color a little earlier this year, perhaps due to the dry weather. Unfortunately, some of them are going straight to brown, but there are plenty of yellows and reds at the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge.
Shenandoah National Park is still open, at least for now. Our national politicians are squabbling over budget cuts, and the government is partly shut down. The private companies that run the restaurants and lodges at the park are advertising that they are open, and autumn is their busiest season. I was pleased to see that park rangers are still on duty, although I believe their talks and tours are suspended.
I went up there on Tuesday. Plenty of other people were there there, although it was not as crowded as it will be on the weekend.
This couple was having wedding pictures taken.
I didn’t see much wildlife until we got to Big Meadows.
Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteStunning views from the overlook!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views of your park and areas of these wonderful mountains.
ReplyDeleteLoved the last photo the best!
ReplyDeleteThe couple shot makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
Beautiful scenery.
ReplyDeleteAmazing views, great pics.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos from the park.
ReplyDeleteI love the deer and pretty views.
I have been wondering how the colors were, it is still mostly green around us. Take care, happy Friday! Have a great weekend.
This business of constantly shutting down the government is getting ridiculous.
ReplyDelete...why do people sand on the wall?
ReplyDeleteTo get high? But seriously, almost everyone does it. I’ve seen a bear standing on the wall!
DeleteLooks like a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Glad to know they're open. I was wondering.
ReplyDeleteThe three vista shots came out so beautifully. No color, no problem - those mountains made up for it. Not sure that I would have stood on that wall nowadays, but maybe I would have, when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteForgot to sign my name - Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
DeleteWhat a spectacular day you chose for a drive up to Skyline Drive. Even with some leaves going straight to brown, it looks like you found some incredible patches of reds and yellows at those higher elevations. The Blue Ridge is truly showing off.
ReplyDeleteIt is heartening to hear that the Shenandoah National Park is still largely accessible, despite the government shutdown noise. That is good news for everyone trying to enjoy the peak autumn season.
A lovely collection of photographs.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan