Shenandoah National Park
Yesterday I had a dental appointment in Front Royal. Afterwards, I checked to
see if Skyline Drive was open. The National Park website said it was still
closed due to snow and ice. I went to several stores and then had lunch. As I
was leaving Wendy's, a text came through saying that Skyline Drive had just
reopened from Front Royal to Swift Run. All right! Fifteen minutes later I was
at the entrance station.
Two other cars arrived at the same time. The park ranger commented that it
looked like we all got the message. He checked my pass and handed me the
winter newsletter.
It was already 3 o’clock, so not many other people showed up. I didn’t have
much time because I needed to get back to Woodstock by five to pick up Charlie
from day boarding. I set my phone to remind me to leave at four.
The visitors center at Dickey Ridge is closed for winter. I noticed that the
roof replacement has not been finished. No doubt there have been many days
that workers could not even get there due to the weather. Skyline Drive is
mostly a recreational road, so it does not get plowed as quickly as commuter
routes, plus storms tend be severe up there in the mountains. There are
usually branches and trees down on the road after a storm.
 |
| Skywatch |
|
| View Toward High Knob and Remount Road |
I only drove as far as Gooney Manor Overlook, but I felt satisfied.
I turned around and headed back toward Front Royal. I passed deer on
Dickey Ridge and took quite a few pictures. I’ll share more of them later,
probably on Saturday.
Lovely blues!
ReplyDelete