Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway and Poplar Forest

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Another beautiful day. Susan wanted to at least get on the AT for a short walk (I have hiked portions of it in my past), so Carol and Bill drove us to a trailhead for about a two and a half mile round trip hike.

 

The bridge that crosses James River is named Foot Bridge not simply because it is a foot bridge, but as a memorial of William Foot. He and his wife Laurie were known as "The Happy Feet".

 

 

 

Although short, our hike was delightful, and gave Susan the experience of "hiking" on the AT.

 

 

It had to be short because we had places to go and things to see! We were now swept off for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and our picnic lunch. Beautiful drive with several stops for views at overlooks, as well as a stop to see the James River and Kanawha Canal. Pre-Civil War days, this was the primary commercial route in Virginia?

Next stop was the Hard Cider makers for some tasting and purchase to bring to the family gathering this weekend (well, and for some to drink of it beforehand).

Then on Poplar Forest -- Thomas Jefferson's country retreat. We would see his home at Monticello on another day. Jefferson chose the building site in the heart of his Poplar Forest property, and in 1805 workers began creating his pleasure grounds in the midst of agricultural fields, meadows and pastures.

Jefferson believed in octagons -- even in the privy...

 

Jefferson made big changes to is 4,000 acre plantation during his retirement, using slave labor to clear land and create fields.

Home for rest and to watch the closing ceremonies of the Olympics!

Posted with Blogsy