Headed for Roanoke!

On Friday, September 4, we left town headed up 87 en route to Roanoke, Virginia. It was the first time we went to this area of the Blue Ridge Parkway (that either of us can recall).  We first stopped by Mabry Mill since it was very near to Buffalo Mountain in Willis, Virginia.  Since we have been to Mabry Mill a few times, we didn't bother walking around it, but we did stop for a quick photo.  I like how the mill reflects in the water.

Earlier this summer we discovered Buffalo Mountain, and wanted to return.  Our first visit was very windy, but this time it was more calm so we walked around on the rocks more.

We ate lunch at the Rocky Knob area of the parkway. They have some neat picnic spots, and then we took a walk around Black Ridge Trail.

 One part of this trail goes through a cow pasture.

We ran into a storm as we neared Roanoke that evening. This picture was taken at an overlook just before the bottom fell out.

It was really scary as we'd never been caught in a severe thunderstorm while on the parkway.  Almost blinding rainfall, hail, winds, lightning, a deer ran out in front of us, trees surrounding us so we were afraid one might fall into our path or on us!  Yikes!  Thankfully, we only had to endure this for about 5 miles or so, but still...it was a little spooky.


But we made it. Thank God. :)