2012

Left: Old man approximately practicing soccer throw-in atop a very tall mountain. Right: The beauty of Turk's cap lily helped ease the climb for The Day Hiker as we neared the summit.

Visiting The Giant Soccer Ball Atop the Highest Mountain for 1,200 Appalachian Trail Miles

Of course the climb was worth it as always, as the summit was so cool that Gail put on a jacket as we ate and looked southeast to the Peaks of Otter and beyond. And behind us at the radar station, aliens neither landed nor took off.
beyondmayberrycover

Beyond Mayberry: Andy Griffith and Mount Airy North Carolina

Laurel Hill Publishing LLC is pleased to announce the publication of 35th book from the regional history press. Beyond Mayberry: A Memoir of Andy Griffith and Mount Airy North Carolina by Thomas D. Perry.
An overlook on Potts Mountain.

Autumn Drives in June, Part 2

The second trip I made – in June – for fall drives – was into West Virginia, along a route that can intersect with the Virginia highlands route as well.
My ATV, at an overlook on the way down the mountain.

Up and Down Mountains

I'm not sure which letter I didn't understand in "ATV" but found out early this afternoon.
Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns

Ken Burns: The Interview

"National Parks: America's Best Idea" premiered on PBS last week. Prior to its airing, I talked with its creator, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, about his new documentary and about his 1990 film, "The Civil War."

Departments

Behind Blue Ridge Country

Even More Sweet Virginia Breezes

Casually cruising to Claytor Lake in southwest Virginia, I felt like I had come home – back to where it

CALENDAR OF EVENTS