Falling for the Appalachian Trail: A Market Friday Story

over 1 year ago (Edited)

How could I resist? Everything about this day was beautiful. I perched on the boulder, drinking the coffee that I got on the run. The steep slope of the overlook catches my breath. The ridges rise, giving the landscape an interesting look to it. There is such a sense of peace here, although to be honest, I always thought I was a water person. I have almost always lived near water, ocean preferably, and yet, here I am again, fawning over the peaks and valleys. It might be this sense of wanting to hide away from the world of today. Who doesn't? But here? I can almost talk myself into believing that there is no such thing going on. Look around you. Do you see what I see?

Today is #MarketFriday initiated by @dswigle (Denise, that's me!!) I hope you will join me as we share different markets across the globe, often as unique and varied as the countries themselves. I always look forward to seeing what you send me. Come. Sit down. Relax. Enjoy the shortest trip around the globe you ever experienced, taking in a market from somewhere different than what you have. And always remember #MarketFriday loves you!

You know that it is in full bloom this weekend coming up. The colors are brilliant and the entire area is not as many people as it could be. Usually, it is bumper-to-bumper here. Even the bear is out roaming. Okay, that was an exaggeration. I saw two and they were crossing roads independent of each other. Definitely solo flyers. If you have color hanging on your trees, I hope you are getting out and taking some pictures to last through the winter! Aren't these maple leaves delectable in their colorful glory? You just cannot buy that beauty!

The Skyline Drive is 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the Park. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day. As the Skyline Drive run is operated by the National Park Service, there is an entrance fee. You are required to pay an entrance fee in order to access Shenandoah National Park, whether you're driving on Skyline Drive or hiking in from the boundary. There are so many options for entrance passes: many more including seniors and military discounts .

Shenandoah Entrance Pass - Single Vehicle - $30.00
Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Vehicles must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.

Shenandoah Entrance Pass - Single Motorcycle - $25.00
Entry for one motorcycle and one passenger for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase.

Shenandoah Entrance Pass - Individual Person - $15.00
Entry for walk-up or bicycling visitors, when 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Includes entering the Park by all means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee. source

Most of the parks in Virginia are free. Much the same with Washington, DC. The Appalachian Trail runs through some part of this park and we hike another trail of it this day. If you read last week's post, you might remember that we hiked and camped on the trail. A pretty view of the landscape can be seen from this vantage point. They are called scenic overlooks, but, you would never be able to overlook this one. Oh! A lame joke!

It truly has it all! 80,000 acres of it. Hiking, biking, camping, and horseback riding. If you are looking for nature and feel adventurous, I would say that you have found the place. Many beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking mountains, and they boast more than 500 miles of hiking trails, about 75 miles from Washington, D.C.

You know you cannot resist! Doyles River Trail/Big Run Loop on the Appalachian Trail at mile marker 81 on Skyline Drive. That will bring you to the parking lot. Jump on out and meet us on the trail. We have already made it to the first overlook. It is a moderate hike. I am sure there will be a few challenging miles a bit later.

I resist the urge to sit under the trees and take it all in. Maybe on the way back. Now just remember, even though this seems like a nature day, it counts as a market. I paid an entrance fee, so that counts. We have gotten so very creative! Do you have a weekly market you go to? No worries! We love those too. This gives you a peek at my country and the life I lead and I get to wander the world every week and see what life is like. I find it interesting, I have learned so many things I never thought I would want to know! How about you? Have you discovered something new by reading a post?

I am grateful for the signage, it keeps me honest. Also helps me not get lost. When I first started hiking out here, I worried a little about getting lost, but, I am so over that. I have honestly lost my way a little, but, get right back on track. Note: in your comment below write the words: I want to hike at the end of your comment. A small prize is involved.EDIT I ended the prize giving as it is now Saturday and the post should have been submitted already

So very fragile. There was a fire here in 2017 and it is still wearing the remnants of it. Some of the pines were decimated by beetles and yet, Mother Nature is recovering nicely. What
would you do if there was a fire while you were up here? It is something one should think about before it happens.

Clearly marked escape routes for you. Thank you National Park Service. They take good care of our forests. The funnest job you could ever have. that is what they say and I actually believe them. Who wouldn't love a job like that?

Please remember to visit other posts from the #MarketFriday community. It is an important part of being in a community, interacting with each other, and getting to know people. That is one of the big reasons to join Hive, yes? Thank you so much.

Please leave the link to your post here so it can easily be found by others. It helps you and me to have them in one place. Where else can you take such a quick trip around the globe? Thank you so much for joining us!! ❤

And just like that, this post is done. I hope you had a good time and learned a little something new. As always, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit, and just remember, #MarketFriday loves you! Thank you for supporting the challenge! Have a most fabulous day! Cheers!!

As always, there must be flowers to color my world. #alwaysaflower

The hiking clubs continue to take great care of the Appalachian Trail. Have you ever been part of a hiking club or any other kind of club that volunteers?

Denise Antoinette.jpg

"Denise Antoinette"

Sometimes following your heart means losing your head over things you cannot control..

Courtesy of my friend, Planet Jeff

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Fridays are all about the #MarketFriday Challenge! Looking to take part in it? Here is how:

Rules of the Road to Join #MarketFriday!

Go to the market, or anywhere that you pay money for a service.
Take pictures! Be creative!
Tell us a little bit about the market or the event. What brought you there? What did you buy? How much did it cost? Was it expensive? Did it go up or down? I need something other than 50 pictures of the market.
Post the pictures. Of course, you should tell a little bit about the ones you post, it is too difficult to guess on some
Use the MarketFriday Community Platform to post (#hive-196308) This is not required but appreciated.
PLEASE Drop the link into the MarketFriday comment section so I can find it!!
Following me and reblogging the post would be appreciated, but not a rule, more vision for more views on the #MarketFriday posts!
7. You must put #MarketFriday by @dswigle somewhere on your post.

As always, please remember! #MarketFriday loves you!

#TeamUSA is a growing community of quality-content people from the United States or those living here. Check us out on Discord!

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203 comments

@pixresteemer 71

over 1 year ago

Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!Week 129 of my contest just started...you can now check the winners of the previous week!!LUV₂

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@luvshares 58

over 1 year ago

@pixresteemer_(3/10) gave you LUV. tools | wallet | discord | community | <>< daily

HiveBuzz.me NFT for Peace

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