Photo of the Week # 14

"Moore" Adventure ~ October, 2009

Dad and me at "Sugarland Overlook" in Grayson Highlands State Park!

Photo(s) of the Week # 13

October, 2009

Grayson Highlands State Park, VA

Sugarland Overlook

(Note the massive Christmas tree farm!)

(Wild pony near Mt. Rogers)

Both photos by George Moore (Genesis Studio Photography)

Nor'easter on the Mountain!

This Just In.... 60 mph winds - Sir Evan Blown Off the Mountain!

Hyperbole is my claim to fame. Okay, so I wasn't blown off the mountain, but boy was the wind strong up there! My Dad and I didn't make it too far up Mount Rogers, but we did explore Massie's Gap, where this video takes place. Check it out!

There's a lot more to come, but since I don't have the time to write up a full article just yet, here are a few more photos from our adventure.

(Dad taking photos in the Virginia Highlands:
Note the mist creeping over the mountain...)

(The Aviators are no more *deep sigh* ~ Suppose these "Mountain Shades" will have to do...)

(Who wouldn't want a log cabin on the side of a mountain?!)

Sneak Peak: Early Autumn Adventure with Dad

Smell the Woodsmoke and Taste the Glory of the Mountains!

Sir Evan here! Just got back from an adventure with my Dad in Southwest Virginia, where we explored the backcountry near Abingdon and Damascus and also made our way to Grayson Highlands State Park. The weather was uncooperative initially but cleared up this morning, providing us with some spectacular views of the Virginia highlands. From the photo, you can see how the vegetation is further along at the higher altitudes. We were blown away by the vibrant colors. Anyhow, more to come soon, so keep your eye on the horizon!

(Sugarland Overlook, Grayson Highlands State Park, VA)

Mount Rogers Backpacking Adventure... Blue Ridge Style!

This video was taken in July, 2008, at Grayson Highlands, VA. On this particular trip, my former coworkers from Blue Ridge Mountain Sports and I undertook a 12 mile traverse across rolling plains, rocky trails, and wilderness streams. Our destination: Mount Rogers, the tallest mountain in Virginia!

On our way, we encountered dozens of wild ponies, a notable trademark of Mount Rogers. One pony, in particular, grabbed our interest. Straight out of the 80's with his long, flowing mane, we dubbed him the Bon Jovi horse. Later, that pony would outsmart and humiliate us by reaching the top of the mountain first. How this majestic, four-legged beast of the wilderness managed to accomplish this, we never did learn...

After a desparate search for water (which ended well, thanks to a good Samaritan..."Dat map is wrong! The water be over dere!") we made camp and constructed the most epic camp fire in existence! But not before watching the sunset from Rhodedendron Gap...

After making it through a chilly night with little more than my survival blanket (it is surprisingly cold on the top of a mountain, even in July...) I awoke thirsty and craving hydration, as did my compatriots, so we left camp to purify water. Upon our return, we discovered our campsite invaded by wild ponies. Curious, backpack-sniffing, wild ponies.

Thank you, Mount Rogers, for an epic time in the foothills of Virginia.