“The Mountains are Calling and I must Go.” I had never heard of this quote by John Muir, before my latest trip to Virginia and her Blue Ridge Mountains. But I had felt it within me for ages. How long have I scoured the electronic ether for images of the Shenandoah National Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway? Hours I have spent, enraptured by their promise, spellbound by their beauty and their lofty majesty. As I sat gazing dreamily at such pictures, I felt the same giddy anticipation I would feel as a small child, perusing the toy section of the Sears Christmas catalog. It is as though John Muir himself had read the very contents of my heart.
Mr. Muir may well have been thinking about Yosemite when he coined this phrase, but I believe that the lure, the beauty and the wonders of nature to be found applies to just any mountain range on earth. Certainly this is the case with the mountain ranges of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.
I had stopped at the Elkwallow Comfort Station, perhaps at the 24-mile mark along the Skyline Drive. I bought a very tasty Bar-B-Q pork sandwich and a Pepsi. After having fed myself, I wandered back into the store section, featuring all manner of souvenirs. I wanted to pick up a pin for my “parade vest”, as well as a patch or two for my denim cut-off jacket… They had many items which advertised or showcased the virtues of the Park. And then I saw this one t-shirt, which featured Mr. Muir’s famous quote. I knew in an instant that it had been made for me. It summed up my very reason for being there. It gave an identity and substance to this heretofore indescribable longing which had been tormenting me for years. Clearly, the mountains had been calling… long and loud. I had simply, finally decided to respond.
This trip occurred in June of 2009. Words fail me to describe the pleasure I experienced on my fist visit. I have since returned with my spouse, on 4 separate occasions. I try to make it a yearly event, for I feel that my soul needs this type of recharging. It is quite simply one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have ever set foot. And coming from a sailor with a 21 year naval career, that’s saying some.
Sincerely,
Shenandoah National Park
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, Shenandoah features rolling tree-lined hills, wooded hollows, spectacular waterfalls and a diversity of wildlife, all easily accessible from the scenic Skyline Drive. The park preserves a remarkable slice of southern Appalachian natural history and beauty with a dazzling array of recreational opportunities.
State(s): Virginia
Established: 1935
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Greetings from Shenandoah National Park
Bob and I drove the south trail on the Shenandoah Mountain scenic route, 35 winding miles high up into the mountains, 3,360 feet. Extending along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, one of its many trails includes a section of the Appalachian. Clouds brushed and sometimes enveloped the roads.…
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Greetings from Shenandoah National Park
New Virtual Video Recording of American Folk Song Shenandoah by Over 400 NYCGB Alumni Released Today! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB59EtztSVw Over 400 NYCGB alumni from around the world have joined forces to take part in a mass virtual recording of the American folk song Shenandoah. A video recording has today been released with…
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Greetings from Shenandoah National Park
My best boy Winston and I stayed at Skyland and spent three days hiking in the park. The staff at the visitor center were so nice and helpful - pointing out hikes that were suitable for my "senior dog".
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