We left Floyd, VA for Waynesville, NC with a questionable weather forecast. Not bad, but some rain in spots. We started on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Tuggle's Gap and headed south.

Monring on the Blue Ridge Parkway

It's a familiar route, a very comfortable days ride. There was no great hurry so we took the opportunity to explore. We investigated Explorer Park just south of Roanoke and were not impressed - it still seems to be a work in progress. A bit further south we we found a gem in the Roanoke Mountain Loop Road. This single lane paved one-way road at Milepost 120.3 climbs Roanoke Mountain then returns to the parkway. The best view was from the Mill Mountain overlook. It's worth the 4 mile ride.

Mill Mountain Overlook on Roanoke Mountain Loop Road

The weather remained decent on the parkway so we just stuck to familiar turf. At milepost 258.6 we paid a first visit to the Northwest Trading Post for a hot beverage. It was a good stop. Our quest for a cup of coffee turned into more than $100 in swag as we found so many things we just had to have. A great place to pick up gifts. Add it to the list of good rest stops. 

Northwest Trading Post

Northwest Trading Post

As we continued south the clouds stated to build and we stopped at one of our favorite spots for lunch the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland. The rain moved through while we enjoyed a couple lobster subs, delicious! 

Switzerland Inn

Leaving the Switzerland Inn we started the climb passing Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the east. We were soon in the clouds. The temp dropped to 44 degrees, the rain started, and it wasn't until we started down into Asheville before we could see one another again the mists were so thick. We left the parkway south of Asheville and hoofed it home on I-40 to Waynesville.

It was a much needed break. We found some great roads. There is so much more to explore and map, we're really looking forward to doing this again.