note: pictures link to high-res downloads
Skyline Drive, 105 miles of pure bliss for any driving enthusiasts. The scenic byway is the northern sister of the larger (469 mi.) Blue Ridge Parkway, which continues the journey through the Appalachian chain to its terminus near Cherokee, North Carolina.
Armed with 5 cars, cameras and high spirits, my friends and I set out to see what the sizzling sun and winding road had in store for us. The day did not disappoint.
Although the entrance price is a bit high during peak season ($15 for months March through November), the cost is immediately accounted for on a day with blue skies and billowing white clouds. Soon after we entered the park and made the first climb, we stopped for the shot you see above.
The air was enveloped in humidity, owing to the fact that scattered thunderstorms dotted the landscape to the west and north of our location. Luckily not a drop of rain was felt through our entire journey, which was most certainly for the best.
The frequency in our stops diminished as the day wore on, as our pilots became more and more enthralled with the trumpeted blips of the throttle, the curves of the road, and the unadulterated bliss that resulted.
The group consisted of a single Spa yellow AP1 Honda S2000, in addition to 4 BMWs, ranging from an E36 325i up to the infamous E36 M3. Ubiquitous staring commenced the second the group of five arrived at the northern gate, bountiful in both approval and scorn.
We didn't care though. The day was ripe for the taking, and we were damn well going to take it.
By the time I next looked at my watch, 4:00 pm was at hand. Perched in a McDonalds near the town of Luray off of 211 west, the group decided to call it a day and head back to the congested and ugly landscape we knew all too well. I'll admit that Fairfax has its share of good scenery, but in the eyes of skyline drive it is merely drivel.
I'll leave you with one final picture, one of my favorites to say the least. Make sure you move aside if you see this car in your rear view :)
