Grayson Highlands Day Trip, Part I

When we first arrived at Grayson Highlands the clouds were hanging low on the ridges. Of course the bulk of the park is very high indeed, with elevations ranging up to about 5,600 feet above sea level. Here in the East, that's pretty darned high. So when we stopped at the picnic area, which is located at around 4,700 feet, the clouds and mists had us pretty well socked in.

The weather reports had all assured us that the day was going to be partly sunny and mild, so we were hoping for the best. But we stopped at one of the covered picnic shelters to grill our lunch and waited to see if the clouds would lift.

The mists were thick and cool when we parked the truck.

As you can see, you couldn't even see all the way across the parking lot.

While Carole fired up the coals for burgers, I went for a walk in the woods.

You can always find something interesting to see in a southern cove hardwood forest.

The heath plants make for some interesting features.

Enormous leaves on this cucumber tree. Going from green to gold.

By the time I got back, the fog was lifting, and the food was almost ready.

Suddenly, the clouds lifted and the sun glared down on all of those amazing hues of gold and yellow and ocher and orange and red.

The picnic shelter revealed in sunlight!

Tomorrow, Part II.