Yep, as I was riding along in the setting sun. Red Rock. In Southwest Virginia.
Blowing in the Wind
After riding 125 miles, much of it along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you might expect me to post photos of the changing fall leaves.
While I did see many beautiful sites as I followed along behind my friend Dave, we didn’t stop for photos because we had a destination in mind.
Raps is a full service 1950’s / 60’s Renaissance Store and Ice Cream Shop adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Raps also has a restaurant / bar and grill and features live music on the weekends.
The beer was cold, the music was classic rock, and several in the crowd were dancing. What really attracted my eye though, were the bright flags flapping in the wind against the brilliant blue sky.
You must be thinking: “really, LB, a post about flags? The kind that can easily be found flying at any car dealership”. What can I say? They made me happy!
Eleven days ’til the Fall Bike Trip!! Now THAT really makes me happy!
A Little Bit Color / A Little Bit Black and White
It’s a busy Saturday (Go VT Hokies!) and I’ll be taking lots of wedding reception shots in a couple hours … so why not a couple of the trestle first?
(anyone get the title’s take off on Donnie and Marie?)
Which do you like better?
Stop!
When life, health, work, and the damn shut down push us to focus on the negative, we need to stop and see the beauty that surrounds us. Even when it’s challenging.
Misty mornings like these encourage me to stop, and sigh, and find peace … at least for awhile.
Guy Noir
A dark night in a city that knows how to keep its secrets.
But on the 12th floor of the Acme building, one man is trying to find the answers to life’s persistent questions: Guy Noir, Private Eye.
(Any other Prairie Home Companion / Garrison Keillor listeners out there?)
When I Can’t Travel On The Bike …
… I can still enjoy the beauty of Southwest Virginia from the truck! It took me an hour longer than usual to get home from the 80th Birthday Celebration (see below) because I was traveling under this amazing sky and through these lovely mountains.
Aren’t I lucky to have such healthy, happy, and FUN parents?
The Merc
The Draper Mercantile is a lovingly restored, 125 year old building in Southwest Virginia. It currently serves as a place to hear local music, enjoy a fine meal, and as a showplace for regional arts and crafts. The Merc has been providing goods and services to Pulaski County and the surrounding communities for over a century and according to the website “visitors could purchase just about anything”.
A receipt found in a desk by the current owners summarizes an eclectic purchase: sugar, burial clothes, salmon, lemons, and a coffin. At various times, The Merc has housed a barber shop, a blacksmith, the post office, and a dress shop. In the spring the farmers brought in their lambs to sell and in the fall their hogs, turkey, potatoes etc., which went towards settling their accounts (drapermerc.com).
One evening last week, I met my friend Amy on the upstairs porch and enjoyed a glass of wine in a beautiful setting.
Some would have used photoshop to rid the images of powerlines. Despite the fact that I don’t have photoshop, I think that the powerlines add historic accuracy to The Merc and the community of Draper.
If you’re ever in the area, check it out!!
Just Add Wine
Yummy snacks
plus a designated driver
plus amazing friends
plus locally owned restaurants
plus magical light
equals another great BGs celebration, our first in Roanoke!
Fireworks
Despite a photo title that is reminiscent of a certain holiday in July, it is officially fall and the perfect time for riding. I’ve got one more long weekend off of work before the cold sets in and I’m planning a ride through parts of Tennessee and North Carolina.
I hit the road in 3 weeks! You’ll be there with me, right? 🙂
Natural Bling!
It was the morning light that made me stop, but it was the webs that made me linger.
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 