Doug and I visited Shenandoah National Park in Virginia today and drove the 105-mile length of the famed Skyline Drive. It is truly a beautiful drive and would be awesome during the fall color season. The air was a bit hazy today, and many of the trees seen on our drive were still totally bare of leaves. Others were just budding. So the views weren't as spectacular as they most likely will be in another couple of weeks. Still, nothing can take away from the beauty of this area.
Skyline Drive Scenic View
We weren't far into our drive today when we spotted the telltale collection of randomly parked vehicles along the roadside, some with doors still hanging open, which is often the sign of a bear sighting. And so it was today. A mama black bear and her two cubs were foraging among the trees, just down the hill from where a small but growing group of people had gathered to watch.
Mama Black Bear and Cubs
The dogwood trees at some elevations were almost past their blooming period; but, at other elevations, they were in full bloom.
Dogwood Blossoms
Makes me want to go back, Linda.... Where are you tonight? I'll bet I know!!!!!! ha
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to see the bears... And the Dogwood looked awesome...
It is great to be on Skyline Drive in Fall.... AH Shucks--every season is great!!!!
Have fun.
Hugs,
Betsy
Beautiful images.
ReplyDeleteVisiting this part of the country is something I need to add to my bucket list.
ReplyDeletewow! what a great sighting! and you got some great shots!
ReplyDeleteAh, Betsy, we're not where you're thinking. Our schedule just didn't work out for us to stay there. But Skyline Drive really is beautiful, and the bears were an extra treat.
ReplyDeleteRuth - Thanks so much.
Stephen - I highly recommend it.
Theresa - We were thrilled to see the bears, and it was just a lucky shot that resulted in that photo. There were a lot of pictures I deleted. :)
Wow! Excellent picture of the bear sighting! Thats something Eddie would love to see one day. :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth - The bear sighting was definitely a treat. I hope you and Eddie have the same opportunity some day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat to see those bears. Keep on enjoying and sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteThis must have been a great outing and the dogwood looks wonderful. I wonder how far from you were the bears?
ReplyDeleteAll of your pictures are stunning, Linda.....sure enjoying them!!!! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteHilary - It WAS a treat to see the bears. We've been privileged to see black bears relatively often, but this is the best photo I've ever been able to get. :)
ReplyDeletePetra - Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment. I used a 20X zoom on the bear picture, and then did a little cropping to get even closer; so we were a safe distance away. :)
Cheryl - Thanks so much for the kind words.