We recently returned from a visit to see family in Staunton, Virgina in the Shenandoah Valley. Allegheny Mountains to the west, and Blue Ridge Mountains to the east, the 140 mile (225km) valley is one of the prettiest drives in the country. Here was our view one morning. By the way, one of my favorite films, Cold Mountain (2003) was filmed in Virginia, not North Carolina.
Cindy Bruchman 
Nature showing off…or better yet, showing us how to relax and enjoy the day…beautiful shot!
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Hi John, I like high places. Something really tugs at my heart when I’m on a precipice looking out vast spaces. Thanks!
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Great shot, Cindy. The blue ridges on the mountains and old fence that belongs.
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Thanks you very much, Don. The sun warmed us all up. That photo was taken a month ago. Those branches are now budding, so I hear.
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I grew up in a rural community spanning a river valley and the mountains surrounding us on all sides looked blue like that in the distance. I loved that view so I enjoyed this one too.
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Thank you, my friend. Which do you prefer? Ocean views or mountain views? That question comes up a lot in our family.
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Cindy we have both here. The coastline is sub-tropical and has brilliant white sands along with the blue Pacific view. And we are surrounded by a coastal range with rainforest areas. Up on the range you get a brilliant view of the coast to horizon in north and south directions and looking inland it is rolling hills dairy country and small crops. It is glorious and I can’t choose which vista I prefer. As I was growing up we used to holiday on the coast Easter and Christmas with our relatives so it is only natural I chose to retire here. I hope it never becomes as commercial as the Gold Coast to the south of us as that would convert natural beauty to a concrete jungle.
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Yes, I feel the same way, Ian. It makes me sad to see so much shoreline gobbled up with tall condos and tourism destroying the beauty.
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Lovely view. They really are blue!
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Yes, they look smaller here since the lookout we were above them. At ground level, they look more impressive. Still, the blue is blue!
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Ah, the Blue Ridge Mountains. Always reminds me of the Laurel and Hardy clip.
Cold Mountain is an excellnt film, and a very accurate adaptation of the book too.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Thanks, Pete. I’m glad we share a love for all things Cold Mountain. 😉
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So that’s what the blue ridge mountains of Virginia look like
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Yes, sir. We stood on a pretty high point that looked down so they seem smaller in the shot than they actually are. The range is old and unlike the masculine rocky mountain tips, the mountains in the east are maternal mounds.
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A nice distinction
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I envy you, Cindy. Not only is that a beautiful area, but you got to see family – all while getting out of the house!!!!
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We had our vaccinations and had no issues flying. A change of scenery is welcome to my emotional health.
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👍😀
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Yes, we have had our shots and had no issues flying. I got to meet my newest grandson. Our son and daughter-in-law have a farm with average and a menagerie to pet and look at. Very nice to visit a different setting. Cheers, GP.
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*acerage
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Very near where I grew up in southwest Virginia. It is beautiful country – and the home of the Statler Brothers!
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Yes…I remember hearing them on the radio when I was a girl. Lots of rich music and folklore coming from these parts. I love the Scottish influences. The bluegrass music.
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Amazing view!!
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Thanks, Jen!
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Heck of a vista there Cindy! That is gorgeous country.
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Hi JC,
Thanks! It was fun returning to my old stomping grounds.
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Ah, that shot really brings back memories of the Smokies for me, in Knoxville TN. So many great hikes around the Blue Ridge Mountain parkway. I miss it so much!
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Hi Tom! I remember your cool hike in the Catskills. Did you have a Smokey Mt. post? I would love to see it…
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Hey Cindy, sorry I forgot to respond!
Actually that video of me and my dad was out in the Cascades in WA state, but funny enough I have also done a little hiking in the Catskills when we lived in NY.
I got no footage of all the hikes I’ve done in TN tho, such a shame. The Blue Ridge Mountains are just amazing
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Oops! I forgot to reply, too. Well, hope you are out there hiking still. I hope you are well!
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It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Your photo is gorgeous!
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Your area is breathtaking, too!
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Many places here are. 🙂
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Soooo beautiful. That signature blue!
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Hi Keith. Yep, it was a pleasure to return for a visit. The emotional journey, the visual treat, all the memories plus making new ones with family.
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Beautiful pictures as always Cindy 🙂 Did you have a great time in Virginia? 🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
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Hi John. Yes, it was nice to get to a different landscape than the desert and meet my new grandson!
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Hi Cindy!! Wow, my friend was just recommending about Blue Ridge Mountains as my hubby and I are looking for a great place to visit this Summer that’s more outdoorsy. Love this photo!
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Hi Ruth! Oh, good, well then. I recommend Charlottesville, VA. It’s a fun university town surrounded by the mountains. Depending on your pleasure, there are breweries, wineries, history, and the Appalachian Trail.
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What a view!
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Hi Alex. The view is prettier now that the trees have leaves and the grass is green. Thank you for stopping by.
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