Easter Vacation – Day 3 of 5: Blue Ridge Parkway (James River)
Bob and I spent three nights (April 17-20) in Waynesboro, Virginia. Waynesboro is located near where the Skyline Drive ends and the Blue Ridge Parkway begins. Our original plan was to stay in Waynesboro for four nights, but we departed a day early. I will explain why we left Waynesboro a day early in a future blog post.
The highlights on Day 3 (April 19) of our Easter vacation included a visit to Natural Bridge, walking on a swinging bridge in Buchanan and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Thursday’s blog post provided photographs and details about our visit to Natural Bridge. Friday’s blog post was about our brief stop in Buchanan VA. From Buchanan we took Route 43 to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We entered the Parkway at Milepost 90.9, Bearwallow Gap, and exited at Milepost 0, Rockfish Gap. Our 90-mile drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway yielded many photographs. I am sharing those photographs via four separate blog posts. In yesterday’s blog post I shared photographs from Milepost 90.9, Bearwallow Gap, to just before Milepost 63.8, James River Visitor Center. In today’s blog post I will share photographs that were taken at the James River Visitor Center.
James River is located at the Parkway’s lowest elevation (650 feet above sea level). The Visitor Center was still closed for the season. The James River Canal Trail, though, was open.
James River Canal Trail
The James River Canal Trail took us across James River. We crossed the James River on the walkway below the bridge.
James River
I took two photographs, while crossing the James River Bridge, each looking in opposite directions.
James River
The James River Canal Trail ended at the restored Battery Lock, one of 90 locks that were built between 1845-1851 along the James River and Kanawha Canal. When completed the canal had 90 locks and went from Richmond to Buchanan, Virginia.
Bob took this picture at the Battery Lock.
This is the photograph that I captured from my vantage point in the previous image.
Lock Gate
Battery Lock
I took one last photograph, as we were returning to the James River Visitor Center.
The James River Bridge framed this mountain scene.
The Beauty Around Us 
3 Responses to “Easter Vacation – Day 3 of 5: Blue Ridge Parkway (James River)”
We enjoyed that little walk under the bridge and across the river to the old locks…. Quite interesting. I loved your last photo –and the ‘frame’ is excellent.
Hugs,
Betsy
Lovely series of scenic shots, Linda! The views of the river and locks are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your trip!
We hiked this trail when we were there several years ago. I’m going to have to dig out those old pictures (or go back!).