I was thinking what a great Porsche drive is for us. It did not take long to decide there are too many drives we enjoy to pick just one. Our Boxster is not a daily commuter so we constantly look for ways to enjoy it in different driving experiences. We are empty nest baby boomers entering middle age with 30 years of marriage, a zest for life, and fun in our still young hearts. Our home village is Evington, Virginia near the center of the state, offering many different driving choices. North along US 29 is an easy four-lane ride to Charlottesville about an hour away. Along the way there are numerous vineyards to tour, and there is Walton’s Mountain of TV fame. In Charlottesville there is the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. East 30 miles on US 460 then a few miles on US 24 are the Appomattox Civil War Surrender grounds. The buildings have been restored and reconstructed. The National Park Service operates the site.
Today, I go west on US 460 toward the Blue Ridge Mountains 30 miles away. The drive begins with a four-lane jaunt of 20 miles to the small town of Bedford, VA. With the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, we let the wind blow our hair and the sun warm our faces, creating relaxing atmosphere to start our trip. This part of the trip is a perfect opportunity to see rural scenery at it’s best. Small family businesses, farms, and forests offer a variety of scenery especially in the fall foliage season. The first stop is near the US 122 exit at The National D-Day Memorial, a short “follow the signs” distance away. Completed June 6, 2001, and open to the public daily, it is an impressive and sobering sight. Bedford, VA was chosen for this symbol of America’s sacrifice in the D-Day invasion because of the number of losses taken by those small town soldiers. The 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Division was one of the two first assault regiments to land on Omaha Beach, and the only National Guard unit in the first wave. From a 1944 population of 3200, Company A had 170 men. Of that number, 91 died, 64 were wounded, and only 15 were able to continue fighting. The 21 killed from the Town of Bedford were the highest per-capita loss from any single community. The arch guarding the entrance is 44 feet 6 inches to commemorate the 6/6/44 invasion date. Under the arch is the sculpture to the men who died in the invasion. Behind the arch is a pool representing the beaches of the invasion. This day we have the honor of talking to Boyd Wilson, one of 6 surviving D-Day veterans from Bedford. His vivid descriptions brought the horror of those days to us and I added his accounts to my father’s from his action with the 8th Army Air Corps in England. I stood a long time taking in the meaning of this memorial. I prayed for the dead then gave both the living and dead my thanks. As I turned to leave, it seemed strange to see that German car in the parking lot. But freedom was the fight and freedom they won.
Resuming our drive, we enter the town of Bedford, VA. Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bedford is a slice of small town USA. Following US 43 through the town takes only a short while. The time spent in traffic (what little there is) can be used to admire many turn-of-the-century buildings. There are numerous restaurants and some great antique shops. I include a stop in Bedford often as a break and exploring adventure. Of course the people are friendly and glad to share their knowledge of the area.
Leaving Bedford on US 43 North, it is only 9 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Peaks of Otter. The first 5 miles are the average 2-lane road with open land with the mountains still in the background. The last four miles begins the journey from foothills to mountains. The road twists ever upward in a series of banked curves and nearly straight uphill sections. The engine sounds and challenging road get my adrenaline going as the Boxster charms that snake of a road and reminds me why I bought a Porsche. Where US 43 meets the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Peaks of Otter, there is the decision to go North or South. Since the Parkway extends 469 miles from northern Virginia to Tennessee and North Carolina there are many miles to explore in either direction. You may want to stop here and decide your direction later. This is mile post 86. There is a lodge overlooking a 22-acre lake for your overnight requirements, and the restaurant is open daily with a variety of foods to suit most everyone. Before you eat, there is a trip to the top of Sharp Top. You can go to the summit of Sharp Top by hiking the entire way or by riding a bus most of the way. Either way, the path is moderate and the views are breath taking at an elevation of 3865 feet. Other amenities at the Peaks of Otter include a gift shop and service station. Also available are campsites and plenty of picnic areas with ample parking. Today we have a picnic basket in the trunk so I turn North toward Apple Orchard Mountain and the highest point on the Parkway in Virginia. Only half a mile from the lodge, I stop to watch five deer standing along the road; two are in the opposite lane. They stand just 20 feet away and we watch for several minutes. Yes, the camera is still in the trunk. We return to the upward spiral of mountain climbing again. Even though it is early fall I watch the thermometer drop from 74 to 66 degrees. With the top down I did not forget a jacket this time (a lesson learned long ago). Music provided by the CD returns us to our hippy days of the 70s with hard rock tunes mixing with road sounds. Maybe you cannot go back, but you can remember for a while. The only differences are glasses and gray hair. Aren’t they? There are many overlooks along the way or you can just drive and enjoy what a Porsche is all about. Challenging the curves in a Boxster is always a thrill. Whether a banked switchback or a long sweeper, exceeding the posted 45 MPH speed limit is just plain necessary. With my co-pilot watching for the ever-present Rangers, I take several runs listening to the Porsche sound and appreciating a great road car. With light weekday traffic, I also slow below the speed limit do some sight seeing and sun worshiping. Our first stop is Apple Orchard Falls Trail overlook. Here there is the usual beautiful view, along with a hiking trail. The North Creek Campground is a 5-mile hike, Apple Orchard Falls is a 1.2-mile hike, and the Appalachian Trail only a 1000-foot hike. A slow walk along the trail for about 15 minutes adds beauty to this tranquil day. Back in the Boxster, we continue to enjoy the day thrashing curves and viewing scenery from our ringside seats. One interesting site along the way is an old Air Force RADAR dome. Standing atop Apple Orchard Mountain, it was part of the early warning system. Not in military use now, it has civilian occupancy. Our lunch stop is Apple Orchard Mountain overlook. At 3950 feet we are at the highest place on the Parkway in Virginia. Here we lay the blanket on the grass and set out the picnic goodies. The camera and binoculars see a lot of use and we are in no hurry to leave. Even in the cool temperatures, the sun is warm and a nap seems to creep up on us. The quiet is broken only by the occasional car or motorcycle going by. Off again with a full stomach, we continue North with miles of fun driving interrupted by several stops at scenic overlooks. When we get to VA 130 there is Otter Creek Campground and the lowest point on the Parkway at 649 feet. Here we reluctantly leave the Parkway for the short drive back home.
Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway can be a trip of several days or several hours. There are facilities for all your requirements. Many cities are only a short distance from the Parkway in this area as it parallels Interstate 81. Whether with the top down or up, the Boxster makes the trip fun. The engine has power to scale mountain inclines sounding off like a thoroughbred. Entering fast turns or streaking down hill is no problem for the brakes and Michelin Pilots. The tiptronic transmission provides either automatic or manual shifting depending on the whim of the driver. For me a sports car has 2 seats and no top, and what better example than the Boxster. After 30 years of owning a 2 seater, I have found the perfect one for me. The wind in my hair, sun on my face, and wife by my side; life doesn’t get any better than that.
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