Posted by NightSky on January 24, 2000 at 09:42:33:
In Reply to: Re: Two Things! posted by Diana on January 24, 2000 at 08:50:22:
: : One - I can't believe the Gathering has actually been moved closer to us! It's now not more than 60 miles away, so the head Bubba is actually considering going. He loves this area, and we'll be close enough to spend time in his beloved Blowing Rock! And one more look at the bottom of Lynn Cove Viaduct, I'm sure.
: Hi Nightsky,
: Regarding the Lynn Cove Viaduct, must be the engineering/men thing. I got to look underneath the viaduct also (for my brother's interest, of course) and it was interesting. I don't quite understand the reason for it though. It is my understanding that it was built to withstand earthquakes or something???? That would be because we have so many on the east coast huh? Now this kind of engineering might truly be interesting to the California folks, right Jo?
: Oh, and the only thing the kids enjoyed about it, was a great place for a nature call. Might want to tell your husband to tread carefully next visit.
: Seriously, it is kind of a neat thing driving on this bridge that hangs out off the side of a mountain. And if you know more about why that was built that way I'd love to know more!
: Diana
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Diana: In this area, the Lynn Cover Viaduct has been a piece of history in the making for the last 50 years. Grandfather Mtn. has been privately owned for years, causing it to be the biggest sticking point in the completion of the BRP. The owner would not sell rights to the Feds, nor would he allow the mountain to be "cut" in any way. He told them if they could hang a bridge onto the mountain, fine, but they could not cut away any of the mountain in the process. For forty years, those traveling the Parkway would have to get off at Grandfather Mtn and detour, picking the Parkway back up on the other side. It took decades to find a design that would work, and another decade to get the viaduct built. Considering the Parkway went into construction in the 1930's, the Viaduct did not open until 1983. It is considered one of the 10 architectural wonders of the world. Not only is the viaduct itself an incredible thing to see and travel, the view when you round the curve approaching from the north is breathtaking. A monument to man's perseverance overlooking a monument to the one with many names, but here known as the Master of Life.
Another point of interest, since the Gathering is going to be held close to Lynnville, is Brown Mtn. It can be reached through Edgemont (our favorite approach) or several other roads. Anyone that's heard the tales of the Brown Mtn. lights, of the ghost of the slave still looking for his missing master, will find it fastinating. Even the X-files did a show on Brown Mtn., proving the world really does get smaller every day. There's also a state campground at Edgemont, where the air is so rich, you can smell the snakes (one of my favorite local sayings). Along with some of the best fly fishing in the eastern US.
Another aside for all the history buffs out there. It's really an indictment of our public school system. A couple of weeks ago, one of my 13 year old twins (finally) noticed a sign we pass coming into our farm stating this was the route for the Federal Underground Railroad before and during the Civil War. After reading the sign and sitting quietly for a couple of clicks, he then asked if it was still there or had it caved in. This from an honor student. They now get their daily segment of Ken Burns' Civil War. YRH