Sunday at the Parkway

On Saturday I got the itch to head up to the Parkway and see some real winter. Hwy 215 crosses the Parkway about 17 miles from Rosman and it will stay reasonably driveable in the winter. I decided to take the chance that I could make it up to the top and get on the Parkway for some incredible views and deep snow. Theo was up for it and his friend Stroh was game as well so off we went - later than I wanted to start but better late than never.

It started snowing before we reached Balsam Grove and I was considering how hard it could snow before I would turn back. There are some very icy spots in the dark coves as the road winds its way up to Pinhook. The elevation changes rapidly and the temperature dropped from 38 @ Balsam Grove to mid-20s by Pinhook. We pressed on past the north facing rocks where the usual group of ice climbers is always playing.  We enjoyed the incredible views of a snowy Devil's Courthouse  and reached the Parkway about 2PM. The snow was very deep....

The plan was to hike south on the Parkway to MM424, just about 3/4 of a mile from where we parked.  We stopped a few times along the way for pictures and a bit of sledding. There was too much soft powder snow.

 

It started snowing pretty hard but the boys didn't care, they were having fun and I was really enjoying the amazing stillness and quiet.