Blue Highways of America

Blue Highways of America Has Moved-Again

2011-12-18T15:17:00.000-05:00

Blue Highways of America has moved - again. The new URL is

http://www.roadsideonline.com/index.php/riding-shotgun/blue-highways-of-america

Blue Highways of America Has Moved!!!

2011-02-20T21:25:00.000-05:00

As you can see, I haven't made any new posts on this blog in several months. I've moved it over to roadsideonline.com. Here's the link:

http://roadsideonline.com/blue-highways-of-america

The site is full of cool stuff about old roads, diners, weird tourist attractions and other road goodies. From my blog, click the Home link at the top to see the rest of the site.

If you buy from Amazon, could you help me out a little, by reaching it through the ad on the right sidebar of my blog?

Thanks
Tom Hoffman

Grandview, New River Gorge National River WV

2010-10-08T03:03:00.000-04:00

This is the Grandview area of the New River Gorge National River. For many years, it was a West Virginia state park, and many people still call it that. The photo on the left shows the gate. At some point, the state park was annexed to the federal park. Most of it is the same, however. The views from the main overlook are spectacular. Railroad buffs will enjoy seeing the C&O main line (now CSX) on the far side of the river. There is a trail leading through some interesting rock formations next to the overlook.

Appalachian Trail Museum, Pine Grove Furnace SP PA

2010-09-23T22:17:00.000-04:00

This is the Appalachian Trail Museum in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania. It's brand new, having opened in the spring of 2010. The exhibits are primarily about the early, pioneer through-hikers, such as Earl Shaffer and Grandma Gatewood. The museum is free, although donations are appreciated.

The museum is in this location because it is almost at the exact midpoint of the Appalachian Trail. Due to constant re-routings, the midpoint moves around a bit from one year to the next, but it is always just a few miles north of the park.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located on PA Route 233, about twenty miles north of US Route 30 (the Lincoln Highway)

Dam and Monument, Little Beaver SP WV

2010-09-13T04:23:00.000-04:00

I suppose I should not be going around taking pictures of dams, lest I be mistaken for a terrorist. This dam forms the recreational lake behind it at Little Beaver State Park, WV, near Beckley. The monument bears the name of the company and the engineer who built it. The state park is a small one used primarily by locals.

Log Building, Pine Grove Furnace State Park PA

2010-09-06T03:16:00.000-04:00

This interesting little building may be found in one of the picnic grounds at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania. I walked up to it and found it locked. It appears to be a utility or storage shed of some kind, but the design is typical of state parks just about anywhere. I'd guess it to predate World War II.

The park is on PA Route 233 about 20 miles north of US 30 (Lincoln Highway)

Thaddeus Stevens Furnace, Caledonia SP PA

2010-08-28T02:56:00.000-04:00

This is the restored Thaddeus Stevens Furnace in Caledonia State Park, Pennsylvania. The park is at the top of South Mountain on US 30 (the Lincoln Highway) between Gettysburg and Chambersburg. The park is one of my favorite places, and I really can't say why. It has some good hiking, including the Appalachian Trail. There is a pool and extensive picnic and camping facilities.

Stevens built this iron-producing furnace before the Civil War. In July 1863, a detachment of Confederate soldiers destroyed it on their way to Gettysburg. It was revenge for Stevens being a passionate and prominent abolitionist.

Mont Alto State Park, Mont Alto PA

2010-08-22T16:04:00.000-04:00

If Mont Alto State Park isn't the smallest state park in Pennsylvania, it's pretty close. It's located on PA Route 233 south of US 30. It appears to be used mainly by locals.

The structure on the left is obviously a picnic shelter. But when built, it was something else altogether. It was the outside of a merry-go-round.

In the early twentieth century, the country was crisscrossed by "interurbans" or rural streetcars. These electric railways often built amusement parks to bolster their ridership. One such park was located here. When it was abandoned, the shell of the carousel was retained and made into the picnic shelter.

Classic Neon Motel Sign, Ironto VA

2010-08-20T01:35:00.000-04:00

This is another classic old neon sign for a motel. I've seen it at night, and alas, it's seen better times. Quite a bit of it has burned out. The motel is now a Budget Host; I believe that is an independent association rather than a chain. It is on US Route 11 right next to I-81, just north of the exit for Dixie Caverns. It's a single story motel, which is the kind that I prefer. I would never have any occasion to stay at this one though; it's too close to home. The restaurant appears to be closed.

Neon Sign, BBQ Restaurant, Harrisonburg VA

2010-08-15T23:51:00.000-04:00

Here is a classic old neon sign for a barbeque drive-in restaurant. It may be found on US Route 11 just north of Harrisonburg, Virginia. I didn't eat there because I'd just eaten dinner before discovering it. The modern arrow sign below the neon one detracts from it to an extent, but it's still good when you can find an old classic like this.

Humpback Bridge, Covington VA

2010-07-24T16:18:00.000-04:00

This is the Humpback Bridge, in a small park on US Route 60 just west of Covington, Virginia. You can't drive over it, but walking is permitted. The plaque in the left photo gives the history and significance of the structure.

Penny's Diner, Low Moor VA

2010-07-14T22:22:00.000-04:00

I've been staying home a lot lately, hence I have less to post. This should please diner fans, though. This diner is in Low Moor, Virginia, between Covington and Clifton Forge. It's obviously a replica diner, which I sometimes refer to by the less complimentary adjective "fake." However, unlike many replica/fake diners, particlarly in urban areas, the prices are reasonable and there aren't a lot of exotic, non-diner menu items. I had a good lunch there.

Site of the Clifton Forge in Clifton Forge VA

2010-06-04T22:54:00.000-04:00

This neglected historical marker overlooks the site of the Clifton Forge in western Virginia. It is a mile or so south of the town of Clifton Forge on US Route 220.

Restored Pre-Interstate Rest Area VA

2010-05-25T19:22:00.000-04:00

I've posted before on Virginia's "waysides" which were the pre-interstate version of the "rest areas" found on interstates today. This one is a little different, though. It's been completely restored, with stonework and picnic tables as they were. It can be found on Virginia Route 598 at the top of East River Mountain, on the border with West Virginia. 598 was originally US Route 52, which has been "replaced" by I-77. The interstate tunnels under this same mountain.

The view is into the city of Bluefield, West Virginia.

US Route 18 in Virginia?

2010-05-17T03:40:00.000-04:00

Granted, this is sort of a "roadgeek" type of thing. But some of us who love blue highways are sharp enough to detect errors like this. The route number (18) is correct, but it is shown as a US rather than a Virginia highway. Someone at the Virginia Department of Transportation goofed when they installed this sign. More likely, they didn't know any better. It may be found on Virginia 18 south of the old industrial town of Covington.

One More Classic Bridge About to Go

2010-05-08T22:31:00.000-04:00

This is a bridge of a classic design of the early to mid twentieth century. The construction to the left is its replacement. There are fewer and fewer bridges like this every year. Fortunately, some have been left standing for fishing or walking.

This bridge is just outside Hinton WV. The road on the far side of the bridge is West Virginia Route 3.

Rakes Mill Pond, Blue Ridge Parkway VA

2010-05-06T20:48:00.000-04:00

This is Rake's Mill Pond on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a very small exhibit. While the crowds go to Mabry Mill, just a few miles south, little gems like this one are often overlooked. It can be found between Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts 162 and 163, just north of Tuggle's Gap and Virginia Route 8.

"Pure" Gasoline Sign, Pulaski VA

2010-05-03T19:50:00.000-04:00

Here is a rare sign for Pure gasoline outside a former gas station and country store. (the Gator Mart per the other sign). It now appears to be a private home. The Pure brand of gas still exists, but you don't see it very often.

I found this on the outskirts of Pulaski, Virginia, on one of the 600 or 700 series of secondary Virginia highways.

Engine Bell Exhibit, Camp Creek SP WV

2010-05-02T00:20:00.000-04:00

Camp Creek State Park in southern West Virginia is a beautiful little park. I've gone there many times to hike the trails. It's surprising that I just noticed this, since I'm a railroad buff. The bell is from a locomotive that was used in removing timber logged in what is now the park.

The park is between Princeton and Beckley near both US 19 and I-77.

Isolated Waterfall, New River Gorge Nat'l River WV

2010-04-28T03:38:00.000-04:00

This is a beautiful waterfall in the New River Gorge National River. It falls down one of the steep bluffs, goes under the road and flows into the New River directly behind the photographer.

But you've really got to love back roads to find this place. In an earlier post, I described the directions to Sandstone Falls. Continue along the same road. The pavement soon ends and you go a couple of miles on a dirt road. The falls will be on your left, just before you go under the I-64 bridge.

The road then goes under the interstate but stops at a gate to private property. There is no access to the interstate from the riverside road.

Sandstone Falls, New River Gorge National River WV

2010-04-15T02:41:00.000-04:00

The New River Gorge National River is a scenic, often spectacular stretch of the river lying roughly between Hinton and Montgomery, West Virginia. The New is world-renowned in whitewater rafting circles.

Here are two views of Sandstone Falls. Although one of the most scenic spots in the park, Sandstone Falls is probably frequented more by locals than by tourists, due to its isolated location. To reach it, take WV secondary Route 25 from WV 20 across the river from Hinton. It is several miles on a winding, two-lane road to the parking lot for the falls. There is a series of boardwalks that extend onto an island and eventually the views shown above. When I went there, it was an austere scene dominated by the roar of the rapids. It was essentially still winter, with most of the trees still bare.

Pearis Cemetery, Pearisburg VA

2010-04-08T01:36:00.000-04:00

The historic Pearis Cemetery is located at the western edge of Pearisburg, in the area sometimes called Bluff City. For years, it was overgrown, neglected and mostly forgotten. But several years ago, the town of Pearisburg (with the help of several other organizations) restored it. The photo on the right shows part of the cemetery. It includes the grave of Captain George Pearis, for whom the town is named. He fought in the Revolutionary War.

The left photo shows the new parking area and trailhead for access to the cemetery. The gravel path behind the sign makes a gradual ascent to the cemetery. Near the top, it crosses the Appalachian Trail.

The trailhead is on the side of Virginia Route 100, near its intersection with US Route 460.

Island Ford Cave, Covington-Low Moor VA

2010-04-04T01:13:00.000-04:00

This is the entrance to Island Ford Cave, between Covington and Low Moor, Virginia. You'd never know it was there from driving I-64 (directly behind the photographer). It's on a "frontage road" that may very well have been US 60 at one time. The signboard inside states that the cave extends 550 feet deep. Amazingly, it does not forbid exploring the cave. However, I left my flashlight at home, so I passed on it.

Virginian Railway Station, Princeton WV

2010-04-01T03:28:00.000-04:00

This is the restored station of the old Virginian Railway in Princeton, West Virginia. It contains a railroad museum; however, its hours are irregular and I found it to be closed at times when it was advertised to be open.

The Virginian was a coal-hauling railroad that was merged into the Norfolk and Western RR in 1959, and is now part of the Norfolk Southern system.

It is located at the lower end of the main business district, near an overpass that spans the tracks. I didn't see any signs, so locating it could be tricky.

Mash Fork Waterfalls, Camp Creek State Park WV

2010-03-22T00:41:00.000-04:00

These are the falls of Mash Fork in Camp Creek State Park, West Virginia. They are a short walk from the park campground. The park is beautiful at any time of year, and it contains a myriad of other trails, as well as ball fields, picnic areas, etc. The park is located on a side road off US 19 (and I-77) between Princeton and Beckley.

CCC Stonework, Roaring Run, Jefferson NF VA

2010-03-17T02:35:00.000-04:00

The Roaring Run natural area is in the Jefferson National Forest northwest of Roanoke in Botetourt County, Virginia. Look at the stonework on the wall (left) and the gate (right). This appears to be the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps from the 1930s. Many examples of their fine work can still be seen all over the country. The area also has the ruins of an iron furnace. A scenic loop trail leads up Roaring Run to a waterfall, about two miles round trip. The site is on a secondary Virginia highway and can be hard to locate without adequate directions or a good map.

Draper Mountain Wayside, US 11 S of Pulaski VA

2010-03-06T23:31:00.001-05:00

Here are two views of another of Virginia's "Waysides," which once served travelers the way "rest areas" do now on the interstates. However, every one of the Waysides was different. This one has recently been partially restored. It is on US Route 11 south of Pulaski, where the road goes over Draper Mountain.

Look at that stonework in the right photo. It looks like it could be some of the Civilian Conservation Corps work. The wayside is on both sides of the road; the left photo is looking toward the portion across the highway. Some of the facilities are still grown over with weeds, but Virginia has done a nice job of restoring this place.

Cutout Highway Signs, Christiansburg VA

2010-03-04T02:22:00.000-05:00

If you're a "roadgeek," then you already know what cutouts are. In fact, you may know where these are. A close look at these old signs will show that they are different from those erected today. They're smaller for one thing. And the metal is actually cut out (hence the name) to the shape of the US, state or Interstate highway shield. Also note the black borders around the edges. Highway departments found that it was cheaper to make the signs the way you see them today. The new ones almost look like decals affixed to the metal. These signs are in Christiansburg, Virginia. I suspect that when they need to be replaced, it will be with the newer style signs.

Thurmond WV in New River Gorge Nat'l Park

2010-02-26T23:13:00.000-05:00

This is the nearly abandoned mining town of Thurmond, West Virginia, in the New River Gorge National River. In its heyday, it was a busy place along the C&O (now CSX) Railroad tracks. The frame building is the old station, now used as a museum and visitors' center by the National Park Service. The bridge over the New River can be seen in the background.

To reach Thurmond, leave US Route 19 at Glen Jean, WV, north of Beckley and follow dead-end Route 25 down to the river.

King Tut Drive-In, US 19, Beckley WV

2010-02-18T00:48:00.000-05:00

This isn't something you would see bypassing Beckley on the West Virginia Turnpike. I came upon it following the signs for US Route 19. I'd just had lunch, so I didn't stop. The menu is displayed on an exterior wall, and employees come out to your car to take your order.

The Narrows of the New River, Narrows VA

2010-02-05T04:43:00.000-05:00

This picturesque landform is on the New River in Giles County, Virginia. It is called the Narrows of the New River. East River Mountain (left) and Peters Mountain (right) descend to the river. You can drive through the Narrows on US 460 or on a twisting county road on the other bank.

The town of Narrows is less than a half mile upstream. The photo was taken from the bridge connecting the town with US 460. The town is to the left of the photographer.

Mystery Cemetery in Pearisburg VA

2010-01-01T02:56:00.000-05:00

This is a headstone at an obscure cemetery in Pearisburg, Virginia. (it is not the Pearis cemetery; I'll do a separate post on that). I read somewhere that it contained the remains of African Americans, possibly former slaves, who settled there after the Civil War. It was a tiring hike up two steep roads. The flat area at the top was so overgrown that I could only find this one grave.

Whoever built this cemetery went to a hell of a lot of trouble. The photo on the right is the entrance to it, and the road in the foreground is Virginia Route 100, also called North Main Street in Pearisburg. Look at how that rock face is carved out. The photo on the left is looking back down toward the highway. To reach the actual cemetery, one must continue up a second dirt road to the left of the photographer. I found it to be a very tiring climb.

This cemetery is on private property, but it is not posted in any way. I have no idea who owns it.

Eastern Continental Divide, Blacksburg VA

2009-12-16T23:04:00.001-05:00

Many people do not realize that there is a continental divide in the East. Like the better known one in the West, it separates large watersheds. This sign is adjacent to the eastbound lanes of U.S. Route 460, about five miles west of Blacksburg, Virginia. It is in the Jefferson National Forest immediately west of the Pandapas Pond Day Use Area. This recreation area has trails for hikers, mountain bike riders and equestrians.

Behind the sign is the watershed of Poverty Creek, which flows into the New River, then the Kanawha, then the Ohio, then the Mississippi and finally, the Gulf of Mexico.

Behind the photographer and on the opposite side of the highway, Craig Creek rises. It flows into the Roanoke River, which empties into Albemarle Sound, a bay of the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Robbinsville NC

2009-12-03T04:49:00.000-05:00

This is a memorial plaque to Joyce Kilmer, famous for the poem "Trees." The name is a pseudonym, and in fact Joyce Kilmer was a man. He died in action during World War I in France.

The plaque is in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, seventeen miles from Robbinsville, North Carolina. Though popular, the site is well off the beaten track. You leave Robbinsville on US 129, follow the signs and turn left on a Forest Service road to the parking lot.

The plaque is in the center of a figure-8 trail. The hike around both loops is about two miles, and it's an easy hike on gentle grades. The back side of the loop passes some enormous trees in one of the last virgin forests in the East.

The memorial forest is part of the Nantahala National Forest. From the parking lot, other trails lead into a challenging wilderness.

Evergreen Motor Court, Bristol VA

2009-11-23T01:20:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks. I bought a new computer, and setting it up has been very time-consuming. But look at this neon sign! And the name of the place: "motor court." Not "motel," nor any of the cute terms that are used by expensive chains. This motor court is on US Route 11, just north of Bristol VA. I stayed here in late October on my way to western North Carolina. My total bill was exactly $30.00, after using a coupon. And they had wireless Internet!

Winding Stairs, Nantahala Gorge, Western NC

2009-11-08T00:21:00.002-05:00

Here are two scenes from the Winding Stairs in western North Carolina. To make things confusing, there are two places with Winding Stairs in their name. This is not near Winding Stair Gap on US 64 and the Appalachian Trail.

This Winding Stairs is a narrow gravel road that begins in the bottom of the Nantahala Gorge on US Routes 19 and 74. It climbs out of the gorge through some incredible scenery. The fall colors were beautiful when I drove up this road on October 31, 2009. The view above is looking back down into the Nantahala Gorge about halfway up the mountain.

The view below explains why this road is called Winding Stairs. The road that you see far down the mountain is the same one that I was standing on to take the picture. You don't want to drive fast on this road. As you can see, there are no guard rails, and it can be a very loooong way down.

The road goes around a man-made lake near the top of the mountain and joins a paved road that will take you back down to 19/74.

This is a spectacular but very obscure scenic drive in western North Carolina.

Christiansburg Wayside, Routes 460/11 VA

2009-10-29T00:58:00.000-04:00

Before interstate highways were built in Virginia, the state opeated a system of "waysides" on most of the primary highways. These were similar to the rest areas that you find on Interstates today. I remember seeing a few of them as a child. Most of them no longer have restrooms, but they still have picnic tables. This is the Christiansburg Wayside on US Routes 460 and 11 just north of the town of Christiansburg. It's perched at the top of Christiansburg Mountain, and hence on top of the Eastern Continental Divide. Interstate 81 takes ten miles to ascend Christiansburg Mountain. 460/11 makes the climb in about one mile. It's steep, but I've seen steeper hills.

Hidden Shangri-La in Southwestern Virginia

2009-10-19T23:13:00.000-04:00

Burke's Garden is not a place you'd stumble on by accident. It's a beautiful, isolated agricultural valley 3000 feet above sea level. The closest other town is Tazewell VA. There is one road, VA secondary 623, that accesses the area. Coming from the south, it can be harrowing. Above, see the road you're standing on as it winds down the mountain.

Burke's Garden is flat but ringed by mountains on all sides. Below are three scenes on the valley floor.

The easiest way to reach Burke's Garden is from Virginia Route 61. About five miles from the town of Tazewell, turn south on secondary 623. This road bisects the valley, becomes a gravel road, and winds over Garden Mountain to end at Virginia 42.

State Park Reveals Its Commercial Tourist Attraction Past

2009-10-17T01:23:00.000-04:00

This is a view of Caesar's Head at Caesar's Head State Park, South Carolina. Someone thought that rock looked like old Julius or Augustus. The park may be found on winding, twisting US 276 north of Greenville.

The state park was once a privately operated roadside tourist attraction. There is telltale evidence of that heritage in the two photos below. In the left photo is one of those coin-operated telescopes that you found at any attraction in the mountains. I never knew what I was looking at through one of those things.

The photo to the right shows a cleft in the rock with a sign reading "Devil's Kitchen." Commercial tourist attractions liked to give cute names like that to various rock formations. The best examples of this are at Chimney Rock and Rock City.

Spring from Pipe near Glen Lyn VA

2009-10-14T00:09:00.000-04:00

I discovered this little oddity the other day while driving along a gravel road in Giles County, Virginia. I have no idea how the spring got there; it was in a patch of underbrush next to the road. There was no house or other building in the immediate vicinity.

I found it on East River Mountain Road, a few miles from the town of Glen Lyn. The road starts on US Route 460 between the Exxon station and the power plant. It winds around on the side of a mountain before dropping back down to Lurich Road next to a one-lane railroad underpass.

Wind Rock, Jefferson National Forest VA

2009-10-11T01:14:00.000-04:00

You have to really love back roads to even know about this place. It's called Wind Rock, and it's deep in the Jefferson National Forest in Giles County, Virginia. Take US 460 west of Blacksburg almost to Pembroke. Turn right on VA secondary 613 and follow it all the way up to Mountain Lake Hotel, made famous by "Dirty Dancing." 613 turns left and quickly becomes a gravel road. Just before the road starts going down again, there's an open area to the left where you can park. Look for the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail and walk to the right of the road (trail-wise north). The rock is about a quarter of a mile up the AT, to your left. It's uphill, but the path is smooth.

Except for one house that probably isn't showing up on the photo, there is absolutely no sign of human habitation visible from Wind Rock. Nearly all of it is in the Jefferson National Forest.

A note on route numbers: Virginia secondary highways are numbered in the 600s and 700s. These numbers repeat themselves in each county, so if you see another Route 613, it isn't the same one unless you're still in Giles County.

Roadside Fans Yahoo Group

2009-10-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

Check out this Yahoo Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/roadsidefans/?yguid=43305964

The main topic of discussion is diners, but other aspects of highway travel are talked about too.

You need a Yahoo user-ID and password to join.

Ice Cream Stand on WV Route 12

2009-10-06T00:17:00.000-04:00

I found this ice cream stand on West Virginia Route 12 yesterday. It was closed but still interesting. If you're driving the interstate, you're fortunate if you see a Dairy Queen. WV 12 is a beautiful road that goes from US 219 at Peterstown to Route 3 on the Greenbrier River, about twelve miles before Hinton.

What Do Chickens Have To Do With Furniture?

2009-10-05T01:23:00.001-04:00

Good question. My guess is that the building used to house a restaurant, and when the furniture store took over, they thought the chicken was cool and kept it.

This oddity may be found in Rich Creek VA, a stone’s throw from the WV border, less than three miles up US 219 from where it begins (or ends) at US 460. 219 winds its way north for 535 miles to end at Lackawanna NY, near Buffalo. Look at this index of US Routes; it gives a description and brief history of each one.

It would take a loooong time to get to Buffalo on US 219. Elkins WV is about 140 miles north of Rich Creek, and there’s no way you’d make it in less than four hours. That road twists and turns through the mountains, and does more of the same beyond Elkins. It has a fair amount of traffic, so it’s difficult to pass anybody

The chicken reminds me of a commercial tourist attraction called Dinosaur Gardens Prehistoric Zoo, about halfway up the Lower Peninsula of Michigan on US 23. It has two themes mixed together: dinosaurs and Christian religious statuary. Never could figure that one out. I remember going there in the early sixties on a family vacation, when it was called simply "Domke's Gardens."

The Byway That's A Bypass

2009-10-04T01:01:00.003-04:00

Here are two views of one of the roads I take to avoid Interstate 81. Note the complete lack of traffic. I had ample time to turn around and take the second picture before a car showed up. This road, which I take north out of Pearisburg, has three numbers: VA secondary 635, WV 17, and VA secondary 600. (the road passes through Monroe County WV for about 13 miles. That section is bumpy and not maintained well). The lower end of it is a beautiful drive along Big Stony Creek. Much of it is in the Jefferson National Forest. It reaches a T intersection with VA 311. I take a jog to the left for less than half a mile, then turn north again on VA 18.

Every time I drive Route 18, I vow to correctly count the number of bridges across Potts Creek. Every time I get a different answer. It’s somewhere in the neighborhood of fifteen. 18 leads me to the old industrial town of Covington. There’s still a big paper mill there, but not much else, except for some fast food and a couple of motels.

From Covington, it’s back to civilization on Interstate 64. However, I consider that stretch of 64 to be an “honorary back road,” as there’s very little traffic on it. More than likely, I’m out of time by this point, so I have to make a beeline for I-81 at Lexington VA.

However, if there’s time, I’ll take VA 42 instead. That’s a beautiful drive through Goshen and Craigsville, and on to Staunton. It parallels the old main line of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. If it’s a Sunday, Wednesday or Friday, and the right time of day, I may see Amtrak’s “Cardinal” train. I’ve ridden it along here many times too. Both road and railroad pass through an agricultural valley and reach Staunton. If I’m going on north, I can get back on I-81. If I do, I’ve missed the heavy traffic around Roanoke by taking my long bypass to the west. I’d say it adds an hour and a half to my trip. If I have time, I’ll take it, if I don’t, I’ll bite the bullet and take I-81.

Or I can stay on Virginia 42 or the parallel US 11. Both routes go due north, parallel to 81.

Blue Highways: A Better Way

2009-10-03T01:31:00.002-04:00

So you're driving down the interstate. You're going 70 and just keeping up with traffic. Everybody is six feet behind the car ahead of him. Then a big tractor-trailer practically kisses your rear bumper. It starts to rain. The big rig whizzes by you, sprays water on your windshield, and practically blinds you. The state hasn't painted the lane lines since Ronald Reagan was president, and you can barely see where you're supposed to be. There's a fender bender ahead some place, and traffic slows down to 20mph. Everybody's just got to look at the accident, right? Construction closes one lane. Down to 20 again for the merge. By now, you're wishing you'd never started this trip, and you'd much rather be at home watching TV. There's got to be something better than this, right? There is. It's called blue highways.

This term is derived from map legends. On many maps, the most important roads are red lines, the lesser highways are blue lines. The term gained prominence after William Least Heat Moon wrote a book called "Blue Highways" in 1982. Moon was at loose ends after losing both his job and his marriage. He set his van up for camping and took off on a 13,000-mile journey around the United States. He must have had enough money saved to be able to do this for three months.

The book was a best-seller, but a lot of people haven't gotten the message (and actually, I hope they never do). I just described Interstate 81 in Virginia above. That road is a horror show, and I do my best to avoid it. I-81 replaced US 11 as the primary route through western Virginia. However, Route 11 is alive and well, running parallel to 81 and sometimes right next to it. I've encountered bumper to bumper traffic on I-81, switched over to Route 11, and, in five minutes, had the road to myself. I've had moments driving Route 11 when I didn't see another vehicle ahead of me or behind me. In open country, I can cruise along at 60 on Route 11.

I am starting this blog to show you how much better a car trip is using secondary roads. I realize that often, time is a factor, and one has to use the interstates. I end up driving I-81 too, if I've got a deadline. But being retired, I often don't. Someday, I'd like to drive ocean to ocean without a single mile on an interstate highway.