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So far, in 2024, Virginia ranks 8th in speeding tickets. When I made this video, I think it ranked 2nd or something like that. We lived in Virginia for 6 years, moved back to TN last summer. I admit, after our first year living in VA, we never got another ticket. Both of those tickets were down in Bristol. We lived right off 81 in Harrisonburg. Other than Bristol, the rest of 81 isn't too bad. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!

@@BillMarion thanks for the reply. i'm born and raised here in Virginia. one of the few residents with the balls to pass a state trooper on the interstate.

I don't know what that means? Well, i know it means the number 9 lol. But I don't know if that's slang for something else. Can you help?

I have a lot of close friends in Winchester! Great people! Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!

This makes as much sense as anything else I've heard

@@lsrose if your reply is to me what I say is correct. I was there.

Dutch oven cooking on mars. It’s coming soon. 😂😂😂I had some Legos but not like these kids do now. Something I didn’t mention in the video is that Lego has some competitors now. That’s going to be interesting. Competition tends to make things get wildly creative. And also, how big can Lego get? They theme parks and everything.

It's gross...lol Totally gross.

I talk about the origins of the term "Appalachian" in the video. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!

NoVA isn’t my favorite part of Virginia either…😂😂😂 Thanks for watching!

Not my favorite part of Virginia either. 😂😂😂😂

Rock City is a pet friendly attraction. But I would check the website for details. Thanks for watching!

Well, I’m from here too! Hixson, Tennessee. Lived in East Tennessee for most of my life! But I’ve also lived in Virginia and Kentucky. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!

@@BillMarion Thank you for the content, I really enjoyed it. Tomato/tomatoe right? Lol, your pride and dedication to our slice of the pie makes you ok in my book! Even if you do say it funny... 🤣🤣🤣 I'm just pulling your tail man 🤜🤛🧡🇺🇸

@@lordhavemercy1988 I love it!

We learned a lot from your pastor and his family, and your amazing church! God bless Kenya!

We can't wait to come back! We've been telling everyone how God is moving mightily in Kenya!

Absolutely! But the the NP presents the information in a clunky manner. Fire? Definitely. Multiple fires. But there was nothing growing there before loggers came to the region. Grassy balds (or Sods for West Virginia) are loaded with rhododendrons, blue berries, and huckleberries. Strangely, trees are coming back to the balds in the Craggy Mountains.

You've given me a an idea for a video, "Must do's on the parkway." lol I guess it depends on how much of the Parkway you want to see. When people ask me about driving the whole parkway, I normally recommend driving 4 or 5 hours daily, hitting overlooks, and hiking portions of the AT for about 4 hours. There a popular creek hlke south of where we made this video that I recommend. There are signs for it, but for the life of me I can't remember the name. It's really nice. Make sure you have a Parkway map, and do some map work before you go to find good places for Sunsets and Sunrises. This time of year the sunsets are amazing. I think it's called the African winds. But it has to do with sand that comes across the Atlantic and gets in the atmosphere making the sunsets a little more colorful. If you have a decent telescope, sometimes (and I do stress sometimes) overlooks are great places for stargazing. In NC it really depends on the fog. Believe it or not, we even drive the Parkway at night to look for deer and bear. (Drive real slow). I've even stopped on overlooks at night, and use a deer grunt, or another call and watch different animals come to investigate. It sounds like you're just going to be in NC. Driving 441 from Cherokee to Gatlinburg and back to the Parkway is always nice. It's like a Parkway extension. On the 4th 441 will be crowded, but the crowds don't make the views any less impressive. What's funny is that we've been on the Parkway on the 4th many times but traffic is consistent with the rest of summer. The truth is that the Parkway was designed to be a totally different experience depending on the season, and even time of day. We've driven 100 miles one way and turned around to drive back and it seems like you're on a different road. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting! I'll do my best to answer any other questions!

If you're referring to comparing mountain peaks, a New England peaks seem have higher prominence. Prominence is a summit's elevation relative to its surrounding terrain, not its height above sea level. Southern Appalachian Mountains have higher elevations above sea level. But I just got back from Kenya a couple of weeks ago. I didn't know how mountainous it is. They're as high as the rockies, but look like Appalachian Mountains. Mind blown...Anyway, my wife and I are heading to Vermont and New Hampshire this fall. Any recommendations?

@@BillMarion I live in Phoenix, AZ now, so haven't been in New England for quite some time, but I can tell you that the White Mountains in NH are a whole lot more commercially touristy than the Green Mountains in Vermont. Not sure which you would prefer.

@@dmnemaine Oh, I thought you lived up there. Sorry about that, Arizona is one of our favorite places to visit. Hoping to get out there sometime in the next couple of years. I prefer the I'd White Mountains cause they look amazing. But my wife is in charge of this trip. I've been referring to her as "the producer" lately. So, it's whatever she tells me to do.

@@BillMarion No need to be sorry. Have an enjoyable trip to New England. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Yeah, but I think you missed the point of the video.

@@BillMarion Nope. In a world of "alternative facts", I thought it was necessary to point this out.

@@dmnemaine Well, point taken. But the point of the video is that some things are presented or believed as facts that aren't. Like, how to pronounce "Appalachia."

@@BillMarion I understand. Very good video, by the way.

The trail isn't too bad at all. At the very top there's a little bit of light scrambling. The main thing about enjoying the top is staying alert, and not getting too carried away with the view. The view, the rocks, all of it it's surreal. I advise people to use a "three points" of contact rule in situations like that. There's always a risk when scrambling, or climbing, but for me it's worth it. I'm was in my mid to late 40's while making this video, and I did fine. And I wasn't that healthy at the time. (It would be easier now as I'm in much better shape.) But I can't think of anything to compare it to that would help. If you go through our West Virginia Playlist, I think we made three other videos there. One of those videos may give you some additional insight that will help you make a decision. I hope that helps. The truth is that you can hike the trail (which is very nice) and there's a platform with an amazing view. You can choose not to scramble at that point.

Glad you enjoyed it!

Good job.

That is right.

I think so.

It was a life changing experience and we are looking forward to visiting again! It was wonderful! We're so grateful for your hospitality. You did such an amazing job!

I'd need to write a book! 🤣 But seriously, watch our BRPW playlist. I know that probably sounds like a shameless plug to watch our videos, but there's a lot of information that will help you plan. There are only two lodges on the Parkway. One is in Virginia and the other is in NC. Make reservations and stay at both. They are quite charming, and each offer a unique experience. If you enjoy camping, there are campgrounds at high elevations in both Virginia and NC. You have 6 days, so take your time. Don't stay in your vehicle for more than 30 minutes. Get out and walk/hike. As much as I love the Parkway itself, and its landscape architecture, there is so much more to see. Drive the parkway at night, but drive real slow and watch for deer and bear. Driving up there at night is a interesting experience. Get a map! And plan day by day. Mt Mitchell is a must. Goodness, there is so much more, but I've already written quite a bit. So many people watch our playlist and get the information they're needing. Some of the videos are goofy, but just scroll through them. We're hoping to get up there this summer as well. Enjoy! Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!

@@BillMarion Im flying to DC and driving to Shenandoa and continue to the Parkway and keep heading South till the end. Thanks for the suggestion of the lodges

You’re gonna love it! Make sure you give yourself more than enough time to stop along the way. Enjoy! Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!

You’re going to love it! Make sure you give yourself more than enough time to stop along the way! Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!

West Virginia is amazing. It's still the best kept secret in the Appalachian Mountains! Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!