It was a bit stormy the day my wife and I were supposed to head up to shoot the show. Should we risk it or reschedule? We decided to risk it! And, it was worth the risk. The storm clouds made for dramatic vistas, subdued lighting and deep Spring greens. There’s just not a bad time to view Mabry Mill!

Along the way, we stopped at Lover’s Leap to shoot the show’s introduction and then out to Rocky Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway to shoot the ending. The two-dimensions of a flat screen just can’t do justice to those incredible views! You’re gonna have to ramble on up the Parkway to see for yourself!

We missed the music that they have every weekend throughout the summer by one weekend. So, make sure you check out the music calendar, and other information about what’s happening at Mabry Mill. Here’s the National Park Service Mabry Mill and Rocky Knob Webpage to help you do that.

My wife and I had lunch while we were filming the show – in fact, the experience is part of the show! We’ve eaten there before, and we’re never disappointed with their down-home southern meals. They also have unique souvenirs, some made by local people and even some of the their own employees. Check it out in the Mabry Mill Restaurant and Gift Store website.

All-in-all, it was a great day of interviewing and shooting for the show, and a beautiful, if a bit stormy, ramble. I hope you’ll ramble on up and see it for yourself!

And, when you do, make sure that you are driving a safe, well-maintained vehicle.

Your Defensive Driving Tip for the Week

Know Before You Go – Before you head out on your day of rambling, check the weather, road conditions, know your route and how long it will take to get where you’re going. Check the DOT website for the state(s) you’re driving through to see if there are any construction zones or road closures along the way. Know what kind of shape your vehicle is in, check the tires, the lights, fluids, etc. Check your first-aid kit, warning devices. And, make sure that someone knows where you are and how to get hold of you if they need to.

Put it all together with this mental thought: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

Until my next post, here’s wishing you…SAFE RAMBLING!