On the Blue Ridge Parkway, most of the overlooks look the same.

On the Blue Ridge Parkway, most of the overlooks look the same.

Even so, here are my obligatory shots.

Even so, here are my obligatory shots.

I stopped at the Mingus Grist mill in the Smokey Mountains

I stopped at the Mingus Grist mill in the Smokey Mountains

It was a major hike of about 200 yds, but I made it in less than an hour!

It was a major hike of about 200 yds, but I made it in less than an hour!

A shot from my first rest stop.

A shot from my first rest stop.

Almost there

Almost there

This one is driven by a turbin instead of a water wheel

This one is driven by a turbin instead of a water wheel

Excess water is spilled back into the stream

Excess water is spilled back into the stream

So peaceful riding through the enchanted forest of the Smokey Mountains.

So peaceful riding through the enchanted forest of the Smokey Mountains.