Blue Ridge Country September/October 2021 - 40

MIKE KENDRICK
MIKE KENDRICK
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:
* Mike Kendrick's travels in Virginia include
photography of mountain vistas and
backroads.
* Mike Kendrick has photographed 168 species
of birds in Virginia.
VIRGINIA
" I grew up in the shadow of the Blue
Ridge Mountains where we could see the
Peaks of Otter from our farm, " says Mike
Kendrick. " My grandfather taught me the
importance of nature and that we should
protect it and its wildlife. I remember going
every weekend in the fall to see the
progression of the leaves turning-from
early stages until all had fallen from the
branches. "
Retired from the U.S. Navy where he
spent his career in both aviation and submarines,
Kendrick now spends his time on
land traveling the backroads. " They allow
you to slow down and enjoy the breathtaking
vistas and historic sites, " he states.
" With varying elevations, the colors will
range from just beginning to peak beauty.
At different stops along the way you can
find wild horses, covered bridges, waterfalls,
quaint towns and family-owned restaurants
for a homecooked meal. "
Kendrick travels with camera gear at
the ready " to capture that perfect picture
of the 400 species of birds in the state. So
far, I've photographed 168 species. This
gives me the perfect excuse to keep exploring
the meadows, dense woods and
streams along the backroads - particularly
in autumn when migrating birds stop for
a visit during their flights south for the
winter. "
40 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
He shares, " There is no place in this
country (and I've been in 42 states, so far)
that compares to the beauty of the Blue
Ridge Mountains. I am still drawn to their
majesty and can hear them softly calling
me home to my roots. "
Top Fall Drive Picks:
* Blue Ridge Parkway for 200+ Virginia
miles
* Skyline Drive through Shenandoah
National Park
More info: blueridgeparkway.org;
visitskylinedrive.org
KENTUCKY
" I think of backroads as paths less traveled
where you can find the lesser-known special
places from wild hikes to unique communities, "
says Greg Abernathy, executive
director of Kentucky Natural Lands Trust
(a nonprofit working to protect, connect
and restore wildlands). " These are places
that require you to take more time to fully
experience and appreciate them. "
He continues: " Pine Mountain, a
ridgeline on the western edge of the Appalachians,
is part of a continental-scale
conservation effort known as the Eastern
Wildway. To travel here is to be within one
of the most biologically diverse temperate
zone forests on Earth. There are spectacular
wildflower displays, notable neotropical
bird migrations (come in autumn for
the hawks), a remarkable diversity of salamanders
and an extraordinary mix of tree
species for a fall color showcase. "
While exploring the backroads, Abernathy
" likes to let the trip unfold without
too much of a plan. Travel is best when
challenges turn the journey into an adventure, "
says the longtime cartographer
who still prefers a paper map.
" As Yvon Chouinard so eloquently
stated, " he says with a smile, " 'It's not an
adventure until something goes wrong.'
The unexpected can be wonderful! "
Abernathy concludes, " Travel broadens
your 'world' and gives you an appreciation
for new and different things while also often
reminding us of just how special our
home places are. "
Top Fall Drive Picks:
* U.S .119 for the southeastern side of the
Pine Mountain Wilderness corridor
* KY 221/KY 510/KY 160/KY 197 for the
northwestern side
More info: knlt.org
Greg Abernathy and his pup Arnold explore
Pine Mountain, Kentucky.
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org http://www.visitskylinedrive.org http://www.knlt.org http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country September/October 2021

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