Skyline Drive - Were going on a bear hunt :)

We were able to get back into the mountains where the Blue Ridge parkway end and the Skyline drive begins, this is the same mountain range but this 100? Mile section is own by the National Parks therefore you pay to access but $15 for 1 week did not seem too bad.  Again the views were stunning even though it was bit of a grey day.

We had been told that we might see bears in this area but were quite amazed when Amanda saw cubs hanging out of a tree by the side of the road, we turned around and headed back for a close look.  On arriving back we could see that mummy was high up in the tree and as Mark parked closely underneath it was quite concerned as she rustled the tree but we were safely in the car but unfortunately this was enough to scare her and 3 cubs who came bounding down the tree but a fantastic experience for us.

Peep bo ! Mummy and the other 2 cubs had already scarpered

It was then time for a walk, lovely walk down to a water fall and river, not so lovely on the return journey when it was baking hot!

The drive along Skyline is stunning, there are lots of places you can pull over and being State run means there are a few more stopping points with various amenities and the opportunity to pick up a postcard or 2.  In the afternoon we were on second walk of the day (after 3 hour walk in morning) to the highest peak in the park, Hawksbill Mountain summit, thankfully this was a relatively gentle climb with some beautiful views and friendly pretty deer.