First trip to Greensboro for 2019. Great to see colleagues again and a lot to catch up on at Volvo.

Took the opportunity to head to head west to Appalachian mountains over the weekend. Entered the Blue Ridge Parkway just east of Boone and made a stop at spectacular Grandfather Mountain. The temperature was perfect and the sky was full of drama. Moist air created the characteristic blue haze that gives the mountains here the amazing sense of depth. Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway are popular and this weekend was no exception. Lots of people but never crowded.

The Cone textile family summer residence was another interesting stop. Under restoration it is located on the Parkway with magnificent views.

I booked accommodation at the Kana’Ti Lodge with David and Jeanette Kendall. The lodge is walking distance from Max Patch Mountain, a fantastic place for a 360° view of the Appalachian Mountains. David and Jeanette are wonderful people and I always enjoy taking a meal with them and listening to David’s ideas on ecology and the need to connect to nature.

Picked my way back to Greensboro through the mountain roads. Stopped at Little Switzerland, Linville Falls and the historic town of Marshall.