Then we stopped at E.B. Jeffress Park for lunch. It also had a nice picturesque Cascades Trail to hike.
Clif was also able to take some more pictures of old buildings along the Parkway.
Not realizing time was getting away from us, and knowing we wanted to Face Time with Levi on his birthday, we headed straight for Blowing Rock where we knew for sure we'd get cell service. Our phone call was at the perfect time. They had just sat Levi in his high chair to sing Happy Birthday and cut the cake.
Afterwards we headed off to Price Park Campground. We chose a site that was surrounded with vegetation because after having 3 nights of continual rain and wind, one of which we had to sleep in the truck due to lightning, we wanted to be sure that after putting up the dining canopy and a tarp over the tent things wouldn't get damaged. I am so glad we did because it rained everyday, and 3 of the nights. I enjoyed reading a book while dinner cooked in the dutch oven.
The following morning, it rained just as we finished packing our gear for a long hike. We went into town and shopped until the rain subsided. We returned to camp as we could access the Boone Fork Trail from there. The trail alone is a just over 5 miles. We figured by the time we returned, we would have put in closer to 5 and 1/2 miles or so. This was by far our most favorite hike. I believe it is the one my Mom and Dad took with the Woelfel's when Amy graduated from Appalachian State University back in 1993. I couldn't help but think of them often as we were hiking along, thinking how much help my dad would have needed navigating the stream crossings. It was a very strenuous hike in some places, but the scenery was absolutely gorgeous!
This was a steep area, yet you could see that there were cascades upstream.
So, Clif decided to go down to get some photos...
While I on the other hand stayed on the trail.
Clif says later, "what was with the hand?"
I explained I was waving to him!
I wasn't crazy enough to navigate that slope!
I must admit he got some beautiful shots.
We had lots of creative devices along the trail to guide us. Most people hike this trail counter clockwise. Being Clif and I started at the campground, we didn't know better and went clockwise. This meant what most people "climb" we had to go down. This being one of them.
There were so many beautiful cascades along the trail. I would of course stay on the main trail while Clif navigated himself closer to the stream to get the better pictures.
I'd rather stay up here, then navigate this stuff.
We did pass a sign for Hebron Falls. We knew nothing about this because it was not on our map. Not knowing how far down the spur trail we'd have to hike, we opted not to explore. In hindsight, we wished we would have because according to other hikers we ran into they said this was the most beautiful of all the Falls we had seen. They also told us that this is where the locals swim. That explained why we were seeing hikers wearing bathing suits and water shoes along the trail.
We came across a nice pool area where I parked myself to enjoy a snack.
The scenery was breath taking and the sounds relaxing. I could have taken a nap! So calming, so soothing between the occasional splash from kids on their way to the Falls.
As we continued along, there were many areas of pooled water. The portion of the trail with swim areas (about a mile total) was not strenuous hiking and led up to the Hebron Falls we'd passed earlier.
We were glad we went clockwise because as we hiked along the sights became more spectacular. Hikers we met at the 5 mile mark stated that the continual uphill the last couple of miles were brutal and the sights weren't as appealing as when they first started out. It was then that Clif and I realized going the opposite direction created a "climatic" effect. And then we remembered, we did have a lot of downhill at the beginning of the hike!
As if that hike wasn't enough, we completed the Price Lake Trail after dinner. We were hoping to see wildlife. That wasn't the case. :(
The nice part of the hike was seeing the shimmering diamonds on the water from the sun. The bad part of the trail was way too much mud from the various rains that took place throughout the day.
Grandfather Mountain sits off in the distance.
View from the opposite side of the lake.
Clif could even zoom in his lens to one of the campsites along the waterfront.
You are able to rent canoes. We didn't do so. But this is a view from the launch area.
Later on in the evening when talking with other campers, it was brought to our attention that the Highland Games were going on in the field at the base of Grandfather Mountain. We quickly changed our plans.
The next day because of passing storms, we stayed in the area. We did a short hike in between storms to Flat Top Tower. This is in Moses Cones Park. We hiked very quickly because I am deathly afraid of lightning.
It was a gravel road all the way to the tower which made for easy hiking.
Bouquets of wildflowers were everywhere.
Clouds blew in from the mountain sides.
Fields of flowers.
Clif on top of the tower. It was very windy.
View of Blowing Rock.
View of Boone. Although too many clouds.
A video of the Boone view, but best of all, listen to the wind!
When we got into Blowing Rock to get some ice, I was grateful we were off the peak. Look at the storm rolling in.
As many times as Clif and I have been to this area of the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have never visited the Linville Caverns. Being our theme this year for Vacation Bible School was Cave Quest, I thought it would be fun to be able to come back with "real" stories about being a spelunker. Well...only....I didn't know when you go on tours through caves, they don't provide you with spelunking hats. I was hoping to buy one to wear. Obviously, that didn't happen. But I was able to come back with stories and pictures which the kids loved!
There were many cool formations within the cave. No bats though because of white nose syndrome.
When finished at the Caverns, we headed over to the Linville Falls. We had hiked all the trails with Stephen and Michael years ago. But now that Clif is into photography, we retraced our steps. You know what? The strenuous hike was even more strenuous years later. Do you suppose it has to do with our age? Nah, we aren't getting any older!
I took off my shoes and enjoyed the cool water until a copperhead decided to swim up to them. I didn't know I could move so quickly!
It didn't take me long to put my shoes back on.
The view to one of the overlooks we'd be hiking to next.
Looking back from that overlook down to the Falls.
View of the gorge down river.
A look across the gorge to the lookout area we were at before descending down to the basin.
There are actually two separate falls in the area.
Replenishing my energy.
And lastly, another snake, only this one I believe is a black rat snake. It slithered very slowly across the road. No hurry, and definitely not concerned.
Clif and I had heard thunderstorms late in the afternoon while in Linville, but had no idea where it was taking place. As we drove home along the parkway, some trees were down and debris litter the asphalt. When we got back to camp a nice sized tree limb was in our parking space. Had we had not had dinner at the Linville Picnic area, we might have had damage to our truck.
At camp, we were told it was one horrendous storm! People who had gone to the Highland Games said they were glad they got in the festivities before the storm came. We inquired as to how the congestion was on the mountain. They said there wouldn't be any because it all takes place at the base.
So, the next day, we hoped to hike on Grandfather Mountain. The day before the peak was closed due to high winds and bad weather. Off we go, only to encounter runners on the parkway. Come to find out the day started with a Marathon that went from Boone to Games.
When we got to GFM at 9, the peak was closed, but expected to open later in the day.
The Grandfather Mountain overlook showed us why the mountain was closed.
We went further south to an overlook that piqued our curiosity the day before.
It wasn't a long hike, but it said it overlooked the Linville valley. While at the overlook, we could see the clouds lifting.
Then I noticed all the plants were blueberry plants. Upon close inspection, I could see many were ripe!
I picked a few.
The next thing I knew, I was like the character in "Blueberries for Sal".
I had no clue Clif was having fun capturing my pleasures!
I thought he was taking pictures of the valley.
We spent at least 10-15 minutes up there enjoying a mid morning snack courtesy of our Creator, God!
Originally I had thought they were blueberries, but when we were in the Museum at GFM, huckleberries look very similar. Either way, they were delicious.
When we got to the next overlook, Beacon Heights, I happened to glance across the mountain to see cars driving up to the peak! Clif and I quickly beelined over to the Park, and sure enough the peak was now open, but they did have high wind advisories.
Notice the temperature at 11:13 am was 59 degrees. Brr, especially in the wind. The wind gusts were up to 42mph. Those made us walk like drunk people when they whirled by. Good thing we brought more than one windbreaker!
Now, I'll just have to be brave and cross the mile high bridge.
Our poofed jackets, flapping hood, and my hair show just how windy it was. I was grateful to have a headband that covered my ears! :)
The Highland Games taking place in the field down below.
The Beacon Heights trail we were going to hike.
Just hanging as my "mountain man" climbed around the rocks. I am not that sure footed, especially with that much wind.
With the wind, the bridge rather than swinging, was literally singing. I was brave and actually took a video as I walked on it. You'll get a sample of our experience.
We were parked in the upper lot, therefore when we hiked on the mountain, we were restricted to only going to Grandfather Gap. That was fine by me because I really didn't want to be climbing up and down ladders in high winds. I am a low risk kind of gal. We enjoyed our short 1 mile hike anyway.
Made it to our destination, now time to hike back.
We drove down to the picnic area. I noticed the cloud had a little rainbow within it when I looked up.
Next we headed over to the wildlife exhibits and museum. My favorite of course were the bears.
Clif is partial to the eagles.
They just added a cougar this year.
We headed back up to the peak. Clif really wanted to get some shots with his camera. Earlier we only took my little camera. I decided to take my phone to see if I might have service. I did! Texts were sent out to let the kids know Dad was on top of his mountain. Stephen corrected me and said, "Grandpa is on top of his mountain!" How did it slip my mind that Clif is a grandfather now, and what better place to send them a photo then atop Grandfather Mountain!
Yet, Clif had his eye on other photo ops. Mom using technology which she is always saying she doesn't like to use it and could care less!!! Touche!
For those of you who may not know, I am critical of people being glued to their electronic devices, yet here I am. When I saw this picture, my heart sank because I had to eat my words. :(
Okay, so as we were getting ready to leave, we notice some Highland Games participants crossing the bridge. Now that's a sight to see with their skirts blowing up with each wind gust!
It just seemed really weird to see people with dresses in such a rugged environment, but they didn't seem to mind. They looked like they were enjoying themselves just as much as everyone else.
Good for them. :) :)
On our way back to camp, we decided to walk the short trail to the underside of the Linville Viaduct. A true work of ingenuity.
It was truly a beautiful day. We were glad to have spent it on the mountain because when we got back to camp people were complaining how hot it was at the Games. It reached a high in the 80's while Clif and I were comfortable when the high reached 66. What a difference elevation makes.
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