Little East Fork Hike

This hike was in the Pisgah National Forest.  We entered the area through a scout camp.  It ranked up there with Shining Fork in terms of difficulty.  We enjoyed a mild day and having a view of the water.  We were able to see the water for most of the hike.  There were also some adventures crossing the water! Talk about teamwork.  This was a short drive and a fairly short day.  I was wiped out after a few nights of skiing and then heading into the woods. 

This pictures are from the camera of Randy, a fellow group member. 

 

Top 10 List Update

I created this list before moving.  Check out what I've had the chance to do.  You may have seen these pictures already, but I thought they would be nice to show again.   

10- See waterfalls (Transylvania County has 250) http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/

I've seen several large, named waterfalls.  Looking Glass Falls is in Transylvania County (Pisgah National Forest).  Indian Creek Falls (35 feet) is in Swain County (Great Smoky Mountains National Park). 

 

 

This is Looking Glass Falls (85 feet high!!)

 

9- Go skiing (Cataloochee and Wolf Ridge are nearby) http://www.skinorthcarolina.com/

I've been three times; two of these times have been since I bought a season's pass!

 

 

8- Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; hike and watch animals http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

I've done several hikes through the park (Thomas Divide and Bradley Fork). We saw animals on the way to Bradley Fork.

Some pure mountain water in the GSMNP. 

 

7- View Christmas lights in cute downtown areas http://www.visitdillsboro.org/specialevents.html

(scroll down Dillsboro Lights and Lumaries)

I enjoyed the lights in Waynesville and also went to the festival in Dillsboro. 

 

 

6- Go to local festivals (the Apple Harvest Fest is on 10/20) http://www.haywoodapplefest.com/

I briefly strolled through the Arts and Crafts Festival, but spent several hours at the Apple Harvest Fest.  I had the chance to volunteer with the Chamber of Commerce. 

 

 

5- Observe elk in Cataloochee Valley http://www.romanticasheville.com/elk.htm

I saw elk on the way to the one of our hikes, but it just wasn't in Cataloochee. 

 

No elk, but a photo from that hike.  ;)

 

 

4- Run around Lake Junaluska http://www.lakejunaluska.com

I've done two runs at the lake.  Since I haven't gotten a picture, check out their website. 

 

3- Cook yummy food with locally grown apples (from above said apple fest)

 

I softened them up in the microwave and sometimes doctored them up a bit.  Yum!

 

2- Breathe in lots of mountain air

I have a screened-in porch and have done lots of exploring.  Check!

1- Pack my suitcase to visit the folks back home! :)

I'm currently on my fourth trip back home!

ECU vs. Marshall game- trip #2

Looking Glass Falls

When I woke up on Saturday, I needed an adventure.  I quickly decided to check out a local waterfall.  A little online searching led me to Looking Glass Falls.  This is an 85-foot waterfall in Brevard (Transylvania County).  Transylvania County has 250 falls and is known as the Land of Waterfalls.  This waterfall was busy with visitors that day.  You can view it from the road or go down the steps to the viewing deck.  For a better look, you can go around the deck.  The rocks are slippery (be careful).  You can park along the guardrail on that side of the road.  The roads are pretty curvy, so take your time and enjoy the view.  I am ready to check out even more falls...stay tuned for my list.  And now, some breathtaking photos. 

 

Imagine how high the rocks above are (85 foot falls)

 

Love mountain water...so pure and pretty

 

Did some climbing to get this one

 

Ahhh.... :)

 

Festival of Lights and Luminaries

The Festival of Lights and Luminaries is in Dillsboro (Jackson County- next one over).  I live 30 minutes or so from there.  The town is so cute and pretty, especially during the festival.  The shops are also lit up and stay open later on festival nights (two nights each over two weekends).  We went in one store with a guitarist and passed by a shop with a band.  Some of the businesses have treats for visitors to enjoy.  We went in the Fudge Factory and the general store (with an ice cream counter...cute!), among others.  A friend from high school, who now lives here, accompanied me.  I highly recommend checking out the festival if you're ever here at Christmas.  Checking out Christmas lights in cute downtown areas was on my top 10 list (list update will follow soon).   

Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas is a yearly tradition on Main Street in Waynesville.  My church, First Baptist, hosts a Bethlehem Marketplace during this event.  We had an excellent turnout.  I kept hearing that it wasn't as cold as last year.  Tents included the census takers, food (our tent), breadmaking and spices.  There was also a live nativity.  I didn't explore the other downtown events (pretty well occupied), but there were groups singing and dancing. 

Located right on Main Street

Woodworking

I guess they were making drums ;)

Breadmaking

Pottery

Spinning

Census takers

Food

 

Waynesville Christmas Parade

The Waynesville Christmas Parade was on a Monday evening.  It began on my street and also went down Main Street.  It was nice to be able to walk to the starting point.  When I came home, there were bands practicing on either side of my building.  Like any good parade, there were fire trucks, marching bands and kids dancing.  There was also a Christmas tree made out of canned goods.  A lot of goodies were handed out.  I got a small dog bone for my doggy niece, Sprinkles and a promo gift card for Bojangles.  There was an appearance from Curious George and of course, Santa Clause.  It was hard to get good photos, but here are a few that turned out pretty well.     

Tuscola High is near my office. 

A fun blast from the past

 

Pink Beds Trail Hike

The Pink Beds Trail is in the Pisgah National Forest.  We hiked this on the first day of December.  It was a mild and beautiful day.  The trail blooms with pink flowers in the spring, giving it the name.  We crossed into Transylvania County, known as the land of waterfalls.  This was my first time going into that county (I wonder how many till I reach all 100?).  This was my second adventure with the Haywood Hikers.  It was an easy hike and a pretty short day.     

 

Part of a mountain bog

FROZEN

View at lunchtime