Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Lake Lure was featured in "Dirty Dancing" and Hickory Nut Gorge in "The Last of the Mohicans".

Hickory Nut Gorge down below. It was a steep climb but the higher we got the less people there were.

There were a few little bats in the cave.

After our hike up the Rock, we stopped in town for a pretty good Reuben sandwich. Since it is only 25 miles from Asheville, it was a nice day outing. The roads are narrow and twisting but a different world than we are used to in Colorado.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Mt Pisgah

There are so many hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mike has spent some time riding his bike on it but a bit much in the climbing department for me

Mt. Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 407.6) can be seen from downtown Asheville on a clear day. It's easy to pick out since it has a large transmission tower on the top! The popular 1.5 mile (one way) strenuous hike to the 5,721-foot summit is a great place to stop along the Parkway to stretch your legs. It's just 26 miles southwest of downtown Asheville in the Pisgah National Forest.

Then we head back to Ashville to try some of the local beer and food. We walk across the river to the gas station that has some great BBQ on the side of the building.

Spring skiing in Vail, Colorado

We got a few last days of spring skiing in before the ice and slush started. It doesn't matter how many days I ski in Colorado, it is the best day.

The views always are amazing and the cold air and sunshine can't be beat.

The number of people participating in snowboarding is dropping off so Burton provided a course and snowboards for the kids during the Snowboarders World Cup. I got to take the boys for a trial run while Krista and Luke were skiing and I was being Grandma. Tyler decided skiing was better since you don't fall so much. Kyle thought he would take a pass. We were glad to spend the time with them.

Marti Gras in San Antonio, TX

Texas is one big state and since it takes a while to get through it, we thought we should see the Riverwalk.

After lots of walking, we stopped for lunch on the riverwalk to wait for the parade down the river.

We got lots of beads that we passé along to the kids so they wouldn't fall into the water.

The bands were playing and people dancing. Could be the cerveza.

We ended with seeing the Alamo. It seemed so small. But I guess everything is so big now and the work to build it puts it in better perspective. At the end of the day, We hopped back on the bus that took us back to the campground which was very nice. The next morning it was time to be on our way since I have to be in Asheville to start my new job for 3 months.