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.

Myrtle Beach

The reason we decided to go for the contract in Ashville, NC not only for the location but for Mike to be able to spend time with his grandkids. They are growing up way to fast as the time moves so quickly. He took the trailer to Ocean Shores Campground for a few days. The campground is huge but very nice. People actually have their RVs in storage there and then the campground sets them in their space once the owners are on their way.

Peyton and Mia on the beach. I think Mike had so much fun but tired at the end of the day. Hiking up mountains takes less energy.

TJ and Bryceson growing so much but good hearted smart kids. Mike was glad he was able to spend time with them a few times before we had to be on our way.

Smokie Mountain National Park

We camped at Smokemont Campground and enjoyed the peacefulness of the area. The best loop is F which was not open yet and sat along side the creek. We had previously stayed in the KOA in Cherokee which was fine for someone with kids and that want a pool.

Mingus Creek Trail climbs past old farms to the Smokies high country

We would take our trail magic, Cliff Bars, while hike the trail and meet thru hikers that were thankful for a treat and someone to visit with for a brief time to tell some stories.

Mt LeConte and Alum Cave

What a great hike in the Smokies. After getting thru a bear jam, the tourists stop in the middle of the road and look at bears in the trees and actually walk away from their vehicles and leave traffic backed up until the Rangers move people along. Climbing up alum Cave into Arch Rock on the way to Mt LeConte is very pleasant walk.

The Alum Cave Trail is the shortest and steepest of the five trails leading to the Le Conte massif, which contains four separate peaks in all, the highest of which has an elevation of 6,593 feet. Due to its short length and beautiful scenery (it is often considered Le Conte's most scenic route) it is the most common footpath for hikers seeking to reach the summit of Le Conte. Along the way you will pass by Arch Rock, Alum Cave Bluff which is not a true cave. It is what geologists refer to as a rock shelter. At the top you will find the LeConte Lodge which provides the only commercial lodging in the national park, as it operates about 10 rustic cabins with no electricity or appliances.

We met a few people hiking to spend the night at the top which reservations are required and often difficult to get unless in advance. We hear the sunrises are beautiful. It is still early spring and not a lot has bloomed yet. We are quite pleased to be spending the next couple of months in the area while working at the Asheville Mission Hospital. Our apartment is next to the river and a couple of miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.