The Biltmore and Traveler's Rest

Of course, we had to visit the Biltmore. My daughter, Krista was nice enough to get a gift certificate for my birthday so we could go. We waited until the rhododendrons were in bloom. There were so many colors and sizes. Listening to the audio tapes as we walked thru the house and hearingthe history was amazing.

The Bass Pond and Boat House. It takes a lot of people to keep this place going. We took another day to ride our bikes from Traveler's Rest SC to Greenville, SC on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail is a multi-use greenway system that runs along the Reedy River connecting Greenville County with schools, parks, and local businesses. I think it could get pretty buggy in the hot time of summer. But we really enjoyed the rail to trail. Of course we had to stop for lunch in Greenville after checking out the area. We think we could spend more time here.

Falls Park in Greenville, SC

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.

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.

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.