Hiking in Western North Carolina - Rivers Trees Bridges and Bears?

   One of the most enjoyable things to do in western North Carolina is to go hiking. It is a wonderful way to put the cares of the world behind you, and simply breathe in the freshness of nature. We had thought we might have taken a wrong fork, and might actually be following an trail made by animals, - but the appearance of this small bridge over the river was comforting and it was reassuring that we were indeed on an actual planned hiking trail. We have noticed that in some areas, (this was near Mt Mitchell), the trail markers are very few and far between.

We were amazed at the hollowed out log which looked like a hidden tunnel. If we hadn't stopped to take a closer look, we might have missed it entirely because it was overgrown with moss.

Another part of the same trail took us high above the river - on a very narrow path - where all we could see was the steep drop off on the left hand side of the trail and small trees clinging to the hillside on the right.                                                           Then, as we rounded the curve, we came across what seemed to be a natural cave. We might have stayed longer to explore it further, but then we thought - what if this was a home for bears in the area? So we moved on - at a significantly quicker pace I might add.

Fortunately, no wildlife, except for some birds and squirrels - arrived to chase us out of the area.

Carl Sandburg's Connemara - a beautiful place to visit

       Carl Sandburg's place in western North Carolina is a wonderful place to visit. There is a charge if you want to go through the Carl Sandburg home. But if all you want to do is just to wander the trails or visit the goat barn -it is all free 

 As you can see there is a beautiful lake and there are many walking trails - all open to the public. Free is  welcome news anytime,    but more so in a weak economy.

My grandchildren especially enjoyed meeting the miniature goats - up close and personal. The Connemara staff hands baby goats to park visitors - right after they are born. This way the goats become accustomed to being around people and are very friendly

Ground Fog Suddenly appeared against the hills

   We were sitting out on the back porch this evening - and suddenly it appeared as if there was smoke from a fire behind the trees against the distant hillside. But it didn't look like the smoke from any fires we had ever seen before - and it sure didn't move the same way either.

   At first you could barely see it, - yet as we watched in amazement, - the fog layer rose,  (floated really - as if it were a ghost ) to the very top of the ridgeline. We thought the hills were going to disappear in the thick fog. But then, - just as quickly as it had risen up, - it sank down to just above the tree line and remained there. It seemed as if it had become too heavy to support itself.
   Although I grabbed my camera as quickly as I could, there was no way the picture could do justice to what we actually saw out there. It was beautiful - and eerie at the same time.

Picking Apples - Blue Ridge Mountain style

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  This trip to the Blue Ridge mountains showed my grandchildren where fresh apples and apple juice really came from.   Their parents brought them out to a local Hendersonville orchard where you can pick your own apples.
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  As they went from row to row, you could almost be assured that some of the very best apples would be on the tops of the trees. Fortunately, Dad was on hand to provide a boost.
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  Then, you could wash the apples on site and use the orchard's apple press to make your own apple juice. What a fun time they had!

  

Morning Clouds Swallow the Blue Ridge Mountain Peaks

It started out like any other cool September morning, - but when I glanced out the kitchen window, I saw a cloud bank suddenly drop in and obscure parts of the distant hills. I found myself squinting at it - trying to understand where the land ended and the sky began.

A few minutes before, the view had been beautiful - as always, - but it was the expected view - what I see every morning with the expanse of mountain ridges to the west.

But the suddenly lowering clouds changed the scene instantly to a more enclosed, welcoming and comforting space. It was as if someone had draped a fleece blanket over my shoulders to ward off the chill of the early September morning air. 

A Few More Early Signs of Autumn

Yesterday was rather gray - with a chilly rain - but when I opened the blinds in the den, through the window, I saw dramatic color changes in the old dogwood tree. It was the last day of August - but the leaves were definitely showing signs of the fall transformation to come.
   This coming weekend starts the Apple Festival in Hendersonville - and they are predicting sunny weather and lower than normal temperatures. The newspaper said they would publish the schedule of events for the festival in tomorrow's paper. Then we can decide which days we want to go.