Western North Carolina

From previous photos of the spectacular summer hikes we have taken here in Colorado some may wonder if we would even consider settling down in any other location. These next 5 posts will argue for another option, one in which we seem to have an inseparable connection. We have been addicted to the mountains of western North Carolina ever since the fall of 2004, our first year living in Charleston, SC. Since then every year we have arranged our schedule to make sure we hit the Blue Ridge mountains at peak leaf changing time, usually mid-end of October. Yes, we are official "leaf peepers" and proud of it!

Our favorite locations we make sure and visit annually are usually along the Blue Ridge Parkway (a well-groomed road that stretches across several states along the ridges of the Appalachains, built in the 30's and maintained by the National Parks and Recreation service). Some of these locations include Linville Falls, The Orchard at Altapass, many hikes along the way with incredible overlooks, Moses Cone Park, the original Mast General Store and Annex, Boone, Banner Elk, Valle Crucis, highway 221, and more. These may not mean anything to anyone reading this blog, but we have very fond memories attached to all of them. Our experiences seemed to have been enriched by great company (shout out the the Anderson's and Hirschi's).

This year we went up for 3-4 days with Jonathan's mom and sister, Ohara. We stayed in a primitive cabin in Boone. Eventhough it pretty much rained the whole time it didn't stop us from enjoying the spectacular scenery.

We can't wait till next fall!