Beauty in stormy weather

So we had quite the bout of cold and rainy weather, but that didn't stop us. We went for a road trip in the rain

The kayakers were out:

 

Cade's Cove was mystical:

And the drive back was awe inspiring

The next night after the storms were over the clouds and sky just lit up and now the sun is back.

 

 

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Fun with other work campers

The last 2 days we had a lot of spent time with two other great couples: Cathy and Harry, and Marti and Larry. We explored beautiful waterfalls and trails, ate catfish and even enjoyed watching the team trials for freestyle kayaking. Now back to work through the weekend.

Wild irises:

360 flip in kayak at trials

 

 

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Spring is here!

It was so great to take a beautiful 7 mile hike yesterday and a drive into the park today, especially after the sad and troubling week in Boston. We feel so blessed to be here in this beautiful country.

White trilliums were everywhere in the woods, as were the waterfalls and the views:

 

 

Today were the elk

 

So we are at peace...

 

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A few miles on the AT

Just 4 hours on the AT today around Fontana Dam and I am in so much awe of the thru hikers.

( view of the lake from the trail)

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Seeing local, eating good Southern Food

Well, today was relax day. We decided to check out the local farmer's market, and a local festival. local was the word: people came out of the hills for this tiny festival: many missing teeth and lots of used flea market type items. we did get to enjoy some off key music too by a couple of musicians. I loved it!

The highlight though was some take out food from a highly recommended place in a nearby town. the food was to die for: For a total of $20 for the 2 of us, we each got a huge amount of food, enough for 2 meals: southern fried chicken, biscuits, green beans in some kind of great sauce, cold marinated beets, buttermilk based coleslaw, small oven roasted potatoes drenched in butter and cinnamon baked apples. Needless to say, we just got up from our naps. Life is good, yes I know, in moderation :)

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The simple life

It has been really amazing to get into our simple life: few possessions, no TV, little outside news, and just calm by our little rushing creek. The white petaled bloodworts burst into bloom all over the CG woods yesterday and our tiny azalea bush is also in bloom. Last night we drove just 10 minutes on the parkway to see the lovely sunset. all is at peace :)

 

 

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Land of Waterfalls

Up and around twisty mountain roads Sunday, only to discover many waterfalls:

Whitewater Falls in SC biggest drop in the East (411 ft..Victoria Falls 355 ft):

 

We took a 3 mile hike in Gorges State Park and discovered these the Rainbow Falls:

Yesterday was a total relaxation day, with dinner at one of the world's beer capitals, Asheville, with old friends Mary and Gary. today back to work and it's 72 in the shade!

 

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