Linville, North Carolina–Day 2

Linville Falls – Upper Falls – Easy

We got up the next morning and Bailey insisted we hike some more!  There was an upper trail around the same area we headed to.  We all hiked to the upper falls, then BJ and Bailey went on to the top where you can see the gorge, upper and lower falls all together.

In this picture, you can see the falls on the far left and the gorge way below where we hiked on day 1!

Bailey at the top!

Apple Picking – Altapass Orchard

Before we headed home, we stopped for some apple picking fun!

They gave us these apple pickers and instantly we thought we would be in trouble!  However, I am thrilled to say NO incidents occured.

You are allowed to eat and sample apples as you pick them!

We will miss you mountains!  We sure had fun!

Linville, North Carolina–Day 1

Last weekend we took a little family get-a-way to the mountains.  We hiked, camped, picked apples and went to a spooky cave!  It was fun to be away and the leaves were beautiful!  The weather was perfect, upper 70’s during the day and upper 40’s at night. 

Day 1 – Linville Falls – Gorge Hike – Difficult, Strenuous….Accomplished…check!

Along the way you come to this big rock wall.  It is huge!

Once you get to the bottom you have to climb over some rocks around a turn in the gorge to see the view.  It is pretty amazing.  We had our picnic lunch down here and stayed a while!

Linville Caverns – After the trek back up from the gorge we headed to THE BEAR CAVE!

 

They thought it was pretty cool to be in a REAL cave.  We learned there were not any bats yet because they have not hibernated.  But if we would come back in a month there would be plenty (no bears though).  At one point they turned off all the lights to complete darkness. 

Afterward we went to our camp site to get our tent ready, cook dinner and hunker down for the night!

They were thrilled to be in the tent.  On the left, Andrew is playing “Hide and Seek.”  Who knew that could be played in a tent?  As you can see, things got a little wild (they were both sweating) after playing in the tent!

Dad’s firewood helpers….yes, 2X4’s from the local construction dumpsters.  Trash to treasure!

Eating dinner and getting warm by the fire!

Pumpkin Patch!

Our took yearly trip to the pumpkin patch Saturday!  It is a fundraiser for a local church youth group, so not a “real” patch, but always a good time!

Anyone think Andrew is about to do a cartwheel?!

         

Blog Dump!

1. Hurricane Matthew!  Well, we got a call, text and email on a Tuesday night saying we would not have school for the rest of the week mandated by the Governor.  At first it didn’t make much sense since the Hurricane wasn’t supposed to be here until late Friday.  However, they used some of our schools as evacuation centers and have used our school busses to transport evacuees.  So I guess I get it and we had 5 days to celebrate!

Thursday was a beautiful day!  We went to the zoo!

Friday we stayed in and did some fall themed projects!  I guess I never took any photos of the finished projects but, you get the idea!

First, we did some science by mixing baking soda and vinegar with food coloring to make some fall trees.  Then Bailey was making a couple spiders while Andrew painted some paper plates (and himself) into pumpkins.  Why not wipe your hand (that is covered in paint) on your belly?!?

2. Special Visitors!

3. Happy Birthday to me.  Grandma and Grandpa brought over special cupcakes and ice cream to celebrate!  And Andrew and Bailey got me a flashlight!!  (Earlier in the week Andrew already told me my present.  It was hilarious and sweet and… supposed to be a secret.)

4. Fall Soccer – What a difference a year makes!  Bailey has had two games and already scored 5 goals.  I think she scored three the previous two seasons.  BJ got to be the on-field coach last game. 

As for the photo below, I don’t know.  This was also at the soccer game.  Andrew was digging as usual and then this was next.  I am sure Grandpa had it ALL under control.  I never asked any questions.