So this is where mom, dad & dad's son hiked throughout the week. I've gotta say- I'm exhausted just looking at this list. They did some shorter, easier ones at first, and the week culminated with the ultimate hike (for them, anyway) from one end of Grandfather Mountain to the other, an often-vigorous trek through some occasionally frightful terrain (for dad, anyway).
 |
| The view from one of the walkways at Chimney Rock State Park, right near us |
I'm not sure about that since I don't do hiking, but dad says he nearly needed a change of pants a couple of times.  |
| One of the glorious views from atop Grandfather Mountain |
Dad decided in lieu of tons of photos he'd just post links since there are so many photos and lots of information online if you're interested, though he did want to put up a few he really liked (plus he wanted to prove they really were there). Light rain had been expected for that afternoon, but there were snow flurries at the top of the mountain, adding to how much dad was already quaking in his hikers. |
| Mom on one of the lookouts at Grandfather Mountain that dad wouldn't do. By the way, what does "bigger cojones" mean? |
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful ride if you ever get the chance to drive any of it, and they wanted to show dad's son all the tunnels and amazing views from lots of parts from Grandfather Mountain down to Graveyard Fields, including the Linn Cove Viaduct, an awesome feat of engineering.  |
| The view of Chimney Rock from another angle |
On one of the warmer days dad's son even took the plunge down Sliding Rock, though mom and dad took a pass, saying they'll wait until the water's warmer this summer. |
| My two servants up on Chimney Rock |
Rainbow Falls in the Pisgah National Forest was another highlight, offering gorgeous views of the rainbow from almost any angle in front of the falls.  |
| Is this beautiful or what? |
Dad's son ended up staying through this past week as well and helped out with some of dad's chores at work. They hit the road this weekend to bring him back home, and surprised him with a visit to Luray Caverns up in Virginia. Mom's always wanted to see the caverns as well, and she said they're absolutely beautiful. Finally, I wanted to be in this, so here you go: |
| Dad and I wrote this post together |
 |
| What I did every time they left for a hike |
Dad and I apologize if the links don't work. Blogger's being a booger, and the font stuff isn't working right & the links work one time and not the next.
Trombatore Trail
Frying Pan Tower Trail
Blue Ridge Parkway
Gorges State Park
Graveyard Fields
Hickory Nut Gorge
Looking Glass Rock
Chimney Rock State Park
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
 |
| What I look forward to when they get back |
On a final unrelated note, mom and dad just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary (they've been together for 15 years! I'm not sure how they did it), and they just got the first of their COVID shots, too.
30 comments:
Those are beautiful photos and it looks like they all had a wonderful time. I am exhausted just looking at them, and not having a head for heights doesn't help either. I will look at the links tonight, but I have to get the Sunday roast in the oven now.
I loved seeing all the pictures. You might know..maybe that I am kinda sorta a neighbor of yours. I come through that way on my way to visit my son in Charlotte. Isn't Grandfather Mountain like...exit 46..somewhere in the 40's I think...on I-40? The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful areas I have been in, and I have been in many places. Cleo, yours was a lovely adventure in dreaming while sleeping on your Dad. XXXX
Looks like your folks had fun Cleo.
The pictures were great too!!
Bet they all got lots of exercise.
That's good because they will likely sit in one spot for a long time and you can have an uninterrupted nap :)
Thanks for the links too
Purrs, Julie
What a fun week your peeps had and all those wonderful adventures too. It's good to visit family and do fun things. All the links worked for me.
♪♫Happy Anniversary to you,♪♫
♪♫Happy Anniversary to you,♪♫
♪♫Happy Anniversary Dear Cleo's Personal Assistants, ♪♫
♪♫Happy Anniversary to you.♪♫
Have a purrfect day and week, Cleo. ♥
WOW Cleo, they sure did have quite an out n' about, but it is very pretty up that way. Happy Anniversary to your Mom and Dad from all of us.
We'll start with congrats on the anniversary and thank goodness for the covid
shots. Also Cleo, dad would never have done such a good job with this post
if you were not there to help.
Lynn says she walked the Linn Cove Viaduct when it was 1/2 done and just
standing in mid production. So long ago, she says my great great great
grandma was not even thought of yet. so there is old and there is ancient.
I'm an indoor girl, but I think those hikes would have been great fun
for a mountain lion. Don't guess your dad saw one? Precious
OH, what a beautiful Tortie. Mama LOVES Torties and had one once, found at the full moon and called Luna, but alas, she is with the moon now. What a beautiful park and thanks for visiting my Loulou blog.
What a beautiful hike! Happy Anniversary! Thanks so much for your kind words on our blog today, hugs.
Cleo, we enjoyed seeing where Mom, Dad, and Dad's son went adventuring. They are so brave -- especially your mom with her bigger cojones. MOL.
Of course, we were sure glad to see you. A post just wouldn't be complete without you.
Congratulations to your folks on their anniversary! And on getting their first shots. :)
WoW! WoW! WoW! Our Mom loves all the wonderful views and thanks for the links! She is all set to go on the (virtual) expedition! She is happy as she tore her achilles tendon and it is tough to get around unless the surface is flat. We love the shots of you Cleo! We have missed your smiling face! We hope you and your Mom and Dad have a marvellously happy weekend!
Bravo, Dad for your climbing accomplishments! Paws up to both on your first-dose vax! And
a happy happy ten-times anniversary.
Having lived in Virginia for so many years (tho a Marylander now) the Blue Ridge Parkway,
Shenandoah Mountains ... and all you talk of were favorite go-to places time and again.
It is all, north to south and in small towns to visit along the way, one of the lovliest
places on the East coast.
What a beautiful place to visit ! Thanks for sharing those pictures with us. Happy anniversary to your pawrents, and yay for the first COVID shots ! Purrs
happy 10th to your parents!! and congrats on their shots! I get mine next week!!! yeah!
Beautiful photos, especially the rainbow one. I am a klutz and out of shape so I could never do those hikes- nice to live vicariously through others. :)
Nice shots of you too Cleo. XO
Me again- Happy Anniversary to your wonderful folks. XO
Wow! I'm exhausted reading that list of all the places they hiked too. But what beautiful scenery! Happy Anniversary to your humans. ~Ernie
I came back to look at the links and the scenery is beautiful. Some of the names of the places made me smile! I forgot to wish your mom and dad a happy anniversary earlier.
Happy anniversary to your humans, and that is great news about the shots!
Your peeps sure are brave! I would prefer napping with you, Cleo. Happy Anniversary!
We are very proud of your parents to take such an adventurous walk. I would have been scared. Thank them for sharing their walk, and the beautiful pictures with us. They are stunning.
Wow, your beans had quite the week Cleo! Mom says the photos are all very nice and the view in the first photo is simply spectacular.
She also says we don't know what cajones are - appawently we don't have them.
Great work on the post Cleo, you look furry comfy!
The line about 'bigger cojones' made me laugh out loud. And what fantastic views! My husband doesn't even want to sit in the yard with me. ~sigh~ You're a great helper, Cleo, so thanks to you and your servants for this.
Dad has been to the Blue Ridge many times and was on Chimney Rock too. What a wonderful land that is there. We are glad you got some napping Cleo. You do that better than any cat
PS Congrats on the parents getting their Vax! YAY
We think your Mom and dad are pretty brave, Cleo!
And we love your photos best, of course!
Purrs,
Tama and Benny
Happy anniversary to your mom and dad! They sure do some fun things at really cool places - our people would probably enjoy that too, but we'd rather they stay home. We're alot of work. It's very nice to meet you!
Midnight & Cocoa
Mini & Fluff
Tyler & Marty
Beeb, Beanie & Bella
We're glad your family had a fun visit, Cleo, but we bet you're glad you didn't have to go on any of those hikes! If you're anything like us, you slept* through most of the visit.
Great news on your mom and dad getting the shot. Halfway there! And concats on their anniversary!
*Some of us hide.
Happy Anniversary to your folks, Cleo!
When I travel, I try to balance how many pics I take against enjoying myself; it's a balance.
It's good that you kept up with your napping schedule during this time, sweetie pie!
Charlee: "Hey, Mama and Dada claim they too have been up that Grandfather Mountain and also to Luray Caverns!"
Chaplin: "That seems like an awfully long way from San Diego."
Charlee: "Well, they also claim to have once lived on the East Coast, although we don't remember that."
Lulu: "Wouldn't that have been years before any of us were born?"
Charlee: "If so, then it hardly counts."
Chaplin: "Speaking of years, happy anniversary to your personal assistants!"
Charlee: "Yes, it's awfully good of you to allow them to celebrate that!"
Chaplin: "Just don't let them make a habit of doing things that might detract from providing you with the appropriate level of service."
Chimney Rock and surrounding areas and trails are our favorite. We were there in May 2019....the last actual vacations we took.
Congrats on 10 years. ANd 1 on those years was full of lockdowns and all kinds of crazy stuff. I hope Mom and Dad didn't feel too poorly after their vaccines.
Hugs cEcilia
Post a Comment