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| Mural on the side of a building downtown |
Black Mountain is a beautiful old town with a bustling, artsy, laid-back downtown. There's a weekly tailgate market, arts & crafts and plant sales, a variety of music venues and a couple of breweries. Dad says it's kinda like a micro-mini Asheville, and he and mom have already wandered around down there several times since we settled in. It's very walkable and friendly, and there are tons of spots where you can stand in place and turn 360 degrees and see beautiful blue-green mountains in nearly every direction. Of course, hiking has been at the top of their to-do list, and except for the first weekend we were here (cleaning, unpacking, setting up house, etc.), mom and dad have been at it every weekend. Starting slow, short, and close by since it's been a while and they're a bit out of practice, they've discovered several decent hikes around the Montreat Conference Center, right up the road. This past weekend, they tackled Catawba Falls Trail in Old Fort, where a loop takes you up to the stunning Catawba Falls and back.
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| Trail Information |
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| Teenie tiny mom admiring the Upper Falls |
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| View from the trail |
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| And another |
There's still quite a bit of ongoing construction to repair damage from Helene, and there is a portion with steps that, according to trail information, is equivalent to climbing a 30-story building.
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| Lower Falls and a small portion of the steps |
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| More steps |
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| And still more steps |
They returned hot, tired, and ready to put their feet up, until mom read about the Asheville VeganFest. So off they went, and by the time they returned from checking that out, their stinky feet clocked over 9 miles for the day. They're plotting their next hike for this weekend, and I can see that despite returning home exhausted, they're beyond thrilled to be back in NC.
22 comments:
Smudge, there is no doubt from the photos that Mom and Dad's eyes are probably dead tired from looking at all the beautiful scenery. And that waterfall! I'm Way Beyond climbing up and down any kind of stairs that are that Steep and that many. So I'm a little bit jealous. I love the colorful mural, they're always so inviting. It's good to hear they're having a great time, and hope they're not too tired when they get home to spend a little time at least giving you some food! That remark is made by Precious.🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛😁
Beautiful photos! We can feel how very happy your parents are to be back in their element, in a place they love! And if they're happy, they'll make you happy too, Smudge!
Purrs,
The Chans
Lovely images, and what fun.
Smudge, betcha didn't mind NOT being forced to model for the camera for awhile, amIright?
You probably know how glad I am that you are in the place you regretted leaving.
Happy HomeComing! Hey Smudge (June wants to know, she's the busybody), now that your Mom is teeny-tiny, is she your lap-hu-Mom? An interesting turn of events that would be. Mine Mommy is envious (as green as the pictures with envy) of the beautiful place you now live ... pawsome.
Wow, beautiful photos!
Such a beautiful place! But those stairs ...... !!
Oh Smudge and Brian what a wonderful post about Black Mountain and surrounding beauty. I love the mural for BM. I think I spotted my heart on the topo of Grandfather Mountain.
You and Maureen enjoy it extra for us.
Hugs Cecilia
That sure is a scenic and beautiful place and such stunning photos! Welcome home!!!
oh my, beautiful photos! those step look berry daunting. dee mum wood be all ober the vegan fest. she is not strictly vegan but she purrfurz dee great flavors. she did that great omakase lass nite which was all seefuds, vegs and legumes, and ov course whine!!
Goodness me, those are wonderful photos <3 :-D
Beautiful photos. That looks like a nice part of the country to live in. I will pass on the steps though. :) XO
What a beautiful place! Those steps exhaust me just looking at them though!
Java Bean: "Ayy, sí, your mom sure is tiny! She must have even more trouble reaching the high cabinets in your kitchen than our short Mama does!"
Lulu: "Our Mama and Dada almost moved to Asheville before they moved here, and we can see why! That looks like a great place for a hike and a sniff. Although of course if they had moved there, they couldn't have adopted any of us, so we're glad they didn't ..."
Now this is an amazing hike.
What a trip out! So many steps, one wonder if there is a stair lift for the infirm ;)
It sounds like NC has been a very good move for you all. May you continue to discover more delights over the coming months and years. Though I doubt over the seasons you'll never be short of sights and activities.
ERin
What a lovely place!
OUR Mummy is also going on a hike tomorrow, in the Jerusalem hills.
And how are YOU finding your new home, Smudge?
how epic lee awesome lee cool is the area where you live...sure gives one something to think about when deciding a great place to live and spend retirement...could stand there and look at the falls all day !!! THANX for sharing !!! ☺☺♥♥
Looks like a fantastic place to walk and explore! Your photos are gorgeous! I also love your blog background, and of course being the cat lover that I am, your blog header brings me much joy...as do your posts! Thank you so much for sharing. :)
Smudge, what beautiful country you live in. The Lady would love to visit North Carolina one day. Believe it or not, it’s one state she’s never been.
I'm so happy you all are home. :D Talking about being out of shape, my husband insisted on taking the elevator up two lousy floors twice today. lol Did they tell you about the festival? I'm interested. ~grin~ Be well!
Being exhausted from doing something you love is the best kind of tired. :-)
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