Day Trip

A couple weeks ago we took a day trip to find the infamous Sliding Rock. We headed west toward the "Land of Waterfalls" in the Pisgah National Forest. I got us most of the way, but suddenly realized we'd missed a turn somewhere. Of course I hadn't brought a map and nobody at the minimart we stopped at could give us directions. Luckily they did sell maps and after 20 minutes of scouring through them I found one that showed our destination. Map in hand, and attitudes back on track we continued on. It was a beautiful drive through some quiet little towns. Kinda reminded me of the western part of White Pass (Packwood, Randle, etc.). First we stopped at Looking Glass Falls, the most photographed waterfall in NC. They had good parking on the side of the road and a nice overlook.
There were also stairs built so you could walk to the bottom and even swim in the waters below.

I wouldn't recommend being in the falling water though. The force looked like it would hurt somethin fierce. Blake got as close as he could without swimming. This photo looks blurry, but it's really water spraying.
We played there for awhile and enjoyed the serenity.



It wasn't long though before Emily was anxious to get to Sliding Rock.
It's a smooth rock formation that has become such an attraction that there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months to supervise all the people. Most of the water here in NC is warm, but up in the forest the river temp this time of year is 45-55 degrees. We were warned how breathtakingly cold it was, "but you gotta do it" friendly folks in the parking lot told us. The kids and I went first while Sam stayed below to be the photographer.
Blake went down by himself, then Emily and I together.

After her initial panic subsided, Emily was ready or round two so Sam went this time.

She again paniced when they hit the 7ft pool of freezing water at the bottom of the slide. Once she and Sam made it to the edge, she announced "no more", lol! I couldn't talk Blake into going again either, so we headed out.
We took the Blue Ridge Parkway to Ashville and marveled in the amazing views.


The kids loved all the tunnels and insisted we honk every time.



We enjoyed dinner at TGI Fridays before going home. It was a really fun little day trip!