Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Calm and peaceful vacation with a side of adventure

We have had a great vacation so far.  Today, we are resting up from our hikes and white water rafting. Both were quite the experience.  We hiked up to the summit of Grandfather Mountain on Sunday.  It was a strenuous hike on some pretty rough terrain.  But the scenery as you can see below was gorgeous.  It was about 45 degrees and blowing 35 mph at the summit.  But it felt wonderful after a hard hike up.
Swing bridge over a gorge
View to summit of Grandfather
On Monday, we went rafting doing some class 3 rapids.  We were paired up with a couple having two young children who spent most of the time complaining or crying.  I am reminded again of why we don't have children.  I am sure that everyone loves their own dearly, but the rest of us don't necessarily find them as charming.  In their defense, I don't think they were the adventuresome sort and would have rather had some other activity.  The dad was detached and personable. The mother talked non-stop and kept asking us if Paula Dean was from our town.  She said that she thought her saying the "n" word was no reason to fire her.  Needless to say, we both had to practice "pause when agitated" several times.  Luckily, most of the time we were paddling, and the rushing water was drowning out her noisome chatter.  I now want to do an overnight trip and will probably try to book so that we either are the only couple or find a couple of friends to go along.  It was spectacular scenery--sheer cliffs, beautiful trees, and a winding river.

On Tuesday, we hiked through Linville Gorge and to the headwaters and plunge areas of the falls.  A lot of walking all day!  But the scenery continued to amaze me.  I am reminded of just how much beauty there is within several hours from home.  And the peacefulness was amazing.
The twin falls

Water rushing to the main falls

The gorge

Rafting area
We had an unintentional adventure today in the rain and fog.  I mapped a route to visit an area near Blowing Rock.  My iPhone with good ole Siri gave me directions.  The route took us off the tarmac onto a gravel road that wound for a couple of miles as we climbed the mountain.  We were surrounded in mist and clouds with not another car or person around.  Another exhilarating opportunity to take the sports car for a run on the switchbacks!
Shrouded by clouds and mist

Tomorrow, we are going zip lining through the tree canopy and over some gorges.  I hope that the rain will stop by then.  So far, it has been nice to try some new things.  And I know that whitewater rafting is definitely something that I want to do again.  

Tomorrow night, I am heading to a meeting. There will be another opportunity on Friday to go as well.  I feel amazingly calm and peaceful.  

Hope that you are having a good week.  

25 comments:

  1. What glory! It looks and sounds as if you are taking advantage of it all.

    I think those children's parents should not have made the decision to take such young ones on that trip. What were they thinking?

    Well, continue on. Thanks for the pictures!

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    1. Mary, it is so much fun. We haven't been to a single shop, just doing the great outdoors thing. Loving it. Maybe on the last day we will go to a restaurant, but there is so much more to see!

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  2. It sounds and looks amazing Syd. All of that beautiful water.
    I should give that "pause when agitated" a go some day. I will.
    Great photos x

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    1. Thanks, Bugs. It's from the Big Book of AA on pg. 87--"As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action."

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  3. Blowing Rock always blows my mind. It is just so darn beautiful up there. The mountains are magical. I am glad that you enjoy them.

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  4. I love the way you share your vacation with us, especially through the pictures. Sorry that you had to share your rafting experience with some unhappy children- I would have been an embarrassed mom if that had been my child! Sometimes, somethings are just not kid friendly- I wouldn't take my son on a rafting trip at this age- but maybe those kiddos were older? Who knows. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!

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    1. It was still wonderful regardless. The kids didn't want to get wet because the water was cold--48 F. They were kids who weren't used to outdoor adventures. Can't blame them for that. Most kids today are housebound with video games. It's a sign of the times.

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  5. ha i've been to grandfather mtn before...cool place...and to the linville gorge...the rafting sounds very cool...did that up in WVA...watched some of those zipliners in missouri last year...have yet to do that but it looks really cool...cant wait to hear about that...

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    1. Brian, it is a great place to be. And you live fairly close to some spectacular scenery too. I know your area pretty well. Want to go white water rafting sometime?

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  6. Your vacation sounds wonderful. You two are certainly active and energetic. I need to get some of that. Zip lining, rafting, hiking... all so good for the body and the soul. Enjoy!

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    1. Yes, we keep at it. And both of us like the outdoors and adventures.

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  7. Your photos did not disappoint. You really have a gift.

    I've nominated you for a versatile blogger award. You always bring something insightful in your posts,mad I'm grateful to have 'met' you.

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    1. Thanks, J. I have so many more photos but only have room to share these few. More to come, I'm sure.

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  8. Oh what beautiful country! I just love it!! So happy you are there and experiencing the gorgeous mountains. It occurred to me while reading this, that you might meet me in real life and not like me! LOL

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    1. Oh Annette, I am sure that I would like you. I didn't dislike anyone on the trip, really. The mom was a bit much at times but nice and pleasant. It's funny to see what is happening with people and how when they aren't comfortable with a situation, they talk to compensate. I understand that. I guess I am just into meditating on the surroundings because I spend a lot of time on the boat doing just that. It's all okay.

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  9. I hate it when a combination like that other family can ruin an event for you. UGH! How different it all would have been if you had a better set of people with you.

    I find it amusing that people who live near the ocean head to the mountains for vacation and land lubbers head to the ocean.

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    1. The way I look at it is they didn't ruin the trip, but helped me to realize (once again) that we are all so different. And I think the kids were honestly scared. I agree with Mrs. Moon in that the kids probably didn't want to go along. C. and I reassured the girl that it would be okay. The mother just kept talking. LOL.

      Well, the mountains are a great break from the heat of the coast this time of year. It was 68 up here for the high and 95 where I live. A good choice to get away for a week.

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  10. Zip one of them lines for me Syd. I am happy in your pleasure.

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    1. Glad to, Mark. You would like these old mountains, I think.

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  11. Awe what a nice get away. Sounds like something I would do. Sorry Syd but I am a gabber too though I wouldn’t ask a stupid question like that a million times and talk about a subject like that with people I first met. Those poor kids, why do parents force kids into things that are obviously scary to them? As a kid I would have loved it but I was adventurous like my Dad a lot of kids are not.

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  12. White water rafting doesn't sound like a great choice for young children ... glad you enjoyed it nonetheless, and the other activities as well. Nature's playground!

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  13. What magnificent pics! It sounds like a perfect break.

    And I've met families like that on safari in game reserves. A good opportunity to pause and not say anything.

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  14. Your pictures are amazing, Syd. I'm so glad you are having a soul-soothing time. You both deserve it and sorry about the "gabby" mother and the kids !

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  15. My ex-husband used to do search and rescue in the rivers of Garfield County, Colorado. He had to stop because he would frequently be searching for the bodies of children whose parents took them on such adventures - and he would actually be hoping NOT to find them.

    You know I love the rocky mountains, but I also love the mountains of the eastern US. They are just beautiful, those misty clouds are gorgeous and feel great too.

    Thanks for sharing the trip.

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  16. Looks like an amazing vacation! Enjoy the views!

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.