Highlands, North Carolina and waterfalls 11/03/2013

NOVEMBER 3, 2013 (Sunday)

Time change this morning. When we did wake up, it was to glorious sunshine. Michael and I couldn’t wait to get out into it. Lexi wanted to stay and do her laundry (and have some space). ((I, Mike, can’t believe she needs time away from us, we are such fun! Except for when we aren’t))

We left around noon and headed for what we (Edie) thought was Highlands, but we (Edie insisted I) went the wrong way (because of my directions). We did get to see some beautiful homes on Lake Toxaway, in Transylvania County, North Carolina. Love saying Transylvania County. Feels like we’re in a foreign country with vampires. I feel like what Lexi said yesterday, “I feel like I am travelling through a Thomas Kinkade painting with all the beautiful colors everywhere.

The beautiful colors continue to call for a photo.

This house is for sale and I was impressed with the yard art. This pole is probably 20 feet high.

We turned around and drove the right way, through Cashiers, past Highlands, and to Bridal Veil Falls. It’s right off Highway 64. It was lovely but not nearly as lovely as the falls down the road a couple of miles, Dry Falls. Don’t know why they call it Dry Falls as it’s wonderful and very wet. You walk down a bunch of stairs and get to walk under the falls if you want to get completely wet. Fun. The bad part is having to walk back up the steps. It is worth it, though, as it is so beautiful.

Highland, North Carolina was a surprise to us. So crowded, we were reminded of Pacific Grove back home. Lots of quaint shops and eateries.

The falls are fun and thin on water. But driving under is fun.

Pretty woman getting ready to walk under the falls.

The trail down to the bottom of the files. — The trail down to the bottom of the falls.

The fall is kind of short, but the ensuing cascading over rocks and the accompanying roar is spectacular.

Grumpy old man and pretty woman under the falls taking a selfie.

Water was getting on us and the camera. I was regretting not bringing the waterproof camera.

The sign reads, "Highlands elev. 4118" There are so many private clubs and golf courses here we are amazed. Did not know this was a golf magnet area. — The sign reads, “Highlands elev. 4118” There are so many private clubs and golf courses here we are amazed. Did not know this was a golf magnet area.

A watershed area and I guess a small dam that holds the water in for use in all the hidden homes in the hills and forests.

After that we got gas in Highlands and went looking for a place to eat lunch. We settled on a place called SweeTreats. It was on the corner where you turn on Highway 64 in the town of Highlands. As you walked into this tiny little place, the smells were wonderful. They make and mix all their ice cream with this really neat mega blender. The place was really busy, and tiny, so it was hard to stay out of the way while others were trying to get in and place orders. We did get our order and then went up the street to eat it. Michael had ordered a Ruben, I had a Cuban sandwich, and Lexi got a club. Michael loved his and mine was excellent. I had decided on something different when I heard a couple in front of me talking about the Cuban and how good it was.

Highlands building across the street from our Deli. — Highlands building across the street from our deli.

Great machine. The fellow would put the ice cream in the metal cone, then add whatever nuts or candies, and then he would plunge the turning screw into the metal cone and it blended the daylights out of the ice cream. Then the cone would raise up and the ice cream would come out the bottom.

Dishing up a cup of ice cream. I saw one guy get a chocolate ice cream cone with gobs of peanut butter and it looked really good.

After our lunch break, we drove to Cashiers and Michael went to Ingles to get a few items. I headed to the Dollar General to get a few things.

The picture does not do the colors justice.

Man, this soldier didn't last very long. Sure was good though. I don't think I should keep too much of this around. — Man, this soldier didn’t last very long. Sure was good though. I don’t think I should keep too much of this around.

Really beautiful homes throughout the area that looked like they are lived in about two months out of the year.

That was our day. Hope yours was great!