Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina 11/06/2013

NOVEMBER 6, 2013 (Wednesday)

Woke up early again, around 7:30 AM. Wanted to make sure the battery was charged on the camera, that we got something to eat, and that we got to the Community Center by 8:45 AM. Made it just fine. Lexi opted to stay “home” and get her space.

Today we took a tour (bus ride) from the Community Center to the Pisgah National Forest area. It was raining and there was a very thick fog moving in so some of the things we were supposed to see, we couldn’t . The bus driver, Bill, opted for other things he thought we might be able to see. There were sixteen of us. A fun group of people. Lots of veterans. Lots of talking, sharing, and laughing. Bill was very knowledgeable about the area and seemed to really enjoy what he did.

We did go all the way up the mountain, over a mile up Bill said, to a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stopped at some lookouts and saw some gorgeous scenery. We got to see an amazing waterfall, Looking Glass falls – beautiful. It was even more beautiful once we walked down to the bottom. We saw Sliding Rock, which was fun because it is a natural slide for the kids (and adults). We saw the fish hatchery (lots of trout) and a wildlife education center. Great trip and well worth the $20.00.

It started out a rainy day and didn't get much better until the tour was completely over. — It started out a rainy day and didn’t get much better until the tour was completely over.

An unexpected detour owing to a wreak. — An unexpected detour owing to a wreck.

We could tell that on a clear day it would be great views.

We are in western North Carolina. I an very curious about the hurricane that blew in and knocked all the trees down 500 to 1,000 years ago.

So, they call it a "wind-blow" and it must have been something to knock down a forest. — So, they call it a “wind-blow” and it must have been something to knock down a forest.

Looking glass rock. — Looking Glass rock.

It got its name because when there was ice on it there was a mirror like appearance. Thus the name "Looking Glass". — It got its name because when there was ice on it there was a mirror like appearance. Thus the name “Looking Glass”.

Rock face at an overlook that shows the crunching of continents colliding.

Slide rock. A very popular play place in summer. Smooth rocks with water cascading down ending in an 8 foot pool. — Slide Rock. A very popular play place in summer. Smooth rocks with water cascading down, ending in an 8 foot pool.

Looking glass falls. — Looking Glass Falls.

Grumpy old man with a pretty woman in front of Looking Glass Falls.

Deer hiding in the forest. It didn't move the whole time we were there, like a statue. — Deer hiding in the forest. It didn’t move the whole time we were there, like a statue.

Fish hatchery, Rainbow Trout. — Fish hatchery, rainbow trout.

In homage to WPA workers of the great depression.

The water in the rivers and creeks is clear and looks clean. There is a green moss that is thriving in it. — The water in is clear and looks clean. There is a green moss that is thriving in it.

At the end of the trip (around 2:00 PM) when we were starving, Bill took us to Twin Dragons Buffet in Brevard. It wasn’t just Chinese food – they had Italian and every other kind of food. Quite the spread. Very good and reasonable prices.

Linner at a Chinese Buffet. We were hungry and I was actually surviving on stored body fat when we finally reached the restaurant.

They had four lines of food. All of it was excellent.

We got home at around 4:30 PM. Tired. Fun. Full. That was our day. Hope yours was great!