Friends and Family I visited on Vacation 2009

Glania and Jonathan -Punta Gorda, FL

Lisa - St.Petersburg, FL

Jeanette - Yatesville, GA

Millie(my sister) and Harry - Kennesaw, GA

Randy Millie Scott Grace

Millie Gay Michael Avery Harry

Nathalie Nicholas Krista (my son)Chris

Hike to Crabtree Falls

The walk began quite leasurely, however the going got rough because there had been a lot of rain in the past few days, so the path was slippery in places and rocks and trees had been washed onto the path.

"A Green Cathedral "

Mountain Laural dotted the trail

mushrooms

Rhododendrun

When we reached the falls, there was a lovely platform with benches in front of the falls.

Crabtree Falls

Because of the recent rains, the falls were fuller than even the postcard pictures I had seen.

Hiking to Black Rock

For me, a favorite part of any camping trip is hiking. This trip was no different.

Our trip to Black Rock was on a pleasant sun-lit afternoon.
Betty was suffering with a cold or allergy, but agreed to go.

The path was strewn with wildflowers, white

pink,

yellow,

and if you look closely, even a skunk!

Our path was actually three different trails. one up, one across and one down.

The trail across was the Appalachian Trail, marked with a white blaze.

Close up of a blaze.

The top of the ridge was a tumble of black rock.

The path even cut through some!

Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway

Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are wonderful highways to travel. At every turn there is a new and beautiful vista to see. The weather did not always co-operate, but when it did, it was a joy to travel slow and enjoy the view.
Signal Knob

Old Rag Mountain

Big Meadow

I'm standing by a statue of a CCC worker. These men built the road.

It was a thrill to see animals along the road, especially when they came close. We saw many deer and a few bear, but the bears ran off when the car stopped.
The highways ran through Shenandoah National Park. It provided us with thrilling landscapes, animal sightings, lovely campgrounds and memorable hiking trails.

Grandfather Mountain

I looked forward to crossing the mile high bridge at Grandfather Mountain, however when we arrived the fog was so thick, we knew we would not be able to see anything. So we went into the lodge and visited the museum.
Still foggy so we had lunch.

Then decided to visit the environmental habitats.


But the fog hung on.

We went up the mountain, deciding we would not see very far.

Soon as we arrived at the bridge, like magic, the clouds started moving.

By the time we were ready to cross, we could see plainly, a mile down and across the valley.

Betty and Grace

Hershey Rose Garden

Betty and I met up with Betty's aunt and nephew to share the morning at Hershey.
Hershey Chocolate Factory

Red Oak Trees

Outside the butterfly garden

Betty ringing chimes

Entrance to the Rose Garden.

This was by far the most beautiful Rose Garden I have ever seen.

I have pictures of the Butterfly Garden on a different Post.