Thursday June 15 we went on our way to pick up William from camp. Helen had dropped him off Sunday afternoon and we are going to collect him Saturday morning early. Exactly the same as last year, except this year we are staying two night in a hotel in Hendersonville, NC.
We left our house around 9 am. The GPS told us that it would take about 6 hours. We had a half an apple each as every morning and a cup of tea but otherwise no breakfast. We took another cup of tea as a to-go-cup and stopped after 1 1/2 hours at a McD. We were 8 minutes too late for our usual "travel-breakfast" of Sausage McMuffins from the dollar menu and had to find something else which we just didn't like as much. The senior coffee is always good there. My heart was happy when I witnessed that a young mother with a little boy said a table prayer and crossed herself before she started on her food.
We arrived at the prebooked Cascade Mountain Resort (fancy name) just after 4 pm and could not get into our room for almost another hour. There was also a big sign at the desk that unfortunately a lot of the offered amenities were not available (one of which WiFi). James was ready to take her offer of a refund but I didn't want to do that without another booking. We had started looking to do that when we finally were offered the room key and decided to give it a try.
At the same time there was a big downpour. But when we were settled in the room and had some liquid refreshments (which we had brought) we decided to eat in the restaurant in the hotel.
There were other customers and only one server but she was very nice and tried very hard. We even had little conversations with her here and there. And (not sure why I was surprised) the food was excellent. She also poured a generous glass of red wine. When we walked out a different door to explore the weather had turned again too. Our friend Stephen (living in this area) had texted that the weatherforecast for the next day was very promising too. Walking outside we made fun about the many stone-deer.
We played our card game in the lobby and I lost.
Friday morning we woke up quite early. We didn't sleep very well, especially James who thought the pillows were horrible. Too early in the morning I came up with a substitute for him using the largest towel and he managed to sleep some more.
We got ready early. The sun was shining. I consulted my app GasBuddy and Sam's had the best price and also very close. The drive from home had almost depleted the tank so that was the first thing on the agenda. After that we found the closest McD and this time we got our "regular". The day had started well.
And off to Chimney Rock State Park! That was a huge success!
I know I am going to post way too many photos today but every time you came around a corner another photo needed to be taken. Unfortunately I also realize that the photos will not do it justice. Our outing today was just so nice.
We probably arrived in Chimney Rock Village about 9:30 am and when we turned through the gates of the State Park there was a sign "pay for parking tickets in about 1 mile". That seemed the longest mile I had driven in a long time because it was quite narrow, uphill and incredibly winding. It seemed like a one lane street but sometimes a car came the other way. Finally there was a little house with somebody very friendly selling tickets to us and explaining everything. Parking in about 2 more miles and elevator included in tickets. Oh gosh, more narrow, uphill, incredibly winding road. Finally we arrived and found a parking spot right away.
We found the entrance to the elevator right away.
Not at all what I expected. At the end of that long "corridor into the rock" just a regular little elevator door. Press the button to call it. 8 passengers max of which a young man inside is the operator. Good thing we are just early enough because we did not have to wait at all. I imagine later how it would be.
Upstairs you get out straight into a gift store and then outside into an awesome view. I think that building is called the Sky Lounge.
First we take the steps up to THE special rock for which the park is called.
The narrow lake is Lake Lure.
View from Chimney Rock down to where we just came from. Down on the left the parking, Right on the top the walkway with the tables and sun-umbrellas.
Behind us where you could hike further up. We made it to the "Opera Box" which is an open cave.
Here we are sitting on the bench in the "Opera Box", really a very nice place with a lovely view. It is early enough that at least for a moment we had it to ourselves. Very peaceful.
Down again to the walkway with the tables and sun-umbrellas.
We decided to splurge and enjoy the moment, James had a Gatorade and I a Propel.
We studied the map we had received with the tickets and decided to walk down stopping at all the things we should see. Sitting there we also did some people-watching. It was getting crowded at the top.
Behind James are the stairs to Chimney Rock top. We have started our way down.
I couldn't help myself. I had to admire the nature and how somebody envisioned to build what fits into it so we "regular people" can enjoy it too. I didn't find it invasive at all and had to admire it.
After the "Sky Lounge", "Chimney Rock" and the "Opera Box" we are know on "Pulpit Rock". Strangely enough what is around you is still the same but somehow the view seems always a bit different and still amazing.
I think this is where I took this
VIDEO: (0:37 minutes)
And here we are coming to the entrance of the "Subway", labeled with "low clearance".
Yes, James, low clearance!
On the way to the "Grotto", similar to the Opera Box but a little larger.
Up again to the "Vista Rock" (no photos) and down through the "Crevice Pass" where I also took no photos but really should have.
Back at the level of the parking and the elevator entrance etc is the Gneiss Cave which was closed. I really like bats, such useful creatures, and wish them much luck.
After a brief walk-about on the "Outcroppings Deck" I had to find the place for ladies. I really would have liked better photos here but it was very busy there. I have never seen public restrooms hand-painted by artists, even inside each stall.
At the bottom of this painting are the names of two, a ranger explained one is the original artist "not with us any longer" and one who did some touch-ups. Ha-ha, I asked James. He said the men's restrooms were not painted like this.
And this is the part of the map we got which explained some of the parts we did. Very useful.
And then the drive DOWN the mountain. First we studied the using directions for the Telluride. I never needed to change any gears but felt that there should be something. I was "brave" and tried something and by golly it worked great. Ha-ha, never too old to learn. The dredded drive down was not bad at all. And driving through the forest was so enjoyable.
First we had thought we might check out Chimney Rock Village but soon decided it was not for us. Turning towards home (hotel) we thought it was really too early for that. What should we do. I think it was about 12:30. We were not really hungry but had seen several signs to wineries on the way in the morning. I pulled over and we googled on winery in Hendersonville NC and Point Lookout Vineyards popped up only a few minutes away.
More winding roads uphill but when we arrived we were very happy. Good job, James! A peaceful place with great views all around.
We had not planned to have a big lunch since we had plans for a nice dinner with friends, but you can't taste wine on an empty stomach. A peaceful place, friendly people and good food = we counted our blessings. James said a table prayer.
We had 5 little glasses of wine and 1 with mead (wine made from honey) of our choosing each. We selected different ones and as the designated driver I asked James to help me. We took the tasting very seriously with pencil in hand and had a lot of fun.
Helen, can you see that there was even a "little free library" there in the same loghouse style as the huge building?
Later our friends Donna and Stefan picked us up and we had dinner together at the Outback Steakhouse. They help us out every year to keep William's backpack with his gadgets he should not have at the camp. Helen drops it off and we pick it up. We know them from our time in Paducah and always have a great time together. Stefan took the selfie. Thanks for everything!
It was still too early so James and I found a nice outdoor terrace and played our cards. He won. But what a day.
And now we are looking forward to seeing William tomorrow. Night, night.
No comments:
Post a Comment