Sunday, December 12, 2010

Exploring- August 5, 2010

On Thursday, we packed in all sorts of excitement! First, we went to see some of the many other waterfalls in the area. We went on a short hike to see this area, which had a great swimming area, so we took mental notes to return here next year. Next, we met Greg's friend Patti at a diner in Brevard. They worked together at Wesley Common when Greg was first starting out as a consultant. Patti had not seen Sarah or Emily since they were about 3 and 1 1/2! Our next task was a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I loved watching the temperature drop as we drove higher and higher. Greg took lots of great pictures, but alas, I am only showing one.

Sarah, Kristen, Daniel & Emily

Patti & Greg

Blue Ridge Parkway

Sliding Rock- August 4, 2010

After Pretty Place, it was back to Pisgah for Sliding Rock. Last summer, I was unable to go on this adventure because Daniel was asleep, but alas, I had no excuse this year. I braved the chilly water and slid down the rock. It was not as bumpy as I expected, and the water was indeed frigid. I briefly thought Sarah had drowned, but thankfully, she had not. I went first, followed by Emily, then Sarah. I saw Emily in the pool, but could not find Sarah. I looked on the rock and she wasn't there, so I started to get a wee bit nervous. Meanwhile, Emily was struggling to get to the edge, so as I was grabbing her, I finally hear Greg yelling that Sarah had not gone down. Next time I will let the kids go first! Actually, next time I'll just watch!

Emily and Greg get ready to slide down together!

Pretty Place- August 4, 2010

Wednesday took us back to South Carolina to see Pretty Place, which is a beautiful chapel at YMCA's Camp Greenville.  The long, winding drive is half the adventure!  The chapel is indeed a pretty place, but sadly it was quite foggy on our trek.



Friday, December 10, 2010

Looking Glass Falls- August 3, 2010

After the Fish Hatchery, we headed to Looking Glass Falls.

Greg took Sarah & Emily behind the falls.  This involves a scary-to-watch trek climbing over rocks, so Daniel and I stayed behind and cheered them from afar!

Daniel liked watching the water cascade.

Sarah & Emily

Fish! August 3, 2010

We had a great time at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, which includes a fish hatchery. We loved watching the fish jump around as we threw food into the water!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Davidson River- August 2, 2010



The Hike- August 1, 2010

Greg thought it would be fun to take the girls on a hike up to Looking Glass Rock. Someone had to stay at the cabin with Daniel, so I selflessly volunteered. Since I was not on the exciting outing, I shall let the Sarah tell you about the adventure.  She wrote this essay for school.

Sense of Place
By Sarah Bowden
21 November 2010


If you were to head to Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, you may hear about Looking Glass Rock. You may also hear about the trail that leads to its astounding view at the summit. I have been on this trail before. The most simple way to put it is, for 3.1 miles, you are surrounded by one thing: nature. From beginning to end, you can see towering trees, lush green plants, immense rocks, and, near the start of this trail, hear a shallow stream brushing lightly against its rocky bottom, and that is only the basics. There is much more to see when you go on the trail.

When you start walking on the moist nature path, you first see a fallen tree to go over. The trail itself is well worn after being trampled by thousands of enthusiastic tourists’ feet. Later on the path, there is a sharp slope upward and you begin the hike toward the summit. There are thousands of leafy green trees- there are so many you can only see flecks of the bright blue sky. Covering the ground are rocks, ferns, vines, and other light green plants. The scents of plants and soil fill your nostrils as you go. Sometimes, you climb over rough, hard rocks partially covered by squishy, dark green moss. You continue climbing on this plant-crowded mountain until you reach the gigantic helicopter landing, an immense amount of rock where you can finally see a large piece of the sky. This is a sign that you are coming close to the top of Looking Glass Rock. When you finally move on, exposed roots provide dirt steps as you hike on the hill-like trail. Finally, you reach the rocky, slightly sloping summit dotted with smaller rocks and a few young trees. The view is simply breathtaking- and worth the climb!- as you stare at all of the miniature trees and mountains.


This place was so peaceful, so I feel at peace whenever I think about it. It also makes me realize that we need to protect our environment, or we wouldn’t have places as amazing as this trail. When I went on this trail with my family, it was incredibly long, but my family was persistent and determined to finish it. From this, I learned that you can go anywhere you want- as long as you have determination.


In conclusion, the trail to Looking Glass Rock was amazing and taught me many things.