Waynesville NC - Last 2 weeks June

The week starts with our friend Alice's 90th Birthday.  Las year Gary gave here a motorcycle  ride around the park and delivered her to her surprise party.  She told me next year she wanted a motorcycle parade.

On her bucket list was a hot air balloon ride.  We gave her a good substitute.

She also asked me to paint a rock for her.  I decided to keep the party going on.

Summer shedding season is here

Our friends Pat and Steve in all the years they've been coming here have never been up to Balsam mountain 

It's a short hike to a scenic overlook

We take them via the old picnic area with amazing rock tables

and the view!

On the way back we stop at the Masonic Monument

An Elk sighting 

And a stop at the Mile High overlook

We do. Motorcycle Ride with our friend Gary to a hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Sam Knob Overlook.  We are told an easy to moderate hike.

A short level hike brings us to an open field with wildflowers 

Then it's all uphill from there

We finally get some views

..

They guys stop here

I "stepped up" and continued on

Time to head back down

.My Gary spots this guy at the top of the stairs.  He's a beauty!

And back to the field!

Great hike, but after major dental work it wiped me out for the rest of the month!

Waynesville NC - 1st 2 Weeks June

We start the month with the unveiling of the new Gateway to the Great Smokey Mountains Arch in downtown Waynesville.

Then we cross under it for a rde to the Blue Ridge Parkway in search of Rhododendrons in bloom

I had heard that Rhododendrons on the trail at Pink Beds by the Cradle of Forestry we're at peak.

Disappointed the Rhododendrons were on their way out but the Mountain Laurel we're coming into bloom

Regardless it's a nice hike

A nice bridge

And a nice hike.  Stop at Jukebox Junction for lunch.

Gary and I take a ride over to Gatlinburg to ride the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail

It's a 5.5.mile one way loop with some small parking areas along the way with historic buildings to see or some trailheads to Fall hikes.

Still in search of a Rhododendron forest, we hike the Craggy Pinnacle Overlook

Rhododendrons!

It's a short hike, but all uphill.

The Mountain Laurel are starting to come out.

I think we're almost there.

A few more steps

We're in the clouds now

A well deserved rest

Photo op on the way back down.  Nice hike!

A visit to The rodeo.  

A busy couple week!