Ok, lets get started on the adventure. My truck had been making a funny noise as we got into Nantahala on Thursday afternoon (more on that later), so Shawn suggested that we take the top off of his jeep and take it for the day and just go exploring... Also, since Shawn has lived there all of his life, he broke out a map, and gave us a route that he thought that we would enjoy. Thanks again Shawn, our mapped out Jeep tour was perfect! We left Nantahala and headed to Franklin, stopped to have breakfast and then off to find some waterfalls.... Shawn had pointed us to Highlands, and it did not disappoint.
This was one of the first small waterfalls we saw as we were driving to Highlands. When you are surrounded with views like this, how can you not enjoy yourself. As we drove further we encountered the next fall, which was even larger and more beautiful...
I'm not sure if either of these first two smaller falls have names, I'm sure they do by the locals, but I couldn't find them on the map. After this fall it was several more miles of beautiful views of waterfalls and rapids and then we reached Dry Falls...
Dry Falls is Amazing! They have an elevated viewing platform, and also stairs and a walkway so you can go down under the falls. There are no words to describe the feeling of standing under a waterfall, it truly makes you respect and appreciate God's work...
After spending some time here enjoying the beauty of Dry Falls, we headed further up the mountain towards Highlands. We did pass Bridal Veil falls, which you can drive beneath, but there were several motorcycles under the falls taking pictures so we decided to keep heading to Highlands...
Highlands is absolutely beautiful, it reminded me of Denver Colorado or some of the other smaller Colorado towns I've been through over the years. We rode through the small town and started heading towards Cashiers, but decided to stop and hike up Whiteside Mountain.
It's about mile and a half hike to the top of Whiteside, and the views are spectacular. The day we hiked the mountain it was cool and overcast. The cooler weather was perfect, but the overcast conditions did limit the views from the top. Elevation at the lookout for Whiteside Moutain is 4930ft.After hiking Whiteside, we decided to just ride for a while and make our way to Bryson City, which was probably an hour or so away. All along the way are views of rock formations, rolling rapids, and several mountain lakes. When we arrived in Bryson City, they were having their 4th of July festival, so we walked around and enjoyed the Arts and Crafts. And of course stopped and bought a few things at Bryson City Bicycles.
After we left Bryson City, we headed back down into the Nantahala Gorge, to stop by the Nantahala Outdoor Center to buy some gifts and to watch the people playing in the rapids.
What a day, what an adventure. We pulled back into Shawn and Kathy's around 7:00. They were just closing up their shop, and we headed down to Nantahala lake to listen to a band that was performing live from the middle of the lake, eat some great food and watch the fireworks. Vacation July 2010.... this is how life should be....
1 comment:
Man I don't know where to begin bro. So many good memories and great times. It's still hard to believe you aren't here any more. I started riding again and talk to you out on the trail when I'm out there. I can feel your spirit guiding me and keeping me safe. You were and always will be my brother from another mother and until we meet again in the great beyond bro, I love and miss you.
Fuzz
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