August 8, 2013

Mountain Adventure Day 4

Day 4 was defiantly my favorite day of this vacation. As we were researching things to do in and around Blue Ridge we knew we wanted to do a hiking day! Our original plan was to go to the site of the Centennial Olympics in 1996 but to our surprise when we arrived there was no actual hiking. The sweet gentleman in the gift shop suggested Benton Falls which was also on our list but we thought it may be to much for the kids! We drove another 10 miles of winding mountain road and then another 7 miles up hill to the entrance of our 6 mile hike! 

After a picnic lunch by the beach we set out for our hiking adventure to see the falls. Getting to the fall is down hill on a dirt and very rocky path. Steve and I took turns carrying a very grumpy toddler in the Beco carrier. But the girls were amazing all 6 miles of the hike! (3 miles each way) Neither of them complained once about the heat, bugs, or being tired! This was defiantly an adventure none of us will ever forget. Arriving at the falls was one of the most amazing sites any of us had ever seen. 
The bridge overlooking the rapids at the Olympic site
When the damn opens water is flowing through these rocks and it doesn't even look like the same place. People were rafting rough here at a very high rate of speed once it was filled! AMAZING
Jackson and I
Getting ready to set out on our hike! 
What a view 

Benton Falls what an amazing structure. I have never seen anything like it! 
These pictures do not do this justice 
We just sat for a very long time listening to the sound of the water flowing. 
All the kids loved playing on the rocks and dangling there toes in the cool water.
I carried a sleeping Jackson up hill all 3 miles on the return trip!  
On the way home we stopped in McCaysville to take our photo on the GA, TN state line. Very touristy but very fun!
In 2 states at once! 
They all thought I was nuts! but I think its fun
We returned home and grilled salmon, steamed green beans, and rice. The kids ate every bite that night and asked for seconds. Not sure if they worked up a major appetite from the hike or if it was the fresh salmon but this was also my favorite meal we cooked! 
This boy was a total mess!!!
All the kids HAD to sit with me in the little chair! 
Two VERY tired girls that night
I feel so blessed to have been able to experience today! It was truly amazing to be able to show our children such a naturally beautiful thing.

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