After what has seemed like a long winter (at least for South Carolina standards) which included two winter storms, we were really excited that things were warming up and decided to make the most of Parker’s spring break and head for the hills for the week. We left bright and early on Saturday with the first stop being REI in Asheville so that the kids could get new sandals for the summer (we would later realize that this was an unnecessary purchase for this trip, but at least we are ready for the summer). And since we were in Asheville, it was off Salsa’s, one of our favorite restaurants for an amazing lunch. Then it was off to Roan Mountain.
We started things off with a sunset hike up to Round Bald on the Appalachian Trail. Then it was back to the cabin to get a good night’s sleep for our next adventure. We woke up Sunday, loaded up our bellies with pancakes and then drove to Damascus, VA. Once there, we checked in with the Shuttle Shack to rent bikes and prepare for our journey. We loaded into a van and drove to Whitetop Station, then mounted our bikes and were off. Parker and Kristie had their own bikes and Ansel rode behind Jay on a trailer bike (but she peddled hard when she needed to). The trail was beautiful and biking it is a great way to see the countryside. We stopped along the way for snacks and enjoyed the gorgeous day. 17 miles later, we arrived back in Damascus.
Monday was a rainy day. We spent most of the day inside and did a lot of reading and relaxing and had a cookout for dinner.
Around midmorning on Tuesday Kristie commented that she thought it was sleeting. I reminded her that it was 55 degrees and then looked out the window and saw the ice bouncing off the deck. It was really 32 degrees. The sleet turned to snow and came down hard at times. Parker and Jay enjoyed walking around in it, but the girls decided to stay in and do some crafts. Before the weather turned too bad, Jay drove down the mountain to Smoky Mountain Bakers for pizzas (this is one of the best pizza places ever and just happens to be in Roan Mountain). We finished the day with some movies.
The temperature continued to drop and when we woke up Wednesday morning, was at 19 degrees. It was cold, but it warmed up quickly. Needing to get out, we headed up to Carver’s Gap for a morning leg stretcher up to Round Bald. The icy balds were beautiful and it felt great to be outside. After our hike, we drove to Elk River Falls. The kids (all three) enjoyed climbing on the rocks at the base of the falls. Afterward, we drove around NC and then back up to the cabin. We capped off the day with a marshmallow roast.
Thursday, we were ready for a big hike. We woke up and fueled up on french toast. Then we loaded up for another trip to Carver’s Gap. It was a clear day and the kids started out their hike by holding hands while we hiked ahead of them on the Appalachian Trail. We stopped twice. Once when Ansel fell and bloodied her nose and again when she fell in the mud. After hiking a little over 2.5 miles, we arrived at Grassy Ridge. We broke out the snacks and then the three kids did some bouldering before the hike back to the car.
Friday we packed up and said goodbye to the Roan around lunch. We drove over the mountain and into North Carolina, picking up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mt Mitchell State Park. We started the hike late–and it was a short one at only four miles–but it was a strenuous one to the top (Old Mt Mitchell Trail). We all walked most of the way up to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi, but Ansel got a piggy back ride from Jay most of the way home. We made it back to the car as it was starting to rain. Mt Mitchell is a really cool place and we were surprised that we had never spent much time in the immediate area. It was a great way to celebrate Earth Day and we will definitely be back! Due to a closure on the Parkway, we began the extended and soggy trip back to Columbia.
