Escape to the Mountains!

We escaped to the mountains for a few days last week, loaded up the Harley in the trailer, hitched it to the RV and headed for the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It was cooler than here at home and most everywhere else we could think of to spend a few days.  We stayed at the Honey Bear Campground near Boone, NC and over the weekend it was a busy place with lots of campers, kids and dogs. But we did have a nice shaded campsite.

As usual, the mountain scenery doesn't disappoint.  Lately I've been fascinated by barn quilts and there were several along the roads.  It's a challenge to get good photos though, especially when buzzing by on a motorcycle!

One day we took the drive up to Grandfather Mountain.   

The mile high swinging bridge is the highlight near the top of the mountain.  We could have hiked the remaining  trail to the summit, but after noting that it was recommended for experienced hikers, changed our minds!  

It was  fun to venture away from the Blue Ridge Parkway and explore some of the adjacent areas of Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis.  The little community of Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern US.  I had to snap a photo of their snow depth pole as a reminder that these hot days of summer will surely come to an end soon!