Sunday, July 22, 2007

First Stop: Creekwood Farm, North Carolina

In spite of it taking me a week to get this first entry, we did arrive here in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina on Monday, July 16, after spending last Sunday night in a quaint little RV park in Canadys, SC. Arriving here at Creekwood Farm RV Park was a little like coming home. We were both very excited and happy to get here. Here’s a look at our “home” after we got fully set up and settled in.

We’ve been walking about 2 ¼ miles most days since being here. We’ve been to the casino in Cherokee – with no luck. We’ve been enjoying the weather here. After the high-90’s of Florida, the mid- to low-80’s here feels fabulous. We’ve had rain most days, but that’s been kind of nice, too. And Tuesday evening we had cocktails on the creek.

It was reminiscent of last summer, but our friends aren’t here this summer. So we invited the ducks.

On Thursday, we went onto the Cherokee Reservation to do some fishing. We’d heard good things about the fishing there, but weren’t able to prove any of it. But we have proof we tried!


Julian’s been fishing on our creek here at the campground and has had some success. Nothing big enough to keep, yet, but there’s always tomorrow.

While on the reservation we found Mingo Falls. I should have taken a picture of the steps we had to climb to get up there! It was a long way up, to say the least. But the trip was worth it. The waterfall was very cool.
Saturday was waterfall day. We drove south into Transylvania County in search of a few falls to enjoy. We got our fill by the end of the day and got more exercise than we’d bargained on in the process. Here are the five that we stopped at, starting with Sliding Rock Falls. Anyone could get into the water and slide down into the pool at the bottom. It looked like it would be fun on a really hot day.

Next was Looking Glass Falls. I don’t know why it’s called that, but it was nice.

The next one we stopped at was called Connestee Falls. Unfortunately the viewing was from the top and we were not in the mood for what looked like a very long walk down (and then back up) for a better viewing. So this is as good a photo as we got.

Heading down the road and into DuPont State Forest, we got to see two more. The first was Hooker Falls. In spite of signs posted to the contrary, some teen-ager was jumping over the edge into the lake below. He was just plain crazy!

From there we had the hike of the day. We probably wouldn’t have done it if we had known ahead of time. The guide books said “hike upstream about 1000’ on level ground.” Well, there wasn’t anything level about it – all up hill. But in the end, it was worth it. Triple Falls was the prettiest of those we’d seen all day.

Those are the highlights of our first week of this three month adventure. We’re having a great time. We hope you are enjoying your days as much.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Didn't know there were so many falls around them thar hills! How beautiful. And glad to see photos up here, too.

Bob said...

I rolled through Cherokee almost exactly a year ago. Lots of rafting around that neighborhood. I am sooooo jealous!

Bob said...

P.S. What's up with the C. Everett Koop beard? Looks great! I'll work on mine in Montana.

Louise & Neil said...

Your home away from home looks fabulous. Great pictures of the waterfalls. Didn't know there was so many there. Looks like a great place. Keep us posted. We love seeing all the places you've been.
We're leaving for Sun City early Friday morning and will be gone for the week. We'll email you when we return and let you know how things went. Joyce and Ron and flying in on Saturday and will spend the week with us.
Louise & Neil

Sr. Carole Ann Clark, OSB said...

What a good beginning. I hope you are blessed with such beauty your whole trip. I'm so glad you are sharing your photos. Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Looks fabulous, the falls and you guys as well. What wonderful scenery. Next time take a picture of my doggie!!!
This is a great way to keep up on you guys. You can't get away from us!!! Lova Ya!!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous was me...Joyce & Ron

Unknown said...

Still like to see the inside of your digs when it's all set up like you have it. Come on - SHARE! Hope you are enjoying your neighbors, too.