blue ridge beauty

Every week we try to hike a new area of the Blue Ridge mountains. And every time, I remember why we honeymooned here. And why were are 'sabbaticaling' here. (Blogger is telling me that 'sabbaticaling' is not a word. As if.)

I love these hikers.

Snacks + Backpack = Happy Little Hiker.

(Eliana and this hat are inseparable.)

Taking a closer look at the acorn tops.

Last snowball fight of the season!

Last week we took the girls to Grandfather Mountain, 'the most rugged climb in the Eastern US.' I remember this climb on our honeymoon. In fact, I remember twisting my ankle on this climb on our honeymoon! Ten years later, we opted instead for the kid-friendly thing: we drove up, walked the 'Mile High bridge' (with a great deal of trust in engineers) and made the short trek to the top. 360-degree views of mountain ridge after mountain ridge cascading to the horizon. Awesome. In the literal meaning of the word.

Near the summit of Grandfather Mountain are some animal habitats. The girls were excited to see deer (which by now they think are as common as dogs), two eagles, some playful otters (the girls LOVED watching the otters swim) and a bear that had just woken from hibernation a few days before. If you're going to live in captivity, this is about as good as it gets.

That afternoon, we also hiked around a nearby lake. Our plan was to stay out all day and lull Eliana into napping on Tim's back while we walked. No go. This girl loves her bed. She doesn't even like falling asleep in the car if she can help it. This should make our upcoming car trip eventful....

Back to the hike. The beavers had been at work around the lake and Maia was fascinated. She decided to do her part as well. Gooferoo.

So I'd like to take you all for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wanna come?

Here is a shot from the side of the Parkway with no photo enhancements from my simple point and shoot camera. No kidding. Isn't that stunning?

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.

--Psalm 36