High Country is the beloved name of the area where we live. It is called "High Country" for good reason. Boone is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains. Our "home" (a condo which is serving as a temporary home) has an elevation of 4200 ft. From our porch, we have layered mountain views all the way into Tennessee. The Blue Ridge Parkway is 15 minutes from the house and offers a variety of outdoor activities. Grandfather Mountain State Park (elevation 5,946 ft) towers over the main road to our condo.
Sounds great, right? Well don't forget one thing....winter!!! The high elevations, which offer breathtaking views, also offers a nice amount of snow. In the 2009-2010 school year, 26 days of school were missed and the area received close to 90 inches of snow!!!! I haven't fully wrapped my mind around winter in the mountains, but it will be here before we know it.
Until then, we are enjoying the local sights and the fabulous fall weather. Here are some pictures
from our day trip to Grandfather Mountain this past weekend. We had a
great time, despite the gusty winds!!! Enjoy!!
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| Look at Abby's hair...it was really windy!! |
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| Male and female mountain lion/panther/cougar. These were in captivity. If I were really this close to mountain lions, I wouldn't take time for a photo opt:) |
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| On the Mile High Swinging Bridge...it really is one mile in elevation!! |
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| More wind!! |
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| Views from the bridge |
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| All of the trees on top of Grandfather Mountain are permanently changed by the wind. |
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| After crossing the bridge |
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| On top of the mountain. (You can barely see Jude's little face, but he's there) |
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| Look at that lip! He wasn't happy about something..obviously! |
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| Pretty Abby! |
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| Climbing a tree!! |
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| Taking a ride on Daddy's back |
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| Love those big smiles!! |
