Great Weekend

Well, this weekend turned out different than originally planned, but it was great! We (mom, Hunter and I) had originally planned to go hiking on the AT for the weekend, but Mother Nature had a different idea. As the weekend drew nearer, the night forecast got colder. We are talking down into the 20s. Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind cold weather when I'm prepared for it, but 20 is way to cold for my old bones! ;) Apparently Mom and Hunter felt the same, so we took our trip to Crowders Mountain NC instead.

I must say they have a really nice setup there. It's not the typical drive to your campsite type state park. You have to hike in about a mile to get to the site, but once you're there you have it made! That is in comparison to the AT though. They have a picnic table, 2 flat tent sites and a fire pit. There isn't any running water, but they have a "community" well with an old hand pump to pump water out. Also, there isn't a modern bathroom with running water. Instead, you take a short hike to one of the two privy type outhouses. Some people might not enjoy this, but when hiking generally entails a tree an a shovel, you would enjoy this convenience too! Once we arrived at the campsite - with Behr too, we set up all of our hammocks and what not. Mom and I took a mile hike up to the point that looks over the ridge. The view was amazing with the trees changing colors. It was green with burnt oranges, reds and yellows sprinkled throughout. Behr really seemed to enjoy his hiking too because he whimpered every time we stopped. Such torture for him. We made the mile hike back and Hunter had made a fire already with the pre-chopped firewood the park provides. Just another luxury we were given. Then for the best part - supper. Steaks and potatoes on the grill (a fancy grate that goes over the fire) with sausage gumbo. Yum! Sadly enough, the next day we packed up and took all of our stuff to the car and went home. Such a sad excuse of a hiker we all are! It was ok though. We got a nap that day followed by a great Birthday dinner of homemade fried chicken, mac and cheese, fried okra and rice with gravy all for Kyle. Oh let's not forget the chocolate pound cake too! I guess there is no need to say how well we all slept that night...

Today proved to be slightly more productive. A quick trip to hobby lobby to get yarn for Grammy to make Hunter and me stockings, followed by Pier One for stocking hangers. We all know that an extra item or two made its way into my bag, but that's quite alright. Lunch consisted of good Mexican food and Modelo which no one complained about. After our bellies were full Hunter, Kyle and I ran a few more errands including a fish store trip. :) No new kritters are coming with us, but we made a few purchases.

Camping pictures to follow...