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Tomorrow we leave for Virginia for a week to visit some of Jordan’s family.  I am finally starting to find my way around Asheville and Hendersonville, its a lot of getting lost, missing a road sign and having to call someone with GPS.   Today I finally made my way around with out any of these backups its a bit slower going and can certainly get frustrating at times yet it becomes rather rewarding when you can start learning the basics getting where you need to be.  If I had more time I would certainly take the time to meander my way through more back roads.

 I have learned that most roads do lead home some way or another.  I do get lost but I have never gotten so lost to the point of not finding my way back.

Over the weekend Jordan I decided to go see what all the fuss was about with The Blue Ridge Parkway.  The highway travels along The Great Smoky Mountains between a few states and in and out of state forests, parks and such.

On Saturday we headed towards Brevard, NC the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the spot for all outdoor activity.   To get to the Parkway you drive into Pisgah National Forest driving past many waterfalls.  We stopped quickly at Looking Glass Falls off the side of the road with plenty of parking and a small sidewalk and and stairs that lead down to the bottom of the falls if you so desire.  We then made our way a mile up the road to Moore Cove Falls for a short, inter-mediate hike to Moore Cove Falls.

Spring time is the best time for the falls though we rather enjoyed the hike and being in nature.

Saturday Night we parked closer to town, went grocery shopping at a local organic store, checked hikes on the parkway and bedded down early.

Sunday morning we got up went for coffee at a local coffee shop that was a dual bike shop. Brevard is the place for mountain biking and they seem to really like their Specialized bikes.

We drove back into Pisgah National Forest to pickup the Parkway. We drove about 40 mins or so to The Mount Pisgah Trail. 

The trail itself is 2.5 miles round steep and a scramble up rocks, roots and leaves.  To be honest I am surprised and impressed with the trails out here. They are well kept and a good width for people to pass and walk beside.

After finally making our way up and being disappointed there were no Tibetan Monks at the top to greet and bless us we were greeted with views over the whole valley on either side of us and more rolling mountain views.

though we didn’t find monks at the top we did meet some amazingly silly women at the top who did greet us and cheer us for finishing.  We were all able to take each others pictures and have some great conversations.  They had an enjoyable time teasing Jordan and I.

We ended up getting a group shot, sadly we don’t have it.

On the way way down Jordan and I tried coming up with a good trail nickname for them. Something fondly for us to remember.  I thought they were a hoot and lovingly refer to them as The Cackling Sisters.  Everyone needs a good trail name.

I know for myself that the whole point of traveling is to get me out of my comfort zone, meeting new people and starting new conversations.  About whatever, new ways of living, sustainable living, learning and discovering how others live.  I want to experience nature and to also meet people.   I have this theory that we’re all not that different from one another.  I want to find out if this theory is true.

I just have faith in humanity, more than what I even believe I have.  There is always so much nay sayers and so much put up against one another in media.  I believe that is false, I believe there really is more good in the world, in humanity.  

I am on this journey to find out.

with love,

jess