Monday, February 13, 2023

Hanging Rock State Park

In an effort to get out of the house more often and see the sights around North Carolina while we still live here (we are not planning on moving out of state any time soon, but I don't see us staying here permanently) we have made it a point as a family to try and get out every Saturday to hike new trails. The weather here this winter has been pretty rainy, so we haven't been able to get out as often as we would like to, but we have made it out several times in the last 6-7 weeks. We are also making more of an effort to try and get out now, as opposed to the springtime because both Elizabeth and Josh will have spring soccer games that will take up a good majority of our Saturdays. By the time summer comes around it has been our experience that it is too darn humid in these parts to be hiking, but maybe we will change our mind this summer and get to the mountains more often as it is not as hot and humid as the Charlotte area is. 

On this particular Saturday, we headed to Hanging Rock State Park and hiked a pretty hard trail up and down a mountain. The scenery at the top was very pretty with miles and miles of mountain peaks in every direction one could look. We brough Max with us which I know he appreciated and with the exception of the car ride there in which he whined the whole time in the car, he was a very good boy. 

With Josh being at school, it was just the five of us, but we all still had a good time together. We are getting more and more used to Josh not being around for a lot of what we do. In 6ish months, we'll have to get used to another member of our tribe not being around a lot as Sarah will be heading off to college as well. 

I am always glad that we get out of the house as a family. I think everyone of us would agree with that statement. It is so easy to get caught up in staying at home and doing home things that one can forget that there is a whole wide world out there waiting to be explored. 


Picture of a sign that reads: "Serious injuries and death have occurred beyond this point."
It is always cool for us to go hiking in places where these signs exist. There is something about being reminded that nature can be a dangerous place that is a bit intoxicating to me. 

 


Dad took a picture of me down by the water fall from a lookout point above.







The water fall from ground level. The water is rushing over the mountain down into the river below.

A view of the water fall as it splashes down into the river below. The pic is taken from a distance of the waterfall itself. There are trees on both sides of the water fall and river creating a canyon.



Me and dad taking a selfie in front of the water fall. I have my hair down and am wearing a red sweatshirt and jeans. Dad is wearing sunglasses, a gray hat, and a gray sweatshirt.

Andy down by the waterfall wearing his babushka, orange coat, and babushka. He is looking down at the river as it carries the water from the water fall above.

A view of Andy as he hikes ahead of me. He is wearing his orange jacket, babushka, and jeans. He is using two hiking poles. There are trees and large rocks all around.

A view of the sky from the top of our hike. There are a few trees scattered in the background and above are the leftover trails of three airplanes that have since passed by. The white of the airplane fumes contrast with the blue sky and make it look very beautiful.

A stack of rocks put there by passing hikers sitting on top of a dead limb of an old tree.

Another view of Max standing on a rock on top of the mountain. Max's fur is shining in the sun. He is panting looking out towards the horizon.

Max resting on top of the mountain. He is panting in the sunlight while standing on a rock.





Max finally laying down resting on top of the mountain. He is panting in the sunlight. He appears content.

You making your way towards Elizabeth and I on top of the moutain. You are climbing over a bunch of uneven rocks as you make your way towards us. You are wearing your yellow sweatshirt, black leggings, and have both hiking poles in your hands.





You making your way over to where Elizabeth and I are sitting on the rocks on top of the hike. You have two hiking poles and are wearing a yellow sweatshirt and black leggings. Your hair is down. The sun is shining and the sky is blue.

You finally making your way to me and Elizabeth. You are giving me the pinky as you make your way to our resting spot and are sticking out your tongue.





Margie sitting on the rock resting. Her long blonde hair is down around her shoulders. She is sitting with one leg folded in front of her and one leg bent up. She is wearing dad's flannel, black addidas pants, and a pair of black sneakers. She is looking straight at the camera and is not smiling.

A view of the tops of the trees and sky above us as we hiked back down the mountain. The sky is a deep, cloudless blue. The trees are mostly bare except for the evergreens.

Tons of pinecones in an evergreen tree that we are passing on our left hand side going up the mountain.

A close up of a large brown pinecone on an evergreen tree.



A closeup of pine needles. There is a small cluster of them. The green needles are about two inches long.

A random pic of Moose sitting on his hind legs to the left of the loveseat in the family room (if you are looking at it). He looks so freaking cute.
Of course, I have to include a Moose pic. He stayed home while we hiked, but kept the house in order and under control. 

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