Sarah and Brian's North Carolina Trip 2022

                      Its always a good morning when a dog is involved. Photo by Mac.      I woke up to another amazing Beech Mountain sunrise. The Boston Celtics lost their playoff game, but they still have a chance. Brian and I hung out with the family as we ate our breakfast and sipped our morning coffee.  Maple, the dog, offered herself to anyone missing their furry family member at home.              One of the many historic buildings in Blowing Rock, NC. Photo by Mac.  Brian and I were on the road to Blowing Rock, NC. Our GPS took us on a wild backroad trip that included a long dirt road that led to a beautiful part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our truck's lower half looks like we ran through a " mudding" event back in Western Pennsylvania, but we will not bother to wash it until we are back at sea level.  Blowing Rock is a charming little town that sit 4...

                                        View from across the Mile High Swinging Bridge on top of Grandfather Mountain, NC Photo by Mac.  Brian and I-- unable to find Linville Falls, pivoted and visited Grandfather Mountain today. Last year was Brian's first trip to this famous natural wonder.  We got there at 8 A.m.-- at opening and THOUGHT we would start the day with a crossing of The Mile High Swinging Bridge.                                              A selfie of us on the summit early today. It was WINDY, and my hair blew everywhere.  I made my first attempt to cross the bridge in the morning, but the wind brought back some memories of past storms that I would rather not relive, so we drove to the animal preserve further down the mountain. We trained to c...

                                              Dressy family shot of the Southern McCarrens Photo by Val   It was a busy day.  Brian and I joined my brother, is wife and my parents for a 50th anniversary party.                                                      Brian and me {with St C} all dressed up .  Our cousin, Jessi & her dog arrived this evening. It is nice to have a dog in the house, since I am so accustomed to a dog's presence in the house.  Beech Mountain, the village, is the highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi River.    Tomorrow--- Linville Falls!  ~Mac

                                                    Me at the campus of Appalachian State University, in Boone, NC. Photo by Brian  Brian and I waited until the fog lifted to drive into nearby Boone, North Carolina. We ate brunch at a quaint little eatery that specialized in bagels.  Anne-Lynne & St C joined us and posed for a photo.                                        Anne-Lynne and St C pose with the Boone Bagels Breakfast menu. Photo by Mac     After breakfast we enjoyed a nice walk around campus and bought some Appalachian State " swag"  Boone is an old town, with new & old architecture. We were struck by the beauty of an old church situated among the more modern campus buildings on King Street.      ...

                                         Anne-Lynne and St Christopher wake up the mountain. Photo by Mac.     The Celtics won their second playoff game, so people were up late last evening. But since I grew up watching the Celtics, I am happy that they won.    It is really foggy this morning, the fog has not lifted yet and the chill is invigorating.  Fog always occurs in the morning here, and it is a perfect place to give thanks to God for bringing us safely to Beech Mountain again.  Today Brian and I are doing an urban hike in nearby Boone.  This evening is a 50 th  anniversary party for some friends, so we'll return and change into our " dressy" clothes.   I'll get some photos of our Boone adventures.  ~Mac

                                            Pinecone Manor House Photo by Mac  We had some good family time this afternoon. Our Pennsylvania family arrived this afternoon, and we all had some visiting time. Supper was delicious, Mom brough her specialty-- vegan lentil vegetable soup. Brian and I are going to Boon early tomorrow-- the 50th wedding anniversary party starts at 4 pm, so we will make an early urban hiking day in Boone.                                  Family in the Great Room, as seen from the second-floor landing.                                    Brian and I took at walk around our neighborhood after supper Here are some wildflowers that we saw blooming along the mountain road....