Technically we have a pool at our house, too...

Normally when you go on a trip, it feels good to be home. But the mountain house in Brevard was so nice, that I missed the pool and the stunning views. Our AC went out on Sunday, so we set up the pool and sprinkler in the yard for the kids, while Zac washed the dust off the vehicles. It wasn't as fun as the mountain house pool, and it didn't have the views, but we made do.

Day 8: Goodbyes, WNC Nature Center, Home

It was sad to discover that the whole week at the mountain house had already passed, and it was the morning of departure.

After bidding a sad farewell to the grandparents, we stopped at the WNC Nature Center in Asheville on our way out. It was basically a mini-zoo, housing the animals of Western North Carolina, such as blackbears, coyotes, red wolves, etc.

 

 

 

The kids fell asleep within five minutes of being in the van. When they woke up and we were about an hour and half from home, we stopped at a bbq restaurant for a late lunch/early supper.

Then we were home again!

Day 7 PM: Hike up Looking Glass Rock

On Friday afternoon, we took an adult hike. To put this in perspective, the last time Zac and I took a proper hike was nearly 6 years ago on a camping trip when I was just barely pregnant with Alice. Since then we've only taken short hikes without much elevation change because we're always toting or dragging kids along with us. The hike for this afternoon was a 6.4 mile, 1649 ft elevation-gain hike up Looking Glass Rock.

Most of the hike was through the woods, but in a few places we came out on to the bare rock surface as side trips.

We stopped at this other rock for a snack and water break. It had great views of the mountain ranges and John Rock.

Here we are at the end of the trail.

Here is a picture (not taken by us) of what we were on top of:

After relaxing on the top for a while and enjoying the amazing views, we headed back down.

At the bottom, we crossed the road to look at the beautiful Davidson River. Here is is how Shogrens stand by a river:

Back at home, I relaxed in the hot tub and played in the pool with the kids while Tener and the others prepared a late supper. Then it was time for Uncle Tener to read Alice some bedtime stories.