Chimney Rock

Quite a few pics as this was a very photogenic day. We decide to risk taking the rig up the winding road to Chimney Rock (song of the day of course Chim Chim Cher-ee).
We took the easy way to reach the Chimney by riding the elevator up a 26-story shaft which was blasted through solid granite back in the 1940's. After climbing the steps to the Chimney itself and the stunning views we climbed higher to the Opera Box and then on up to Exclamation Point where, wow, the views were awesome ! Again some of the views are very similar to our favourite place in Greece, Zagoria National Park.
Our rig at Chimney Rock

The Chimney

At The Chimney

Elevation 2280 feet

One of the views from the Chimney

The Opera Box elevation 2480 feet

The Chimney taken from The Opera Box

The Chimney taken from Exclamation Point. The views from here were awesome

Devil's Head

Some of the many steps

Steps up to The Chimney

Steps down to the parking lot

Underneath view of the steps to the Chimney

We walked the long way back down to the parking lot and had a quick sandwich before setting off on The Hickory Nut Falls Trail. Again well worth the hike, which was described as easy but having walked a fair few trails over the past few weeks we would say it was moderate and of course up hill ! The waterfall at the end of the hike is one of the highest on the east coast at 404 feet, it's claim to fame is it featured in the 1992 remake of The Last of the Mohicans.

Start of the afternoon hike to Hickory Nut Falls

Elevation 2450 feet. Falls drop 404 feet

I like these next 2. Sun sparkling on the water of the falls

We called into the Blue Ridge visitors centre on our way back to camp to get information on the closures, due to the winter weather, on the Blue Ridge. Most have now been repaired and the road reopened, luckily just one small stretch on our route which the ranger said is easily navigated around !! Oh yeah we shall see ! We have had a great day, seen some stunning views, temps into the 80's, we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We are off tomorrow to ride the Blue Ridge. Not sure when the next blog entry will be as it will be a day to day affair with campsites and unsure if they will have internet connection also it seems that some nasty weather is coming our way in the shape of thunder, rain and tornados.