Grandfather Mountain and some Blue Ridge

Awoke to a beautiful clear blue sky, birds singing, peaceful quite camp site with a view of green fields, life doesn't get a whole lot better than this.
Up and off to Grandfather Mountain, elevation 5956 feet. When we couldn't get a car hire at the last camp site we nearly passed up on going here but so very pleased we didn't as the mountain and this area of the Blue Ridge really is a must visit place. We parked at the "hikers" car park and hiked up a rocky (described as difficult) trail to the swinging bridge which is a suspension bridge a mile above sea level between rocky outcrops. The views had already been fantastic but from the bridge and the rocks on the other side they were awesome to say the least.

This and next pic a "cave" on the hike up to the swinging bridge

End of trail under the swinging bridge

Main view point from other side of swinging bridge

Quite windy up here

After walking back down to our car we then headed off along the Arch Rock trail. This time a trail of boulders and roots and lots of interesting information about the flora and fauna rather than views.

Trail to Arch Rock !!!

A quick bite of our packed lunch and we move on up to the Blue Ridge Parkway a mile or so from Grandfather Mountain. First stop Beacon Heights elevation 4220 feet and a 1400 feet hike up again over boulders and roots

Again fantastic views from Beacon Heights

Beacon Heights, there is something very special about "hanging" on the edge of the world.

Back down from here and on along the Blue Ridge over Linn Cove viaduct

Linn Cove viaduct

Last hike of the day but again so well worth it

See what they mean about rough rock !

It was quite nice to have a peaceful lake to gaze at after all of the rocky trails and awesome views

Our latest hire car and rig at campsite

We have had another fantastic day and arrived back home tired and a bit foot sore but feeling very uplifted.

We did have a very spooky moment this evening, the song on the brain today was Janis Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee and as I "sang" a bit Michael said that sounds like you were singing The Letter and of course then said who sang that to which I said The Box Tops (and also Joe Cocker) 5 mintes later I logged onto the BBC i-player to listen to Sounds of the Sixties and the very first record is....... yes.... The Letter by The Box Tops !! Well even cynical Himself said that was spooky !!!