For Memorial Day we decided to go out on an adventure. We invited the A family to go with us up into the mountains, just a short ways from us. We were headed to a place called Jones Gap. Our landlord told us it was the best kept secret around. Would you believe we did not even get to Jones Gap? The Lord has other blessings for us in store and what a day it was!
We started out by meeting the A family and leaving their car at Walmart so we could all ride together. Then off to the mountains we went! But, as we were nearing Jones Gap, Mr A asked us if we wanted a little side excursion. We were so excited about everything new and it was so beautiful all around us we were drinking it in. As we turned and pulled into a church parking lot, Mr A led us down the most beautiful path. We walked and walked and then could begin to hear water. Pretty soon the most breathtaking waterfall was seen through the trees. The hiking at this point became more challenging as the daddys had to help us all go down some s-t-e-e-p areas, but it was so exhilarating to be enjoying such beauty all around. As we got down to the bottom this paradise was before us! The water was crystal clear and the stream bottom was soft sand. As we basked in the pure loveliness of it all, we felt as though just this stop was worth the whole trip. The A family has been there swimming before and it so great because the depth is perfect for the children.
So up we hiked back to the van for another adventure. By now our tummies are growling after such fresh air and hiking, so we determine it is best to head to Jones Gap and set up to grill right away. But, when we got to the gap, the park was already full. We thought about waiting till someone left to go in, but found out there were not grills there to make our hamburgers on. So, we decided to go to Table Rock Mountain not far from there. We pulled up there and told that we could pay to come in (15 dollars for the van) but they were very full as well and could not guarantee us a spot. Also, THEY did not have any grills either! By now, I am thinking maybe we are going to end up at McDonalds? Mr A called ahead to Caesar's Head Mountain to see if THEY were full and they were not. So the two daddys went in and bought a little travel grill and we headed off to Caesar's Head. We went up that mountain, and you should have seen the switchback roads. The children were all in the back and with each turn to the right or left they would say "Woaaahhhh" and were giggling and laughing. So up we came to the top of Caesar's Head and what a view it was. 3,500 feet of loveliness awaiting us. We ooohhhh and awwwed at the lookout point and then started trying to figure out where we were going to grill. So what did we see there next to the picnic table? A GRILL! (laughing!)
We went ahead and tried to start the grill. Mrs A had bought a lighter but it would not work, so Mr A went to the little soveneir shop there and bought some matches. After some coaxing and prodding the coals finally got started. And after much patience our burgers were sizzling away. Matthew Henry says "Hunger is the best sauce" and we sure had it by then! You can't get much better for a lunch than sitting in the fresh mountain air with fresh grilled burgers!
By now it was about 3pm and the children were really wanting to swim. The cove that Mr A had brought us to first was so lovely that we decided we wanted to all go back there and swim. So back down the mountain (Whoaaaaa with every turn) and over to the cove that we have fondly named after Mr A. We spent the remainder of the afternoon having the best time swimming, laughing, splashing and exploring in the streams. You will see in the slideshow that S enjoyed battling the falls. He got all the way under them and let them pound down on him. Even the youngers down to H had a blast! What a blessing from the Lord.
Tired and refreshed we hiked back up to the van and then we heading back. The A family invited us back to their house for dinner and we watched a movie together. We arrived back home around 11pm. What a full, fun day! The Lord's creation is so breathtaking! What a majestic, mighty God we serve! I am going to be posting a slideshow, but blogger is not liking my connection speed here. I will try again, but I may have to take my computer in tomorrow when we go into town, and sit at a Wi-Fi place to upload it. I have been able to limp out these other two slideshows today, so we will see.
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