Waterrock Knob, Blue Ridge Mountains, NC

After church on Sunday and the wonderful sermon by Dr Mike Odom in Maggie Valley NC, we went for lunch at a picnic area outside Waynesville and then trundled off to follow the Blue Ridge Parkway back to Maggie Valley.

En route we found lots of lovely scenic views over the mountains. The aim was to get to Waterrock Knob which is 6292ft high. Harvey did us proud and we pulled into the visitor’s centre, and then climbed the last half mile up to the top. We were very aware that there were bears and snakes around and a lot of people were talking about the way they should be handled if seen. One guy there had gone armed with a knife! He’d have to get very very close to make that one work!

It was steep climb over rocks, stones and tracks.  We had our walking boots on and were stopping often enough to have some water.

Tim demonstrated how to breathe when climbing or doing any exercise.  He’s got all his tips from his mate Brian.  As I was climbing I could hear Tim practising behind me. S-l-o-w breath out! S-l-o-w breath out! Thanks Brian.

Please don't put this one in darling!

Ah, that's better!

Anyway, it was a good climb and once we were at the top Tim decided to sit over the edge on a rock to try and get a good photo of where we had left Harvey. I daren’t look……. sometimes boys just have to be left to be boys!  At least we had written our wills before we left the UK.

View from the Knob.  Harvey is just above centre-right in this picture

We were just about to leave the top when the heavens opened. We were so hot. It was actually refreshing and we got soaked. Our goal was now to get down without slipping in the mud or on the rocks. One person ahead of us had climbed in her bare feet and another in flip flops!!!! How?!

On top of the world!  In the rain.

Anyway, it was a fantastic afternoon, and back in Harvey we made a cup of tea, while Tim stood on the roof for a photo opportunity.

An earlier peak with a view.