More Mountain Adventure

Our second day in North Carolina began with more waterfall viewings. On the way out of Highlands, we passed Bridal Veil Falls. I neglected to take a picture of it, because we didn't so much stop as sloooowww dowwwwnnnn on our way past it. The highway forks just before it. One path passes behind the water, under the rocky outcrop. The other path passes in front, around the hole in the ground where the water continues its journey below to some unseen place.

Next up the road, we found Dry Falls. I placed a picture of it at the beginning of yesterday's blog post. Here is another:

Here, one can walk around behind the falls while getting hit with a small amount of mist. Though perhaps during times of high water, one might get all wet I think. It would be worth it though. These were incredibly beautiful falls.

The kids were really enjoying the stops so far (as well as the grown-ups), but there was more fun in store for us that day. We were headed north, toward Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. But on the way, we had an idea that I knew my kids would flip over. Part fascinating, part super-fun, part cheesy--we stopped at a roadside gem mining shop.

My girls LOVE rocks.

You buy a big bucket full of dirt (and uncut gems).

You stand next to a trough flowing with water and sift the dirt with a screen-bottomed box. You get slightly muddy.

Or really muddy.

Hopers doing some sifting.

You find piles of rubies, rose quartz, emeralds, garnets, tourmaline, etc. You (if you are small person) squeal with delight the entire time and show your mommy each and every treasure.

This was the girls' favorite part of the day. They made me keep it a secret from Daddy just so they could have the joy of surprising him with their finds when we got home.

Gwen and Noodle with their bags of gems.

Now our next stop would be the Tubing Trip of Death, but I've used up my time today. Tubing will have to wait for tomorrow.

You're gonna love it.