Waterrock Knob - exhilarating view

Waterrock Knob overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Time has a way of changing things.

My wife Linda and I returned to Waterrock Knob picnic area on the Blue Ridge Parkway last week. The site is south of Asheville, NC

We had passed that way twice before. 

The first time, we climbed the strenuous half-mile trail that overlooked the area.

My camera of choice at the time was a Yashika 2 1/4 film camera. The camera took a roll that had 12 shots on it. The negatives were 2 1/4" square. 

For those familiar with such an ancient vehicle of photography, you can readily tell my age. Following the week at Elkmont in the Smokys, we went up to Balsam Mountain for a night. The next night was a Best Western motel in Maggie Valley. After a week of haphazard cleanup, it was time to do really feel clean.

We partook of motel's free continental breakfast and were going to spend some time at a coffee shop down the road for a latte and some hot tea. We didn't see any activity there the day before, so I told my wife if they were closed I would brew her up some tea at the Waterrock Knob Picnic Area.

The coffee shop was closed.

We arrived at Waterrock at 8:30 a.m. expecting to stay maybe a half hour or hour. We spent three after deciding to make the climb again. I had some Walmart French vanilla cappucino and Linda had her hot tea. We heated the water on our propane stove.

The view from our picnic table was tremendous.

The trail was just as tough as the first time, but vegetation that was now some 30 years older, blocked out a lot of the views. Nevertheless, the climb was worth the time.

We then headed to Mt. Pisgah campground for two more nights before heading home.

Next blog: Sunday, July 25, 2010