While George and I were in North Carolina recently visiting his son and family, we all went on a picnic and hike at the Pink Beds Picnic and Recreation Area in the Pisgah National Forest not far from Brevard, NC. Pink Beds is named for the profusion of pink wildflowers that grow here including mountain laurel and rhododendron. While we were there, the Rhododendrons were in full bloom.
After a delicious picnic lunch provided by son Bob and family, we all took a hike in the woods. This is such a neat area --and the hike (at least as far as we went) was very pretty---and not strenuous at all. We only hiked about a mile I think----and had to turn around due to flooding along the path. Here are some pictures. Above is a picture of one of the Rhododendron blooms we saw along our path. Below are more!!!
The boys were prepared ---with their backpacks, water and hiking sticks.
See what a nice, wooded area we had for hiking.
You know me!!!!! I had to take alot of pictures of the Rhododendrons!!!!! ha.. BUT--they were so pretty!!!!
WOW----look how TALL he is!!!!! (These boys ---like all boys--love to climb!!!)
This is what we saw while hiking at Pink Beds. Now---do you know how it got its name????? ha
Some of us took the bridge across the creek. Others did some rock-hopping!!!!!
Both boys managed to get across the creek without falling in !!!!!
Here's a very happy father --standing next to his son and his grandson!!!!! How Special is that!
UPDATE: We had a nice trip to Hendersonville yesterday. We found George's parents (ages 89 and almost 97) in really good shape. Those two independent people continue to amaze us!!!! They are an inspiration!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs,
Happy Birthday to my eldest son. He turns 46 TODAY!!!!! (Yipes---am I THAT old????? ha)
As usual, lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to oldest son.....I know you are a proud mama!
It's a wonder one of the boys didn't accidently on purpose slip into the cool creek water...Love the flowers. Glad George's folks are doing well...Happy Birthday to your 'little' boy!!
ReplyDeleteFunny, but this is the first time I've seen Rhododendrons growing wild.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure George enjoyed this special time with his family.
Betsy,
ReplyDeleteyou have a nice family! Looks like everybody had a ball.
I love Rhody too, so far I only have one because deer love to munch on them. Didn't know they grow in the wild?
Belated happy b'day to your boy!
Hugs,
nance
Betsy you take such great pictures, I can smell the woods!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
What a great hiking place Betsy, and it certainly didn't hurt that you had all those pink blossoms surrounding you!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun trip. I love hiking as long as it's not too much uphill. Those are great shots - and yes, I can definitely see how the area got its name!
ReplyDeleteBetsy: What a neat post, your first pink flower capture is one you can frame. The boys did well on the hike and I bet they had fun. Glad to hear George's parents are doing well.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday eldest son. Oh to be 46 again.
ReplyDeleteLoved those hiking trails. Such a lovely place with such a cool name.
Beautiful flower in the first photo. Everyone looked like they were having a wonderful time. It looks like so much fun.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a nice day at Pink Beds. You probably already know that the area also has abundant mountain laurel and wild mountain azalea that bloom before the rhododendron. A federally protected (now relatively rare) member of the lily family called the Swamp Pink also grows in the Pink Beds. It's a great place to walk in all seasons.
ReplyDeleteThe pink Rhododendron is just so beautiful. I am so glad you were able to spend quality time with the family.
ReplyDeleteAren't rhodos lovely?! In B.C. there are some wild rhododendron's down near the coast. One time we hiked the Rhododendron Trail. It was a lovely hike. We walked in on one side of the park, back packed in, stayed overnight, and walked out the other side of the park the next day. Someone had shuttled the cars around.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures of the outing and of "family". Really cute boys.
Happy birthday to the oldest son.Looks like you all had sucha great time.Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Shantana
What a beautiful place!! Glad you had such a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to hike and spend time. I know all those flowers made it more enjoyable for you. Glad you all are having fun with the grandkids.
ReplyDelete♥
Joy
Wonderful post! I wondered how that Pink Beds" name came about. Now I now. They are beautiful! Nice family pictures, too.
ReplyDeleteWow!You get to hike in the most beautiful places.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
OK, I'm totally jealous of all the fun places you get to enjoy. Amazing beauty in the parks - blossoms with heady perfume! I just close my eyes and enjoy it virtually. Love the rock hopping over the creek - my fav part!So glad for you!
ReplyDeleteVery lovely photos, Betsy. I'm glad to hear you found your in-laws to be doing so well. I'd have been taking pictures of the flowers too! ;D
ReplyDelete~Daisy~
I really like the shot of the little one crossing the brook on the rocks. Classic little boy!
ReplyDeleteGeorge's parents really are amazing! I just marvel at them every time you tell about them.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see George with his son and grandson. that generational connection is so important.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful hike with great flowers.
Glad you found George's parents in good shape. They are amazing to remain so independent and healthy.
You sure are having a wonderful time visiting all the family..how nice is that!! What a neat summer you are having..love seeing all those smiles and fun times!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to hike and visit with your family. Thanks for posting all the flowering Rhododendrons.
ReplyDeleteWhere does the time go? Happy birthday, eldest son!! What a nice time of year to have a birthday. Summer, sunshine and flowers!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your trip with us. Looks like you had lots of fun.
Beautiful photos of the rhododendrons. I miss the mountain laurel and wild azalea.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the perfect day for a hike, nice and cool.
Happy B'day to your son.
Judy
Betsy,Isn't that just the neatest name for a park...Pink Beds. Years ago when we lived in Tulsa we'd drive down to Muscogee every Spring to the Azalea Festival. Just oceans of pink...I bet this place would remind me of that. Happy Birthday to your eldest. It just so happens that today is my eldest son's birthday too....his
ReplyDelete38th. I know how you feel. Where does the time go? I just can't be old enough to have a son that age! LOL
Seems like some kind of trick of nature for our kids to get old so fast and we don't! It probably doesn't seem like it from their end.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a beautiful place to visit, especially with energetic little boys! They add a spirit to the adventure, don't they?
ReplyDelete`What a nice area 'Pink beds' is. Lovely hike and creek to ford is always fun.
ReplyDeleteMy mother always said she never had a problem with her age but when her children got to middle age she had a problem with their ages. I know the feeling.
Good to hear the folks are very well--indeed. MB
PS> betsy thanks for following on a map--fun huh. MB
Looks like the young naturalists are having a great time....as well as the older folk :-)
ReplyDelete