Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to DECEMBER . Hope you have an awesome and grateful month!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Pink Beds Picnic Area, NC


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)