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)

Afternoon Joy!!!

Yesterday afternoon, I took a break from 'life' ---and sat on my sofa just enjoying the birds coming to and from to our feeders. I managed to get a few good pictures---so I'll share them with you now. Above is a good picture of one of our Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Below are more. You can click on them to get a larger view.











It almost looks like this little Mourning Dove was taking a nap in the plate feeder. At one time, there were two Mourning Doves in the plate together... I missed that picture though.











I think this little gal in the plate is a female House Finch. If I am wrong, please let me know!!!











I'm sorry that this picture of a male Bluebird is a little blurry. I get so excited when the Bluebirds come to the feeders... They are just gorgeous!!!









Here is a sequence of six pictures of a female Cardinal at the plate AND a little Brown Thrasher trying hard to reach the suet.







Looks like Ms. Cardinal is watching the Brown Thrasher --and wondering how he (or she) will reach that suet... The Thrasher is probably asking the Cardinal for some suggestions. (I guess I need to change that suet since they have eaten it down so far!!! Or maybe I'll just add to it!)









These two birds just keep looking at each other. I wonder what they were thinking!!!!!







The Thrasher is trying HARD to reach that suet. I wonder if the Cardinal has any words of wisdom for him. The Thrashers cannot climb on the sides and bottom like woodpeckers do---so they have to eat from the top only... That's a little disadvantage, don't you think????? ha (Of course, I've been told that Brown Thrashers don't come to the feeders at all. They are supposed to be ground eaters. WELL---not MY Brown Thrashers!!!! They love the suet!)









Looks like he's gonna make it....... Eeeeeeekkkkkkk... Don't fall, little one!









Can you hear him holler out "Yippee Yay! I did it!!!" (By the way, I think this may be one of the fledglings that were nesting in our front yard!!!!!)











Finally, this picture was taken from our computer room --looking out the window where we have another feeder. I love seeing the Cardinals come to this feeder also (along with Bluejays, Tufted Titmice, Goldfinch, etc.). Isn't that a neat picture looking out of my window?


Gosh---don't I have a wonderful life!! Two days ago, I had grandchildren here visiting, and yesterday I took time to watch the birds. Life is GOOD!!!!


Hugs,

P.S. We'll be gone all day today. We're going to Hendersonville to check on George's parents. Please pray for safe travel for us. Hope you all have a fabulous day!