Montreat and the Blue Ridge Parkway

We went on an explore today... Saw some off the beaten track sites, took a bridge picture, and then, tried to see some fabulous views from the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I say try, cuz the clouds were surrounding the mountains... except at the top of Mt Mitchell... yeah!!!!!  We had some clearing. 

We started out by visiting Montreat...  Beautiful area... there's also a college there that has the most beautiful grounds... oh, and yes, we found a geocache in the area.  Flat Creek ran throughout the hills.  

 Flat Creek... thank you to a Montreat Employee... pruning the trees, he stopped to help us with a pic!

So, we left the area, had lunch at Louise's... very good and very southern... ate on the porch... and the area flies did try to join us... but the atmosphere made up for it....

Had a puppy enjoy the porch too!  

We were told of a shortcut... through the woods... about 20 minutes on a gravel road... were told to keep on going even when you think this isn't right... and sure enough... we started thinking that and then bam... we were joining the Blue Ridge Parkway 

 We thought... this is it!!!! it'll be so beautiful!

 And then  the clouds lowered....

 And, here is one of the views of the gorgeous mountains...

BUT... we continued on... and on... in the fog... and then... we got to the summit... Mt Mitchell... the tallest peak east of the Mississippi.....

We parked and went out on foot... to the actual peak... nice walkway...  Made the trip up there worthwhile!  Talked with the ranger for a while and then headed back to the car... and the ride home... sure enough... clouds and even rain on the way back... and no gob smacking view!  Still work the adventure!