More North Carolina

June 13, 2019 - June 16, 2019

While we were in the Asheville area we drove over to Chimney Rock State Park to see the famous granite rock.

Chimney Rock from the parking lot.

This is the way to the top if you don't take the elevator.
Yes of course we took the elevator. Duh!

Even if you take the elevator you have to climb the last bit to get to the top.

Panoramic view from the top.

Panoramic view of the top.

The Broad River which runs through the town of Chimney Rock.
The 'buildings' you see in the distance are actually RV's with all manner of roofs built over them.
They are set cheek to jowl in the "campground" and have obviously been there for a very long time.
Don't think I'd want to be there if this river decided to overflow its banks but otherwise they have a beautiful spot!

Another view of the Broad River.
The number of huge rocks along it were amazing.

On our last day in the area we went to the North Carolina Arboretum, just outside Asheville.

Panoramic view of the visitor center.

There were several types of gardens to investigate - one of which was a quilt garden

A look at the quilt garden they built.  I imagine by the end of summer these flowers will have grown up and look wonderful.
Even now they look pretty darn good.

Sculpture titled "A Hedge Against Extinction" by Martin Webster

Sculpture titled "Oh Great Spirit" by Nell Banister Scruggs.

Interesting rock

A tribute to Japanese gardens.

Sculpture of "Frederick Law Olmstead" by Zenos Frudakis

Garden gate

Carnivorous "pitcher" plant.

 The was an outstanding collection of Bonsai at the arboretum.  Here are a few examples.

Interesting way to grow herbs and succulents.

Fun things at the gift shop (which was thankfully closed when we got there!)