Pilot Mountain

Most of my Christmas vacation has been spent lounging around the larger than life houses I have been housesitting and watching sickening amounts of 'Brothers and Sisters' on Netflix.  For me Netflix is an awesome blessing and a horrible curse when it comes to time management, I simply have no self control.  Amidst my battle with lethargy, my dear friend Zack called me up to invite me on a hike with some old high school friends and knowing independent level of motivation, I quickly agreed.  I am so glad that I did take on that late afternoon hike, despite the chilly weather and the snow still on the ground.  Despite living in Transylvania County most of my life, I had never climbed Pilot Mountain but I did know that it was a tough hike.  There were a couple of times that I regretted my decision to come however the view at the top and the energy I had afterword made it so worthwhile!

The dusky light at the top of the mountain was ideal for taking photos, it also made lugging my camera around worth it!

You can subtly see the moon on the horizon

John's Rock off in the distance

Zack and I, enduring the sun!

Friday Hike

Last Friday, I went on a hike with Miles to Yellow Mountain in Avery County.  I had no idea what I was in for, but Miles assured me that there was an incredible view at the end.  He certainly was right; the best part is that the hike follows the Tennessee/North Carolina border and from the top Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virgina are all visible.  I was kind of bummed that the leaves were not in peak season but I guess that just means I have more time to get out and enjoy them!  The hike went by so quickly and the day was absolutely perfect.  What began looking dreary turned into warm, sunshiney perfection!  I think the weather held out just for us since the clouds started rolling in during our descent!

I love the shadow on the far side of the mountain!

The night before, I made blackberry muffins using an incredibly simple recipe that turned out oh so well (I'll try to post the recipe soon, thanks Mom)!!!

Apparently this is a heavily photographed spot in WNC, too bad my photo is a bit lack luster!

 

Miles climbed on top of a huge boulder.  I attempted to climb it but scraped my wrists instead, typical!

I can't wait to continue enjoying Fall!  I'm currently in search of everything pumpkin flavored and have tentatively agreed to run the Flight of the Vampire in Brevard.  Speaking of Brevard, I can't wait to head home this weekend to help out with the Zombie Alleycat race happening on Friday (you may remember the photos I posted about the last Alleycat, here).

Have a wonderful weekend, I know that I will!

Summer In Recap

In the interest of not being boring, I will upload a multi-part summer recap through photos!

(This is the part where I make excuses, I have a lot of new photos to edit but my iPhoto is corrupted so it is a very frustrating process...valid?)

This is what I have been up to:

A little photo shoot for my friend Brittany's America's Next Top Model Audtion

This awesome little fellow was in love with the roof of my car, he let me stalk him on several occasions
 

Fresh Raspberries from the backyard which were turned into raspberry-basil smoothies!

New Glasses! Zenni Optical, a dream come true!

Beautiful lavender and a beautiful Momma! More of these, with bees to come!

Mountain Laurel in bloom

I participated in the 'Fast Times at Brevard High Alley Cat Race'

This was the trophy! So much fun to hang out with some hilarious girls while making biker's don what could be classified as the runoff from MC Hammer's closet.

Caitlyn was the perfect model for the occasion, she's used the paparazzi.

The summer of breakfast smoothies! Blueberry, walnut, and honey!!!

Summer evening get-togethers!!! Too bad my croquet skillz are not up to par, I need another summer in Vermont to hone them.

More to come!!!

I love the south

C/O In North Carolina

How much of a Southerner I am has recently come to my attention.
(Not gonna lie, I don't hate it!) This realization did come as a bit of a surprise because I never realized how many of my mentalities and mannerisms are distinctly southern.

But...

I mean what's to dislike about BBQ, grits, sweet temperaments, sweet tea, beautiful mountains, cheerwine, and generally North Carolina itself?


C/O In North Carolina
Only 2nd to my love of Cherry Lemon Sundrop!

I love the...



Fresh produce and perfect peaches




Summer hikes and the always accessible outdoors



Growing up in the Land of Waterfalls, BNC
(Me as a kid at Looking Glass Falls)



BBQ- Especially when it is from 12 Bones in Asheville, NC
(the collard greens are the heat!)

And...the Avett Brothers!



I am currently listening to this beautiful song on repeat!

It feels great to be so passionate about my home and while I am not ready to settle down in WNC just yet, I know that I can never stay away for too long. It's just where I belong.