Valentine's Day Hike

It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day...

So Paul suggested we go up to Carver's Gap and hike. AWESOME!

All the water coming out of the side of the mountain is now frozen.

The deer were out in the park trying to figure out how to eat through the snow.

Trotting to keep warm, no doubt!

So beautiful!

ok --- up top --- it was pretty cold!

Frozen and beautiful.

This is the road ... believe it or not!

Paul and I hiked the Moors in England in 1998. It was frozen there too ... and wind blew hard enough to lift me off of the ground. But there weren't trees like this, coated in snow, then ice ... and standing tall and proud. This was a gorgeous site. And it was cold! (obviously, hence the ice)

Up close! Magnificent.

Ice covering the snow ... a couple of nice spills. Ouch!

Long range ... breathtaking views. So peaceful and mesmerizing.

Paul trying to punch through the ice. It was not easy!

More splendor ... so hard to describe HOW gorgeous it is.

Did I mention the cold!? But it was crisp and clear and made hiking an absolute joy (when I wasn't busting my butt on the ice, that is!)

Always a Christmas Story around this guy ... teehee

Look at this entry way! Only Mother Nature could possibly display something this gorgeous. This side of the trail has trees. The previous pictures are of the side that is open.

The ice coating makes everything seem like Narnia. So fantasy like. I kept looking for a unicorn, but sadly, I was not able to find one. I did find peace though. Lots of it!

This was the coolest tree ever!

This part of the forest was covered, trunks and all, with snow. So magical. It really felt like a fairy land. Provided a wonderful place to contemplate and meditate.

Our drive going back down the mountain.

Gorgeous views . . .
And that was our Valentine's Day date. It was magical, lovely, perfect.

Hope everyone had a wonderful day Sunday!

We also got to spend time with the Crossnore kids (finally!) ...

A perfect day.

Blessings to all,

Paul & Cheri