Bradbury Mountain State Park, Maine

Wild animals on the mountain top of the hiking trail!

Australian Labradoodles ready for a hug!

Evidence of more wild animals existed!

Just who has been taking a bite out of this tree?

The climb up had natural steps built into the side of the mountain.

It's pretty hard to make it out but you could see the Atlantic Ocean at the furthest point.

It was a great morning hike and was as peaceful as it gets.

Going down the rocks provided some level walking but unfortunately the whole

trail wasn't this easy.  

Chimney Rock Park ~ Hiking

Somebody has done a tremendous amount of work (and up keep) to

provide great hiking adventures around Chimney Rock Park.

Need to be cooled off ?

Hike back to the water fall and feel the shade and the mist.

Chimney Rock Park ~ Up on a hill

Nice secluded home on the hill.

Hill?

Can you spot the house on the hill now?

It's there approximately in the middle of the top of the mountain.

I'm thinking a 4x4 vehicle is required to get there...

Chimney Rock, NC ~~ Devil's Head and Explanation Point

After leaving Chimney Rock the next stop is Devil's Head.

It's another worthy lookout at God's creation!

Climbing up

The combination of steps, rocks, and trails made for a great hike.

The top of the mountain!

~Exclamation Point!~

Bring your lunch and a drink and stay awhile to enjoy serenity!

Once you've gone up ~ down is always the next option.

Watch your step as you enjoy the views along the way!

Chimney Rock, NC - Top of the Rock!

Even pets can make the climb to the top of Chimney Rock!

So just how did this tree get here --- and survive?

Below was our starting point.  Can you spot the green Jeep?

You can take the 26 story elevator to the bottom of the rock or hike the Outcropping

trail and experience all that nature has to offer with great views.

The views in Spring time are stupendous so I can only guess what Fall offers!

Chimney Rock, NC - A view from the top

The View!

We hiked and climbed just to reach the steps to go out on Chimney Rock

but it all doesn't end there!  If your knees don't like steps but you want

to see the view you can take an elevator built in the rock to get to this

last set of steps and somehow try to manage it for  -- The View!

If you really want to do damage keep climbing for this added view 

from a place called Explanation Point.

Worth the burn?  

You bet!

Natural Bridge - Natural Wonders

Spring was just starting to burst along the creek.

Small and Bright

Ready to greet you!

Delicate beginnings from underneath the layer of warmth 

Quack!

Or does a goose bark instead of quack?

Natural Bridge, Virginia

After years of traveling North and South along Interstate 81 in Virginia, we finally

took the time to investigate Natural Bridge.

What a great hike!

Unbelievably Route 11 runs across the bridge.  

It must be a very sturdy bridge!

Size can be deceiving.

From underneath the bridge it doesn't look wide enough to support traffic.