Boone

Sunday, May 8 (still a few days behind on our blog…)

Boone , NC was our next stop.  An idyllic setting on a green hill was where we found George’s “cousins” Ingrid and Jeff, and their canine companions Mel and Lola.

Jeff Tiller & Ingrid Kraus at home in Boone

The beautiful House on the Hill

The "girls", Mel & Lola

Near the top of the hill in the back

Ingrid took the next day off to give us a grand tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Watauga County.  We hiked Rough Ridge and enjoyed spectacular views of the Linnville Viaduct, Table Mountain and Grandmother Mountain.

Jan & Ingrid on Rough Ridge

Trillium

After a lunch at the Tartan, we drove up Grandfather Mountain and were amazed by the diversity of plant and animal life there.  I even found courage to walk the “swinging “ bridge one mile up!!!  (G note: The bridge no longer swings, the original wooden one was replaced by the present steel one in 1999.)  We picked up Jeff and had a lovely dinner at Rico’s Bistro.

Jan's already crossed the bridge and is looking forward to the return trip