Tuesday, May 10
Two days later we’re back on the road (in the WRONG direction…sorry George!) to spend a couple of days with Sally and Phil in Pinnacle, friends from our earliest days in Irvine. George had visited them here four years ago, I hadn’t seen them for a long time before that. Their peaceful home looks out over their vineyard to Pilot Mountain.
Sally & Phil (George forgot to take their picture, this is a snapshot from their wall)
View of Pilot Mountain from the living room
Of course our next morning involved a walk around the pinnacle at Pilot Mountain . This was followed by a drive through beautiful rolling green hills to Hanging Rock State Park to the east, where we started with a relatively short hike to Hidden Falls and Window Falls.
On the way to the Falls - George is trying to look worried.
Hidden Falls, nice spot for a picnic.
The "Window"
We were a little weary by then and George was still a little under the weather with a cold, but after a snack I was ready to hike to Hanging Rock overlook, described as a “moderate” hike by the park brochure. Moderate my eyeball!!! Check out the photo of the mile long staircase!!!
On the way to Hanging Rock - seemed like climbing a mile-long ladder!
Mountain Laurel - rewards along the way.
We were rewarded with beautiful wildflowers and spectacular views, however, as well as the satisfaction of meeting the challenge. It was really fun reconnecting with Sally and Phil after such a long time.
Jan at the top of Hanging Rock...
...and George (that's him at the lower right).