Since it didn’t work out as planned at Chimney Rock, Kevin decided to approach a different trail. We had his older brother and our sister-in-law in tow when we went up to Table Rock Mountain. Table Rock Mountain is not far from Morganton and features some nice trails that can be easily accessed from the parking lot. It was a beautiful afternoon hike, where I could see the Linville Gorge and plenty of vegetation. Many plants looked familiar to me. And I pointed that out to my brother-in-law. He replied that many of these plants were introduced from Europe and have become invasive species, and/or Europeans have discovered what grows best in various types of soil.

After reaching the parking lot and quenching our thirst with water, we drove back down toward Morganton and then to Valdese. It was time for dinner. And Kevin’s parents were waiting for us.

… to be continued …