We headed out last Thursday evening for a weekend in the outdoors. I mean, can you find a better back yard than this?
Our destination was the Nantahala Outdoor Center. They were having their annual Guest Appreciation Festival (GAF). We have been going to GAF for the past 12 or so years (we have missed a couple). We ended up camping on some private land at a campground called Hanging Dog Creek Campground outside of Murphy, NC (about 40 miles from our destination). It was a quaint little place. All of the campsites were right along the little creek, which made it pretty scenic. We picked up Blaze from the Ocoee (Thunderock) on our way through. He and our two boys decided they were going to sleep by the creek. Here was their set up for Friday and Saturday night.
I tried to sneak in a picture before they woke up. One of them caught me!
It really was a neat little peaceful place (just a small piece of property-owned/operated by a laid-back family).
Jackson loved the "swing."
After we unhooked the camper and got set for the evening/night, we headed on over to the Nanty for the first day of the festival. All of the activities for kids are free. I can't tell you how many times the boys climbed this wall. Their arms and legs should have been jello. Surely they will get some rest at Granny's tonight and tomorrow.
We got to enjoy several bands during the weekend.
As a matter of fact, we found the perfect spot on an Eno pod facing the river, right beside the kids' activities and on the other side-the stage! We couldn't have planned it better (ha! you all know we planned that right?) For those of you who don't know us--ummm, no...there were no plans.
And one of the favorite activities from the weekend--playing with the foamie boat that Jackson bought.
I love these boys!
We caroused the marketplace to see what we could find. Jackson scored a new backpack--John-a new airsoft gun.
On our way out of the festival on Friday, we walked back to the truck on a part of the Appalachian Trail.
Here is how people normally walk down a trail.
Jackson on the other hand...yes--he has his father's genes!
Saturday morning, we got up and ready to head back to the festival.
Johnny entertained us with some classic Olan Mills poses!
More festival fun...
Jackson was determined he was going to pull the cooler all the way to where we wanted. At one point, I heard him repeating to himself, "I am not going to give up. I am not going to give up."
An intense game of life-size Jenga.
More good music!
John and 2 guys he met practiced the original Minecraft (you know, touching blocks and creating).
Their final fort...
Jackson wanted his picture made with one of the guys he befriended.
Meeting new people is one of the joys of traveling!
And reconnecting with friends met from previous years is always fun too!
The kids pitched in their money and bought a float to play in the river with.
Jackson enjoyed petting everyone's dogs.
We walked to the falls and watched boaters come down.
After the evening, we left and Johnny took us to a scenic spot on the upper Nanty. Y'all know how I get when I look up and see pictures like these! PRICELESS!!!
We talked about how important integrity is and what a neat way to be remembered by friends.
Sunday morning, we packed up and headed to the Ocoee for the night. Of course, we had to visit our favorite swimming/playing spot--Smiley's!
This little guy provided so much entertainment for us this weekend!
We also enjoyed a some biking...
And boating...
I am so glad I captured this look...this is a classic John Gannon look--followed by a rant that starts out with, "You have got to be kidding me. You mean that..."
And on Monday morning, before we headed home, they jumped in the river over and over and over. I was sure they would sleep all the way home...didn't happen!
Another great weekend, filled with lots of sweet memories.
Live a Meaningful Life!
Comments
Post a Comment