Cascading

This afternoon Drew had a wonderful idea...go hiking off the Blue Ridge Parkway to a place called the Cascades. I had never been and we were all super excited. So, after naps and a snack we packed up and headed out!

Getting ready to head out on the trail! (Ward was strapped to me!)
The first "little waterfall" we came to. The sounds of the waterfall were amazing to hear as we walked.

Taking a little break to watch the top of the falls before being greeted by...

...this.

Wild irises on the trail and...

...these beauties which we didn't know the name of. (MaMaw, Big Win, any thoughts?)

Downriver shot

Had to get a shot of these steps from the bottom of the waterfall to the top. Evie tackled these with no problems. Go ahead, Eves!

The trail back was different from the trail to the falls. On our way back Drew saw this little guy. We had a great time watching this fellow burrow into the sand when we got a little too close.

Evie reminds me so much of myself. She would stop and watch the water every so often and go off on the little trails to get closer to the water (after asking, of course). Oh, how history repeats itself!

On the way back Drew spotted this incredible overlook so we had to stop and get a family shot. Could we live anywhere more beautiful?

We couldn't let this beautiful day go by without a shot of the Mountain Laurel. Mountain Laurel is indigenous to the High Country but only blooms every other year...and this is the year! I absolutely love these flowers, especially how the buds are such an odd shape before blooming. Anyone want to visit? :)