This past weekend in Galax, Virginia, Sunday hiking with Carolina Mountain Club in the Smokies and yesterday in Highlands.

The drive from Cherokee to Highlands took me through the Cullasaja Gorge on NC28/US64. Yes, it was gorgeous but so narrow and curvy, it took all my energy to just stay on the road safely. I passed the construction to the Dry Falls parking area - construction which had been going on when I was hiking and writing Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage.

When I got close to Highlands, the road straightened out enough so I could admire Bridal Veil Falls.

I gave a short course on North Carolina's Hiking Heritage for the Center for Life Enrichment, a continuing education program which offers short courses. About 15 people came to the lecture and discussion in the morning and 10 on the hike.

We climbed down Glen Falls and checked out four overlooks. As usual, the parking lot was crowded but not the trail. Most tourists gave up after the first two overlooks. After, a few of us explored the trail to Chinquapin Mountain. We didn't go all the way up but just crisscrossed the stream.

Finally, and just as memorable, one active hiker took me to Sweet Treats in Highlands. The frozen yogurt and raspberry combination I had was unforgettable.