LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, May 21, 2012

Travels With Our Daughter

We so enjoyed having our daughter for a visit.  She lives in Milwaukee and we don't see her nearly as often as we would like.  She loves the mountains almost as much as we do, so we took a mountain drive every day.

I had heard of a place in nearby Henderson County called "Jump-off Rock" but had never gone there.  The weather was "iffy" with intermittent clouds and rain but we decided to give it a try.  So what if it rained?  We would still enjoy driving and talking and stopping for lunch.

Have you ever driven somewhere and been totally surprised to find that you are driving to a place you have seen from the valley below?  Part of this feeling was anger because we drove past large homes built right on the ridge line.  You know, the ones who cut down all the trees so they could have panoramic long-distance views?  The ones that you would like to blow up when they glare out of the top of the mountain?  Safely of course, and with no harm to anyone...just a little green lesson.


As we approached the rock outcropping, we saw only clouds.  There was no hint of the beauty to come.





A sign pointed out the various mountains in the distance.  I would love to know the names of all the mountains but there are obviously too many of them.





And the view!  Oh, the view.





I can only imagine how beautiful it would be on a clear day.





The very definition of a panoramic view.





This is obviously not Jump Off Rock.  We were standing on the rock in front of a fence discouraging jumpers.  But other rock outcroppings surrounded us.


Jump Off Rock is located up the mountain from a little community called Laurel Park.  The mountain road rises more than a thousand feet from the community.

Of course there is a legend.  How can there not be a legend about a place called Jump Off Rock?  And the legend is the ubiquitous Indian maiden and her lost lover.  The maiden (not a Princess this time) and warrior met daily at this location.  When he was called to fight in a tribal war they promised to meet at this spot when he returned.  Day after day the maiden climbed to the rock to see if she could view the returning braves.  The warriors finally returned, bringing the tragic news of her lover's death in battle.  She went to the edge of the rock and jumped to her death.  Had the event taken place in our county, the jump would have been from a waterfall.

Our son completed the Cleveland Marathon yesterday in the heat and humidity.  He has run in other races but this was his first marathon.

WAY TO GO, SON!  What an accomplishment!




20 comments:

troutbirder said...

Congratulations to the Marathoner! I know about a son and his family living far awa. It's 1200 miles from Bluff Country to the deserts of Arizona. As to ridgeline McMansions its the latest above the beautiful Mississippi Valley. I don't care much for it at all....

George said...

A trip to Jump-off Rock was worthwhile even if it wasn't a perfectly clear day. The view is spectacular. Legends have so many Indian maidens (or princesses) jumping off places that it's surprising any were left to get married.

Congratulations to your son on his wonderful achievement.

Ms. A said...

Spectacular views and photos!!! Some of those mountains, Cold Mountain... are visible from our property up there. Wish I was there to see them.

Congratulations to your son!

Karin said...

High five to your son the Marathon runner! What beautiful countryside you live in. Glad you had a great visit with your daughter! Somehow I had a feeling about the legend, lol! Great to catch up on your last post too!

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, What a wonderful view from the high places. So glad you had a nice visit and adventure with your girl. Great job to your son as well.
Enjoy the warm weather.
Hugs, Noreen

My Mind's Eye said...

Yay for wonderful visits with our children. NC mtns have a way of capturing everyone's heart. What lovely pictures
And congrats to your son
Hugs Madi and Mom

Barb said...

I remember that you always enjoy a visit from your daughter. Glad you could do some day trips to soak up the scenery. The views from up high are incredible. Congratulations to your son! A real accomplishment.

Carolina Linthead said...

Don't sweat the "clear day" stuff...you saw the mountains in their shrouded splendor. Life is all about the journey, isn't it? The frustration, yes, but also the transcendent beauty, even when things don't seem perfect. Loved this post, more than I can say!

Folkways Note Book said...

Too bad about the clear cuts on the way to Jump Off Rock.I take it that the scenic mountain view must be protected. -- barbara

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Was in the mountains this past weekend, love the vistas. Next to living on the water, those mountains are the perfect place on earth. Shared a room with a friend of yours, A Charlotte Garden. Small world.

Taradharma said...

beautiful countryside, even if a bit clouded up. I'll be back in your neck of the woods someday -- it was spectacular to drive through the mountains.

Congratulations to your son on his marathon run! Amazing, and something to be very proud of.

Cheryl said...

Well done to your son, what an achievement :)

Beautiful, breathtaking views.

I understand when you speak of the trees that have been felled to build houses.....so sad.

We have just had an oak woodland cropped to the floor to make way for houses.....yuk:(

Arkansas Patti said...

Beautiful view and I loved the story. Had to laugh at the lack of "princess" reference. How true.
Congrat on your son's finish.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Those are gorgeous views! Don't you think some of those Indian legends are just so dramatic? But a good story is always filled with a little drama.
Congrats to your son; that is a wonderful feat!!

animal lover, quilt lover said...

Tom and I have been to Jump off Rock when we were on our honey noon.
It was a beautiful place and a clear day for us!!
I think the berries have been the best this year then any other year ever at least for us!!

Rudee said...

Congratulations to your son! That is an incredible fete.

You live in such a majestic place. I love the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When in Montana this summer, I plan on visiting the Crazy Mountains. The lore is very similar to the story you tell of Jump-off Rock: broken hearted woman who wanders into the mountains. To mark the occasion, I shall knit some socks from Mountain Color's Crazy Woman Bearfoot yarn. That's the plan anyway. Hope I don't get lost.

Ginnie said...

About 25 years ago my husband and I ventured to your area and the views were unforgettable. Thanks for bringing back that memory.

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Fern - What a great site to visit on your honeymoon.

Rudee - Love the idea of socks with Crazy Woman Bearfoot yarn. Who knows? Perhaps you might encounter her ghost still wandering in the mountains.

Anonymous said...

Really enjoyed your beautiful panoramic view photos of Jump Off Rock. And glad you enjoyed a nice visit with your daughter and your drive to the mountains. Yes, you are right about people who cut down the trees to build a house which spoils the view and eco-system. The trees are nature's gift that should be left there for all future generations to see and enjoy. Have a nice day in North Carolina. I live in Tucson, Arizona.
Nanette

Anonymous said...

I love seeing your beautiful mountains there. What a wonderful way to visit with your daughter. I hope you get back there on a sunny day to take in all sights again.