Last full day - head Northest tomorrow

Last night, I tried to stream the North Dakota State University (ranked #2) vs. South Dakota State University (ranked #1) football game.  I assume the campground shuts down the WiFi at 10:00 PM, which is quite a late time.  At halftime, the game was tied 9-9, when the WiFi stopped.  I was disappointed, yet I was very tired, and I went to sleep.  

I woke up at 7:15 AM and saw Shelley’s test saying NDSU had won! Since the WiFi was back, I watched the second half on replay. It was such a great game, even if NDSU didn’t win. At 9:00, I went to Granny's Kitchen for breakfast before sightseeing. It was a buffet-only restaurant with limited options: scrambled eggs, meats, and biscuits and gravy. No bread, waffles, or pancakes were available.

After breakfast, I embarked on a journey east to Maggie Valley, North Carolina.  Along the way, I encountered Soco Falls, a captivating dual waterfall cascading from two directions. Although the path to the falls was rugged and challenging, it was a mere half-mile away. After visiting Maggie Valley, I traveled east to Lake Junaluska, a picturesque retreat nestled in a valley about 27 miles west of Asheville. It’s a beloved destination for those seeking solace and renewal.

Soco Falls - A 2nd waterfall is on the left.

Overlooks on the route to Maggie Valley

Nestled amidst vacation homes, Lake Junaluska offers a diverse array of accommodations for visitors seeking a tranquil escape. Embark on a leisurely stroll along the lake, where you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views of its serene waters. The crisp mountain air, coupled with its rejuvenating ambiance, creates an outstanding experience for all who visit.

Lake Junaluska 

Nestled amidst vacation homes, Lake Junaluska offers a diverse array of accommodations for visitors seeking a tranquil escape. Embark on a leisurely stroll along the lake, where you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views of its serene waters. The crisp mountain air, coupled with its rejuvenating ambiance, creates an outstanding experience for all who visit.

Regrettably, I encountered a setback when I inadvertently dropped my Nikon D810 at Mingo Falls, Therefore, I ended the day on a low note.  While it is over 10 years old and has had many drops, this was the final one.  Fortunately, I have my D600 at home, so I can still use all the Nikon lenses.  I also have the Fuji X-T2, which I purchased a few years ago, and it has the exact specifications as the D810.  I just need an array of Fuji lenses like Nikon!  

I will turn in a little early tonight, as I head out tomorrow and plan to capture some sunrise images along the Newfound Gap Highway.  The plan is to see as much of the scenery as I can along the north side of the Appalachian Mountains, which were less impacted by the hurricane. 

Carry on my friends, carry on!