First, we trekked to the top of the mountain to attempt the mile high swinging bridge. The wind was incredible and it was about 10 degrees colder there than farther down the mountain. The bridge is 228 feet long and spans an 80 foot chasm between the peaks of Grandfather Mountain. The bridge allows visitors to go to the other side of the mountain so that you can look down over the valley. It is the highest suspension footbridge in America. And, while the views from up there might be great, it isn't called the swinging bridge for no reason. Wind whips through the chasm and causes the bridge to swing as you walk across it. The bridge is made of steel and has safety rails that line the bridge. But, when the wind passes through the rails, it makes a loud humming sound...something like the sound of a 747 right in your ear. I must admit, my nerves were SHOT after going across the first time. I am sure if I only had myself to worry about, it would have been different. But taking Drew across in the Bjorn and holding Ally's hand was stressful for me. The kicker...once you get across, you still have to get back. Before we headed back for the car, Ally and Bo ventured out with Sean and Ryan on to the rocks that overlook the valley and took some great pics. Again, they don't do justice to the beauty and the height at which you are standing, but there as close as we could get. On the way back across, I managed to get a picture of the point on the bridge when you are standing 1 mile high...don't ask how.
After the exhilarating bridge experience, we went back down the mountain a little bit to the zoo and museum they have. The zoo is small, but very unique. They have otters and deer...I know, not unique. But, they also have a golden eagle and a bald eagle. I have never seen a bald eagle and I was quite surprised at how large they are. They also have black bears that you can feed. We packed a picnic lunch and ate at the zoo. We walked around the museum a bit and then headed home. We stopped at some picture spots along the way, but by then we were ready to get home. The kids had gotten very comfortable around the cliffs and ledges and it was more than us adults could handle.
It was a great day and we had a blast going across the bridge. So proud we could all do it, enjoy it, and without any drama or timidness.
Niki has a picture of the Jackson Five with everyones eyes open, but this one will do for now.
Grandfather Mountain - the bridge spans the distance between the 2 peaks...nuts, I know!!
The Bridge...
Before the walk across...
And after we got to the other side. Grandfather mountain is in the background.
1 mile high...Bo and I DID NOT join the Mile High Club!!!
Bo and Ally climbing the rocks.
Bo's view from the rocks back to the bridge.
Ally, Ryan, Kelsey and Garrett
Bald Eagle
Drew enjoyed the views through his eyelids.
All gorgeous pictures, but the one of Bo and Ally is precious. I've asked it before and I'll ask it again: when did Ally grow up? Seriously? She's like this little woman now. We're old, aren't we?
ReplyDeleteThe bridge looks like it was as stressful as it was fun. I LOVE stuff like that, but with kids, it takes on a whole new dimension. I totally see your point. My nerves would have been shot even before stepping foot on the bridge. Glad you had fun!!
I love these pics- Ally is so cute and I love that little man fell asleep :)
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