Hanging at Hanging Rock, NC
Miriam waving under big hanging rock.
We love Hanging Rock State Park.  It is about 45 minutes away and is the perfect place to go when the summer starts getting stifling hot.  Remember, we're in the Piedmont which means foot of the mountains.  So, just a short drive to a great & "cool" place to swim, camp, hike, drive, bike or just hang.... 
A lake and lots of hiking trails.  Cool beautiful place.

I need to go back and plan this better and get some more photos. 
I didn't do it justice here but you can get an idea of it in case your curious.
They have a beautiful welcome center with spectacular views that I forgot to get a shot of apparently.../td>
Stone_Steps_to_Waterfall_pool_Hanging_Rock
Descending extremely long series of huge stone steps
to a pool created by the waterfall in the background.
 Vista_Hanging_Rock
Salaander_Closeup_Hanging_Rock
Neil_finds_lizard_Hanging_Rock_State_Park Miriam_Ashley_at_Hanging_Rock_Park
Neil (James & Ashley's son)
finds a salamander (I think).		 Miriam and Ashley (Neil's mom).  Her husband James has been  a good friend of mine since 9th grade or before.  Then - as a coincidence - we get reunited when our wives become friends in nursing school.  Small world.
Miriam_Marcos_ready_to_launch_boat_Hanging_Rock  
Waiting to launch their boat. VIDEO PUSH PLAY ABOUT 20 SECONDS.
Hanging Rock State Park Lake on a cloudy day.  Canoe professionals (my wife & parents) show their stuff and video shows a little of the beach and diving boards.
Marcos_Irma_Miriam_in_boat Hanging_Rock_Lake
 Marcos driving boat with no hands.
Do not try this unless you
are a skilled professional.		 It was an overcast day at times but it was still beautiful and great for swimming.  They also have a diving platform but I don't think I got a shot.  In addition, there is lots of places to cook out all over. 
  Stone_Walkway_to_waterfall
VIDEO PUSH TO PLAY.  25 seconds of walking down the
stone stairs to the lower cascades. 
This is one incredible stairway.  I've never seen one as long and beautiful.  Really is something to see and walk.  Hopefully we'll see you there. 
Miriam_in_front_of_waterfall Daniel_sitting_waterfall
Hanging Rock has a few pretty waterfalls.
Not to mention the visitor...		 Loving the waterfall.
Gallons of cool mountain water
rushing down my back & legs. Nice.
 
20 SECOND VIDEO PUSH TO PLAY:
Miriam standing in the falls. Shows a little
of the pool at base of falls as well.  		20 SECOND VIDEO PUSH TO PLAY:
Shimmering rock looks like person's face.  See if you don't see a face that is moving in the shimmering big rock to the left where some people are standing. 
I didn't notice it till I was watching the video later. 
Trail_Hanging_rock
Lots of trails. 
Some challenging but nowadays many are a lot
like this one: clear & well marked.		 30 SECOND VIDEO PUSH TO PLAY:Leaving the park behind a motorcycle.  What a great day to have been on that motorcycle! 
See ya next time!

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