“Seven devils”

We all know of trips that are planned with friends and family at some point but the plans never actually materialize. Well, in some very rare occasions things actually fall into place! One such trip led us to the uniquely named town of ‘Seven devils’.

Our drive was scenic with acres of farmlands and ranches as if we drove into a swiss painting. Even our equine friends exuded the southern charm.

En route Seven devils ©thedeardiaryblog2015

En route Seven devils ©thedeardiaryblog2015

The lodge we booked had a heavenly view of the hills perfect for sipping some hot tea and grilling.

The Patio ©thedeardiaryblog2015

Random clicks from the patio of the lodge ©thedeardiaryblog2015

Seven Devils was named around 1965 when its founders wanted a unique name to attract visitors. Seven Devils was decided upon based on a combination of seven rocky peaks and local history of seven brothers, who in the 19th century were so cantankerous and willing to fight that they were jokingly referred to as the seven devils ^[1] 

This town is located beautifully in the lap of nature with many interesting and fun places at a stone’s throw distance. The Blowing rock, Grandfather mountain, Linville falls, all can be covered in one trip as part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are noted for having a bluish color when seen from a distance. Trees put the “blue” in Blue Ridge, from the isoprene released into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the characteristic haze on the mountains and their distinctive color ^[2] 

Blue ridge mountains ©thedeardiaryblog2015

The endless green horizon of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Blowing rock can engulf you in their beauty and calm. An interesting story that explains the origin of its name goes like this-The Blowing Rock area was once fought over by the Cherokee and Catawba Native American tribes. According to legend, two lovers – one from each tribe – were walking near the rocks when the man received a notice to report to his village and go into battle. When his lover urged him to stay with her, he became so distraught that he threw himself off the blowing rock into the gorge.

Blowing rock ©thedeardiaryblog2015

The woman prayed to the Great Spirit to return her lover, and the Spirit complied by sending a gust of wind, which blew the man back up the cliff and landed him safely on the blowing rock itself ^[3].

Our hiking shoes were put to use in the beautiful ‘Linville falls’ that present a short hike to get close to them. I was overwhelmed with the scope of photography the entire time, every direction you turn is as beautiful as a cherished landscape canvas.

For a much-needed break to relax we all decided to spend the afternoon tubing with High mountain expeditions as their tagline invited us – Go with the flow!

Go with the flow expeditions tubing ©thedeardiaryblog2015

The drive up Grandfather mountain was scenic with occasional drizzles the weather was a perfect mix wet and windy when we visited in July.

When we reached the top our hearts skipped a beat crossing the mile high bridge that swung midair!

The Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet).

Mile high swinging bridge ©thedeardiaryblog2015

The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway. Originally built in 1952 designed by Charles Hartman Jr. of Greensboro, N.C it was rebuilt using galvanized steel in 1999 ^[4].

Apart from a variety of fun outdoor activities and adventures two must visit places I would recommend for everyone especially families with children are Gem mining and Mystery hill. Gem mining quenches the thrill of testing your luck with a bucket of dirt! Just as the saying goes, ‘Finders keepers looser’s weepers’ we were content with the tiny Garnet and Rose quartz in our fate.

Gem mining ©thedeardiaryblog2016

The gravitational anomaly experienced on the hillside at Mystery Hill has probably manifested there since the formation of the earth. The oldest documented mention of it comes from a revolutionary war soldier’s journal that talks about a hillside that made the entire company feel sick when they camped near it as they marched through the area. In more recent history the name “Mystery Hill” was coined by R.L.Hudson owner of the property. You must go visit this place to find out the mystery of mystery hill. It has some fun family oriented activities lined up.

Our evening ended on a high note watching the fireworks fill the sky while we could hear the whistles of the Tweetsie railroad far in the valley enticing and beckoning us for a visit but alas time.had run out. Maybe next time dear Tweetsie when luck strikes and yet another memory is ready to be created.

©thedeardiaryblog2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Devils,_North_Carolina

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Mountains

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blowing_Rock,_North_Carolina

[4] http://www.grandfather.com/things-to-do/mile-high-swinging-bridge