Easy going companion, this amiable fellow was a pushover. Cool Dog!

The rain squall passed on by, so we loaded up and headed on out through the valley, taking the Slick Rock road down to Hwy. 64 and then on to Chimney Rock. If you pass Puncheon Creek, take photos, but please, keep the speed and noise down to a minimum. The fellow that owns this land is really good neighbor and he deserves a lot of respect. Thanks for letting us shelter from the rain - it was a very welcome respite.

Soon, we're down the mountain and in Chimney Rock. Clouds still shroud the high granite walls of Hickory Nut Gorge and the Chimney Rock State Park. This is Jon's first trip to this area, so we stop a lot to get some shots of the scenery along the way. This old barn is located a short distance west of 'downtown' Chimney Rock.

Hickory Nut Falls, inside the new Chimney Rock State Park. Land is still being added to the park, and management plan for the future is being put together. I hope that at least some off-trail hiking will be allowed. A trail runs to the base of Hickory Nut Falls as it plunges hundreds of feet from the forest above the granite walls. Part of The Last of the Mohicans was filmed atop the cliffs - remember the scene where the lady jumps to her death?

A closer look at the falls as they cascade down the granite face of the cliffs.

I had a chance to talk to the proprietor here at the Falls Country Motel. He seems like a real nice guy (that's him in the photo) and the motel is quiet and clean. If you're planning a trip to the area, consider giving him a call. It's a peaceful place with a great view of Chimney Rock and the Hickory Nut Falls on the opposite side of the highway. I like to support the local family run businesses whenever possible, and this seems like a really nice one.

Another shot of the Falls, looking across the Rocky Broad River. This drainage is infamous for its flash floods which roar down the narrow gorge on a fairly frequent basis. The inviting waters are great on a hot summer's day, but if you hear thunder and see clouds piling up, get to high ground.

They ain't kidding!