We had headed North in search of cooler weather. It was going to be 90+ back home but there was still a last gasp of Spring to be found in the Mountains of North Carolina. We slept in Saturday which was poor planning but felt great. After the rain Friday night, I wanted to check on the plane. Not that looking would change anything but if it was wet, we could start the drying process.
We stopped by and I checked the front, the back, the nose baggage and even the fuel. No water which was great news so headed off to the mountains. Two years ago we had stopped by triple falls but only saw one of three. It was pretty empty last visit but not so this time. I know better than to travel on a holiday weekend but we did it anyway.
We showed up at the visitor center and there were no spaces but there was a long line of cars waiting. We decided to head off to the other lot 2 miles down the road. Here we lucked out, the second lot was also busy but it had two parts and we looked at the far part. Right after we arrived, we saw people leaving and scored a space.
We took the short hike down to Hooker falls. They were nice but not impressive. It was also terribly crowded. Lots of people who I had the sense had never before went hiking. I am curious if we will see this devotion to the outdoors in another year? I also notice rule breaking. For example this sign. I left my horse in the car, leave the windows cracked and some hay, no big deal.
At least one person did not follow the rules.
There was more hiking by the falls but it was so crowded we decided to head off and sell our parking space. Just kidding but we may have been able to pay for the trip if we had.
Our next stop was the Botanic Gardens in Asheville. It got good reviews and promised blooming plants. The drive up to Asheville is always pretty and today there were some clouds hanging on the mountains so the views did not disappoint.
The Botanic Garden did. It is a nice green space and has lots of plants but it lacks any cohesive layout and the blooms were very scarce. We enjoyed a nice walk and it is free so I guess I can’t complain too much but I won’t be returning.
Some places are worth revisiting and there was a BBQ joint I wrote about in November 2019, Smokey and the Pig, that was worth a second taste. I was a bit nervous though, you have a great meal at a place and when you go back the pressure is on, will it meet your expectations? It did, it was a great brisket sandwich.
Full of BBQ we headed off to Pearson falls. Pearson falls is one of the few falls we have had to pay to see. It is a modest entrance fee of $5/person and it was well worth it. These falls were not too busy and you can tell they use the funds to keep the property in top shape.
The trail is only a quarter mile over pretty flat terrain. They have also added wood chips so the trail is not muddy. You walk along a rushing brook, across a bridge and then you hear the falling water. The falls are very nice. Good height, nice cascading levels, great views and plenty of room.
We hung out for a while enjoying the falling water, taking pictures for other fall viewers and doing some drone flying. I am sensitive to not wanting to disturb people with the drone so we waited until there were only two other groups at the falls before taking out the drone.
The falls are loud so the drone seemed silent. When I lifted off I looked around to see if it was annoying anyone but I got the opposite reaction. One family with little kids was quite entranced by my toy. The kids enjoyed waving at the drone and then started asking the parents for one. The other people were intrigued at the video I was capturing.
I flew about 5 minutes and then put it away, no need to press your luck. We made the quick walk back to the car and and headed back to the hotel for some dinner and to kick back and relax.
Sunday the flight home was smooth and uneventful. I am settling on my favorite power settings. 2350 RPM seems to be a sweet spot and 12 gph/side gets me 182 knots, 13 gph/side gets me 190 knots. Today I compromised on 12.5 and we made 188 which feels like a good place. The spinners are still shiny and I enjoyed how they reflected the puffy clouds. With the twin moving 18 knots faster than the Bonanza we made quick work of the return and soon had the plane back at the hangar.
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