The Crabtree falls walk started right from our campsite, so we did this first thing. It was a 1.5 hour loop walk which took us down to a cascading waterfall.
On the way up we scrambled up a steep cliff. All trails did say it was strenuous so we didn’t doubt it too much. Then when it seemed clear it was not a path, we stopped and checked the AllTrails map I had downloaded. Sure enough, we had taken a wrong turn.
We scrambled back down and found the right path which had steps. But we’ve learned if they say it’s a strenuous walk, it’s more likely moderate for our fitness level.
It was a lovely walk and took us just over an hour.
Our next stop was the Linville falls. When we arrived at the carpark it was full. I almost told Mike to drive on out, fearing a repeat of Clingmans Dome hoards. But Mike insisted we do it and I was glad we did.
It was a short walk to the first waterfall lookout and this was where most of the people were. But there were many other walks to other overlooks and we did all of them. It was a nice walk and stunning views.
We came off the route to fuel and stock up as there are no shops if the Blueridge parkway itself. We stopped in the very busy town of Boone and headed for the Walmart.
I had rolled my ankle when we were in Texas, and now I’m suffering some plantar fasciitis so i wanted to buy a golf ball to roll it out. But they didn’t sell single balls, so I got a baseball instead and it works ok.
We passed the cyclists we had met the previous evening and stopped to chat like we were old friends. They are cycling to the rugby World Cup in Paris and helping deliver the official match whistle.
We stopped the night at another national park campground. A man opposite us plated his banjo and sang folky songs so that was cool. A couple we met the night before came over and chatted with us and have invited us to visit them in Florida.
We also met a couple of other YouTubers, which was cool. People are just so friendly and approachable.
This time we found a spot out in the open as in not under trees, and our solar kept our power from going flat.