Moses Cone Servants Quarters Rose Arbor

 The early morning sun is catching the rose arbor.  Moses Cone himself did not plant any non-native species on his estate.  That’s because one of his missions on the estate was to awake visitors [and he had in mind his estate would one day be a 'public pleasuring ground' so by visitors he was thinking of us, of you and me today] to the wonders of the Southern Appalachian mountains and forest.  Mr. Cone died young.  After his death Mrs. Cone introduced a number of non-native species to the estate, including this rose arbor.  To see it, park in the parking lot of the Cone Manor at mp 294.  Walk to the Carriage Barn [the public restrooms are located in the Carriage Barn so look for public restroom signs if you don't know how to recognize the Carriage Barn].  The rose arbor is just a short distance downhill from the Carriage Barn.

Taken on the Rich Mountain Trail above Trout Lake Parking Area, Blue Ridge Parkway, mp 294.  What can I say?  I love the aura of mystery that foggy days bring to the woods, and the muted colors.

A number of people have asked me about hiking fees on the trails on Grandfather Mtn that has been/is being sold to the state as a state park.  I didn’t know the answer but this article appeared on Feb 9 and seems to clarify.  In short, we continue to pay to hike [and can purchase permits only at the Grandfather Mtn gate] until the property has completely passed into the state’s hands:

Grandfather Mountain Announces New Hiking Permit Policy     

Written by James Jestes

Friday, February 06 2009 

Yearly permits will no longer be required after Grandfather Mountain completes its deal with the State of North Carolina to purchase the backcountry this spring. Until then, permits will only be sold for one day hikes.

For the time being, hikers who wish to access the trails from off-mountain trailheads including, the Profile Trail on NC 105 and the Boone Fork Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway, will need to obtain a hiking permit from the Grandfather ticket gate.

After the sale to the state closes, no permits will be required to access the property from the off-mountain trailheads.

“Since there will be no hiking fee once the state purchases the backcountry, this is the simplest solution for a seamless transition,” explained Grandfather President Crae Morton. “We anticipate minimal inconvenience, as we have much less hiking in the months of February and March.”

Grandfather Mountain hiking permits will no longer be available from off-site outlets such as Footsloggers and Mast General Store. Beginning February 1, permits for day hikes can only be purchased at the Grandfather Mountain ticket gate.

Access to Grandfather’s network of backcountry trails from trailheads along the toll roll to the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in the attraction’s $14 general admission price and is not affected by this decision. Visitors to the tourist attraction will continue to be able to hike the backcountry as always.

For 2009 the trails will be maintained and monitored by both Grandfather Mountain trails staff and state rangers.

For more information on Grandfather Mountain visit http://www.grandfather.com  or call 800-468-7325.

http://www.goblueridge.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5676&Itemid=1

yellow mushroom

Looking through past pictures, I ran across this mushroom.  They come in so many shapes, forms, and colors that I always enjoy their manifestations.  And on this lovely snowy and white mountain day, the bright yellow was much appreciated.

I’m getting ready to publish my 2009 Calendar.  If you haven’t received one previously and would like to, just let me know: 828 264 1434.  Or email me at Helen@CoeRealty.com