Well we are just about to finish our winter vacation in Banner Elk, NC. We have been here since last Saturday and have been "blessed" (?) with great winter weather. Since our arrival we have experienced steady snow fall with accumulations around 11-15 inches and temps in the single digits to the high teens. We have never taken a winter vacation to a "wintery" location so this has been a real treat. When we made reservations for our cabin (named the Rocky Roost) back in November we were hoping for at least an inch or two of snow to be able to enjoy some sledding and skiing. Little did we imagine that we would have a foot or two of snow to enjoy!
We arrived at our cabin last Saturday evening. We came through Thomasville, NC and picked up Marti's mom who stayed with us the first couple of days of vacation. She was recovering from a small outpatient surgery so it was good for her to get away. It was also good for the kids to spend a little time with her as well. Anyway, as we arrived in Boone, NC (the largest town around here) it started snowing. By the time we got up the mountain, the roads were starting to get bad. But it was worth it as the cabin is just lovely. It has been warm and cozy all week despite the frigid weather.
On Sunday we enjoyed family worship together as the snow came down. We then played outside later in the morning. We brought sleds and put them to good use on these hills. Amy particularly enjoyed the sledding as she only had to sit in my sled on the way down. We would get to the bottom and she would squeal out, "Again Daddy, again!" I had to lug her and the sled up the hill. But again it was worth it. We finished the day by celebrating both Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year with some great stir-fry.
Monday was highlighted by more of the same. Snow, cold weather, sledding, sitting around, eating good food. In the afternoon I took the big kids to Hawksnest Resort and enjoyed some great snow-tubing. It is a converted ski resort and so the tubing lanes were long and fast. We came home and enjoyed taco soup.
Tuesday was the coldest day here barely breaking double digits. The windchill was below or at zero most of the day due to the wind gusts. Despite the continued snow, the roads were clear and so Ben and I made it over to Sugar Mountain for skiing. We had a blast despite the cold. In fact the fresh powder (new natural fluffy snow) made for some of the best skiing at Sugar Mtn. in years (or so we were told). After skiing we went and picked everyone up and headed out to supper. We stumbled upon Hearthstone Tavern and Grill and were treated to great food in a wonderful atmosphere. To finish off the day, Sarah, Ben, Sam, Amy, and I got in the hot tub on the back porch. It was awesome as the snow drifted down on us in the hot water.
Yesterday I was supposed to take the big kids skiing to Sugar Mountain in the morning. However, in trying to help my mother-in-law down the mountain (following her), I ended up in a ditch. I had to call around for a wrecker to pull me out. Terry Teaster was the good ol' boy from these parts that came to "hep" me. When I called him and asked about how long it would take for him to arrive he told me, "Boy, I've been out since 5am today and haven't even had my breakfast yet. Let me grab a bite and I will be up there in about 45 minutes." My only reply, "Yes sir, see you when you get here."
Eventually I made it home around noon and so I took the kids skiing in the late afternoon/early evening. Ben and I did our best to teach Sarah and Sam how to ski. We had a good time although I am not sure that Sarah ever learned how to come to a complete stop. She was able to but she didn't think she was able to! Anyway, everyone came home in one piece. And to finish off the night we watched the Winter Olympics like we have every night this vacation.
Today Marti and Sarah were supposed to travel to Asheville, NC to enjoy the Biltmore House. However, the weather report was calling for continued snow and the girls decided to postpone the trip until later in the year. It is unfortunate as they were less than two hours away but they probably will enjoy it more later in the year when the weather is warmer. They will just have to make a girl's weekend out of it.
Tomorrow we may go skiing again, or we may just lay around and enjoy our last day here. The sun is out today and it is warmer. It has been a great trip and we couldn't have planned it any better. Who would have thought we would have had this much great snow in a wonderful cabin during the first week of the Winter Olympics? I am sure we will make it back in the future.
When I get back home I will post more pictures from the trip. I forgot to bring my transfer cord for my camera so you will just have to wait to see the great beauty and great times of this trip.
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