Bristol, TN/VA Excursions

We've had a great time in Bristol, TN/VA. Summer has arrived; the days are warm and the nights are cool.

Grandfather Mtn.: Is a privately owned mountain...therefore requires a $15/per person entry fee. There are some natural animal habitats, very well done actually. "Mildred" is a rare cinnamon-colored black bear. She has been producing cubs to introduce to the wild as the black bear population was in danger in that area. The population is now at a sustainable level and Mildred can relax. Mildred and her family wait patiently for the 2 p.m. treats...and by her watch, the hour as arrived! At the top of the mountain (at precisely 1 mile above sea level) there is a suspension bridge leading to a rock outcrop. The wind was blowing 90 knots! We hiked the rockiest, rootiest, wettest trail to Grandmothers Outlook--accessed only by scaling a huge boulder with a steel cable attached. Going up was the easy part...

Grayson Highlands State Park: The Appalachian Trail passes over the top of the mountain...and Adrienne reported wild ponies in the meadows...with babies! We didn't see the babies, but we did see ponies and wild rhododendrons in bloom. A great adventure! We climbed a trail to some really awesome waterfalls.

International Storytelling Center: Jonesborough is the oldest town in TN and home to a Storytelling Festival in the Fall. During the summer, there is a Teller-In-Residence every week. Michael Parent is a native Mainer...so we had to take in a performance. Storytelling is an art. I can think of a couple of friends who definitely could make it in this field!