Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Mount Soma, Asheville downtown, Chimney Rock State Park on 4th July weekend

Woke up on Sunday at 11 AM and just decided to go to mountains because in our busy lives we almost never have a free weekend ! A quick packing , hotel reservation for a night and tons of enthusiasm was all that was needed for the road trip. We went to Mount Soma , Clyde, NC where Hanuman Temple is located. Drive is pretty, very much like when we go to Art of Living Ashram in Boone. A big Hanuman Ji statue and a temple atop a small hill along with a visitor's center that serves lunch and dinner on weekends, few very nice homes all sitting in the lap of hills. 

After visiting temple we strolled in the streets of beautiful Asheville downtown, abuzz with people, restaurants and music. The famous Indian restaurant 'Chai Paani' was full so they sent us over to another restaurant called MG Road which served their food.  We ordered Chicken and Paneer Tikka wraps and non vegetarian Thali. Wraps were great, couldn't say the same thing about Thali. 

Night was spent in the same hotel where we made reservations when my sister visited us six years ago - nostalgic!

Next day was 4th July- no better way to spend it other than logging 15000 steps to climb on top of Chimney Rock and going down to Hickory Nut Falls (This 404 foot waterfall at Chimney Rock Park is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River ) while appreciating everything our 'Karm Bhoomi" has to offer.

In Chimney rock, we spotted a baby copper head where kids were just about to sit, also saw a water snake in the waterfalls. Great Save!

Sitting under the shadow of fluttering flag of USA, we thanked all those who fought for freedom and appreciated every opportunity that we have been provided with, by this amazing country. Happy Fourth!!


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