Building Steps for the Campers

Since we are seasonal campers now, we decided to build a small platform with steps to the camper.  We have joked that getting into the Avalanche is like climbing up the mountain.  The foldout steps that came with it are sturdy, but they were steep and poor Sally B had an awful time to get into it.

Hubs, Dad, and LM went to Lowes and purchased the wood needed and then started the build.  I had sketched out a rough drawing of what I wanted the structure to look like.

LM was so excited to get to learn carpentry skills.  Hubs and Dad showed him how to measure the wood, mark it, and cut it.  He loved using the skill saw.

When LM had the wood cut, they began the assembly process.  Hubs and Dad held the wood and LM screwed it into place.

They worked on it all afternoon.  Finally, right before supper, it was finished!

It has made a world of difference getting into and out of the camper.

The next weekend, Dad and LM built the small platform and steps to Mom's camper.  LM looked like a professional this time.  He knew exactly what to do and needed very little help.  Dad built the two boxes needed, but LM did the majority of the work.

The finished product looked great and they had added a rail and had rail to her steps.  EG thinks we need one for our steps.  We will have LM add those in the near future.

I think I have a budding carpenter on my hands!

Craggy Pinnacle Hike

It was a beautiful day for a hike.  I wanted to see if the rhododendrons were blooming in the high mountains and thought Craggy Gardens would be a great adventure for the day.  The azaleas at our campground were finishing their blooming season and the rhododendrons were starting to bloom at the lower altitude.  So, we ventured up the mountain to the Blue Ridge Parkway to take a look.

We stopped at Craggy Pinnacle to check things out.  We didn't want to hike Craggy Gardens if things weren't in bloom.

The weather was a bit more extreme at over 5,000ft.  Spring was just really starting on the mountain top.  We enjoyed the exploration.  It wasn't too steep, but it was not flat!

The views were breath taking at several points before arriving at the top of the pinnacle.

At the top, we could see the clouds rolling in from the south and the clear skies to the north.

We enjoyed our adventure and loved that Granddad made the journey with us.

This was the view of Craggy Pinnacle from Craggy Gardens Visitor's Center.  We were at the tip top of the mountain for our hike.  We can't wait to venture back up again!

Discovery Place Science - Da Vinci's Machines

Our homeschool group traveled to Charlotte, NC to Discovery Place Science.  Da Vanci's Machines was the featured exhibit and we wanted to see it.  Most of our group had never been to Discovery Place, so this was exciting for everyone.

We also enjoyed the permanent exhibits and science shows.

This was a great science outing for our group.  They had a great time with all the hands-on activities. We will definitely return when a new traveling exhibit arrives.