Indoor Skydiving in Raeford, NC

My kids with their certificates that they can indoor skydive.

Very excited and ready to go into the wind tunnel.

Von screamed like a little girl.

Sarah doing the flying squirrel.  All smiles.

We got an awesome deal on LivingSocial or Groupons for indoor skydiving at Paraclete SkyVentures in Raeford, NC.  This was absolutely one of the scariest things and most fun thing I'd ever done.  You get a class on how to fly your body.  They will provide a flight suit, goggles, and helmet.  You will get to fly for two minutes, which doesn't sound like a long time, but it is when you are flying.

The instructor will be in the wind tunnel with you the whole time.  This is an all age activity.  I saw 4-year-old kids as well as senior citizens flying and having an awesome time.

What To Bring:  A no fear attitude and some tennis shoes.  They have lockers and as you can see from the photos, they have bleachers for spectators.

What To Expect:  Keep you mouth closed!  Tie your shoes on tight.  The heavier you are the higher the wind speed required to fly you.  You will see a large digital readout of the wind speed and your time in flight.

I can't show you in the photo, but the wind tunnel is very, very high.  There is a wire mesh as a floor.  On your 2nd minute the instructor will ask you if you want to go high.  If you say yes, it will be the best ride of your life.  The test cell operator will bounce you up and down and you will literally be flying 20-40 feet in the air and then free fall drop, and then bounce back up high again.  It was scary, but fun at the same time.

This one is not for the faint of heart.  The kids and I give it a huge two thumbs up in the fun factor.  Check them out.  http://www.paracletexp.com/


Family fun with indoor skydiving.  Skydiving without the danger of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane.

Raleigh Lego Kid Fest 2011 (Builder's Paradise)

The United States of America represented with Legos.

Lots of great exhibits, games, food, etc. at Lego Kidsfest

Check out this huge Batman at Lego Kidsfest.

Lots of cool exhibits, classes, games, etc. for kids of all ages.   Tons of Lego's!


O.K. this wasn't exactly an outdoor event, but it will get you out of the house!  We went to kid's Lego heaven if there is one.  The Lego Kids fest had tons of things to do and would be an all day event.  It was great for little kids, but all ages enjoy building with Lego's.  They had tons of displays, games, master building classes, contest, and of course Lego's to buy.  Tickets were $20 for adults and $18 for kids, but WRAL had a promotion code when you bought on line and take took two dollars off each ticket.  So adults dropped to $18 and kids was $16, not a bad deal for an all day event.

Fall In Western NC, Chimney Rock State Park...Hot Apple Cider Time

Wilson County Fair, Wilson NC (Mexican Corn!)

Off the midway...at the Wilson County Fair, Wilson, NC.

Hansen family entertainment.

This is country fun at the Wilson County Fair.  Hanging out in the "Cut."

If you want an alternative to larger crowds and more $$ at the North Carolina State Fair, think about trying out the Wilson County Fair, in Wilson, NC.  The entry fee is $7/person, but there's entertainment.  Typical rides are 4 tickets, and tickets are $4.

But the best thing I liked about this fair was discovering the Mexican corn.  What is it?  We'll I'm glad you asked.  Mexican corn is a roasted corn that is served with the husk peeled back as a handle.  Then a coating of sour cream and mayo is painted on the corn until all the nooks and crannies are filled.

The corn is then rolled in fresh grated Parmesan cheese.  The new owner of the corn can put a thick hot sauce, more salt & pepper, or more cheese on it.  It is well worth waiting in the long line to get, and it's a great idea to try and make at home.

Cape Hatteras (The OBX), Ocracoke Island..Sand, Surf, Sun and Happiness

Von and Sarah "Chilax'n" on Ocracoke Island.  We had a 4-wheel drive, so you can just drive right on the beach.  In fact the OBX has approximately 60 miles on national seashore to drive on.  No permit required.  Be sure to drop your tire pressure down to about 8-10 psig.  There's excellent surf fishing in the Winter there as well.

Here we are on the 30-minute ferry that will take you from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island.  This ferry ran every 30-minutes and used to be free, but now I think you will have to pay a small fee.  Riding a ferry is all part of the North Carolina experience.  A ferry can hold up to 20-30 vehicles...and Ocracoke is crowded in the summer, but a ghost town in the Winter.  This was the home of "Black Beard" the most famous pirate of all.

If you have a 4-wheel drive you can either go to an East or South facing beach.  A South facing beach might have gentler waves.  The water feels great, no crowds, and there's plenty of good fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and good eats on the island.  This is a back to nature kinda place...so look forward to uncrowded beaches, sand dunes, and sea oats.

This is one of my kids all time favorite places to eat in Buxton, NC, it's called the "Orange Blossom."  It's been here forever and they have the best coffee and real made from scratch donuts.  Sarah calls this place "donut heaven."  The donuts are heavy, literally heavy, maybe 1/4 lb. each...I'm not kidding.  They are super delicious..and go down well with chocolate milk.  The OBX is a very laid back place and Ocracoke has a Key West feel without the dirtiness and bums.  At least that's what I'm told.

The OBX

To the West of North Carolina we have Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, but here to the East we have the polar opposite.  This right here is one of my favorite places of all times, it holds such a special place in my psyche, it is the place where time stands still, where there's always the music of crashing waves, sugar fine sand, and a strong breeze blowing onto shore.  I am sandwiched between the oceans and the sound...this is my Disney World, and I become a kid again each and every time I come here.  OBX beauty never changes, it is a timeless classic....here to endure till the end of time.  Thank God that this place is a national treasure and there is limited development out this way.

  My heart literally skips a beat as the tires hit route 12 and I'm heading southbound through little towns with the names like Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras, and of course Ocracoke.  I live an hour East of Raleigh and it still takes me 4 hours to drive to the Hatteras Light House. 

For those of you that didn't know it, this is where the Lost Colony got lost.  This is where Black Beard the Pirate put his toes in the sands and pondered out his next adventure.  This is where hurricane after hurricane has tried to wipe this place off the face of the earth.  This is where two bicycling brothers from Ohio came to play and changed the history of the world!  And this is where I love to be, and almost died here more than once..just playing in the waters.  When you come to the OBX, love her, but respect her at the same time.

I can not begin to describe the sunsets over the water...silhouettes of windsurfers slowly sailing back and forth at the Canadian Hole as the sun shines through their multi-colored sails, or how it feels to climb up over the sand dues, surrounded by gently bending sea oats, and staring out to a white capped raging sea while your toes are deep into the cool soft sand.  The Nor-Easters ripping so hard you can see the sand being blown off the beach.

Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro NC Camping

Sunset at Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro, NC.


Kids at Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro, NC...this is a very isolated place and you have to get there by ferry (pontoon boat).


Primitive camping is allowed at reserved sights.  This area is better suited for backpack camping and not car camping.  Do not bring a lot of gear because it will be a long walk from the ferry site to your campground.  I'm talking about a mile or more hike, at least it felt that way to me hauling cookers, fishing gear, tents, coolers, lanterns, etc.


Some of the most uncrowded beach in NC, Bear Island.


Kids enjoying the ferry ride out to Bear Island from Hammock Beach State Park.

Bear Island...what can I say, there's not much there, the island is bare!  You will have to make a reservation with the NC State Park system for about $25.

You will catch a pontoon boat ferry from Hammock Beach State Park.  The park main building has a little museum and gift shop there.  The areas is protected from the ocean and most of it is marshland with tall grasses.  A great place to do some salt water kayaking and fishing.  If you had a small boat, jon boat, and such you could fish it here because the waters are calm.

You should catch things such as flounder, puppy drum, croakers, spots, and speckled trout.  You could even try crabbing or shrimping with a cast net.

Once you reach Bear Island, there are some showers and bathroom facilities there, but they are not the best.  There is a shelter at the dock site and an asphalt path to the beach side of the island.  There are no cars, boats, nothing but nature on the beach.  You will have to walk another 200 to 1000 yards to your campsite.

The campsites are on the other side of the sand dunes and are protected from the wind.  They will have picnic tables there and numbers.  A park ranger will come by and check on you 100%.  It is very, very beautiful and isolated.  At the east end of the island, you will find a ton of sea shells....lots, and lots of sea shells.

Bear Island is a magnificent place...magical almost, and it's such a great feeling to have a place like this that the public can enjoy that's completely undeveloped.  Get out there and enjoy it!  Bring a surf rod if you do.

Bullocksville State Park, NC Camping....Kerr Lake Area

Getting the fire nice and hot to make Smores.

Our camp site at Bullocksville State Park, over looking Kerr Lake.

My little 1960's Lonestar boat on Kerr Lake.


Sarah catches a little fishy and tries to keep it away from Thumper.

Uncrowded island beaches at Kerr Lake.

The kids and I went out camping for Memorial Day at Bullocksville State Park.  You will have to make a reservation with the Park Service, and a night is typically $25.  You will have clean bathrooms, and a close by water supply.  This comes in handy for washing dishes.  They also have camper sites with electrical hook-ups, but we were tent campers and didn't need it.

Kerr Lake is one of the biggest bodies of water in North Carolina and boast some great fresh water fishing.  It also has tons of little island and an uncrowded shoreline.  Now if you've never been to the lakes with clay, you'll have to get used to the squishes of clay and mud beaches.  It's not sand like at the beach.

The lake is deep and as you go swimming in deeper water you can feel the thermocline.  It's kinda freaky at first, but you get used to it.  The deeper the water the clearer it gets.  I was fishing from shore, stalking bass.  Be sure to wear a good pair of polarizing sun glasses so you can see into the water.  You can see the fish in waters this clear, but they can see you too.

I used a pop-R, and that did the trick on a couple of small bass.  There are flooded timber, as well as lots of stumps for fishing the shore line.

One of the best things about tent camping is that you get to meet all your neighbors.  At night we would walk to the showers with our flash lights, towels draped over our shoulders, and ditty bag (toiletry bag) in our hands.  It reminded me of Halloween trick'r'treaters.  Camping is also very dog friendly, and there were lots of people that brought their dog.  Just be sure that they're on a leash.

Camping at the state run campgrounds is very safe.  I've never had to worry about my kids getting lost or anything like that.  Bullocksville is on a peninsula.  Kids and walk around freely and ride their bikes.  Cars or trucks do not drive fast, and they lock the gates at 7:00 p.m.  There's tons of staffers riding around in golf carts checking on the campers.  We were very lucky because one of the clean up crews pointed out that they had free cut up fire wood for us to burn.

The kids and I got enough fire wood for two nights, and we even stacked up some extra fire wood that we didn't use for the next campers coming to the site after we left.

There will be trash cans at each campsite, and each campsite had a number with a clip and the name of the reserving party on it.  Be aware that the lake level in Kerr lake can fluctuate a lot.  This is a great lake for skiing and fishing.  Some of the camp sites are right on the water, so you'll be able to anchor up your boat right there and go fish early in the morning.

My kids love camping.  And they love having gourmet food cooked outside.  After a great day of boating, swimming, exploring, and fishing, we'd come back and make lunch or dinner.  We'd sit around making a camp fire, roasting smores, and then play board games, Uno, or cards before bed.  Sometimes we'd have a ghost story making contest.  I truly feel that family camping really brings out the quality time between kids and parents.

There's birds singing in the trees, the breeze blowing off the water, no video games, no TV, no radios, etc. for distractions.  Our kids actually get to talk with us, and we get to bond with them more and a family unit when everyone gets in the act.  You can always get the kids involved by getting them to put up the tent, collect the fire wood, or even drive the boat. 

Camping is just clean family fun that won't break the bank, and a great way to enjoy North Carolina State Parks.

Grandfather Mountain State Park, NC

This is the profile of Grandfather Mountain.  Can you see him looking up at the sky?

The mile-high swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain.  Elevations is 5,282 feet.

Enjoying the beautiful weather and picnicking at MacRae Meadows, sight for the Scottish Highland Games & Singing on the Mountain.

Beautiful vista a Black Rock.  This was a short 3 mile hike in the Grandfather Mountain State Park.

Grandfather Mountain is a North Carolina state run park.  The fee is $15 for adults, and $7 for children 12 and under.  The park has a zoo, restaurant, hiking trails, ice cream shop, souvenir shop, the Mile-High Swinging Bridge...and lots of wild life to watch.  The view is spectacular, and there is an elevator.  Plan on doing a day long trip here because there's so much to do.

The kids and I camped out at the Grandfather Mountain RV Resort for $16/day.  You can get a camping cabin to a two bedroom cabin for $60 to $120/night.  They had a little general store for supplies, ice, snacks, drinks, and fire wood.  They also had hot water showers and clean bathrooms.  The campground is right next to the beautiful cold water creek.

The campground is also right next to the Grandfather Mountain Trout Farm and Gem Mine.  You can catch trout for $6/lb.  They have two ponds 3 lb and 5 lb and up.  This is fantastic for young kids and adults a like.  They provide poles and bait, and it will not take long for the fish to bite.  The trout are delicious!

Everywhere you drive in this area is going to be beautiful and scenic.  You won't be far from one of the most famous sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway...and that's the Linville Viaduct.

Thumper the NC Adventure Dog "English Springer Spaniel"

"How do I look honey?  Does this make me look fat?," said Thumper the NC Adventure Dawg.


My bowl is empty...what's up with that?  You gonna feed me or what?


Puppy kiss.


Thumper as a pup, exercising and running through the woods while we hiked Morrow Mountain State Park, NC.  He loves the woods.

Thumper running as fast as he can on the beach at the OBX, right next to the Cape Hatteras Light House.

Thumper using a rock as a pillow, sleeps next to the fire while camping with us at Bullocksville State Park, NC.  He played hard.

Thumper inspects my crappie catch and said "This one's too small, throw it back."

Air pump check, tent check, shovel check, cooler check, broom check, Coleman stove check, clothes check, Coleman lantern check, toilet paper check, and my wind loving dog....check!  Ready to do some camping.

Thumper loves to go swimming in Kerr Lake, Bullocksville State Park, NC.

Thumper loves to ride in the back of the car.  My daughter catching some ZZZZZZ's from a hard day of playing.


Thumper my 55 lb. Springer visiting his cousin, Kanada, "the big baby" in Texas.

Thumper rode with us in the back of the car for 3,500 miles round trip and toured Pensacola, New Orleans, Houston, and San Antonio.


Happy dog running on the muddy banks of an island on Kerr Lake.

"The Power of the Dog"

By Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie --
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find -- it's your own affair --
But . . . you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit hat answered your every mood
Is gone -- wherever it goes -- for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept'em, the more do we grieve;

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long --
So why in -- Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Davison River Fly Fishing, Camping, Ice Cream, Hiking, and Water Falls (Beautiful Brevard)

Brown trout caught a the Hatchery on the Davison River, Pisgah National Forest.


The breath taking view from Looking Glass Rock, Pisgah National Forest, NC.  You will have to earn it to get up here and get this view.


Sarah prepares for the icy plunge!  Beware the water is extremely cold..even during the summer.

North Carolina offers some great fly fishing in the winter and spring.  The important thing is to "match the hatch."  Contact your local guide service and ask them what's working.  I will be the fastest way to hook up with a nice pulling trout.  Most of these waters are catch and release, but there are plenty of private ponds that offer trout to take home.

The great thing about trout fishing is that it doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment.  Children are allowed to use live bait, but adults must use artificial lures.  The waters are so clear, you will be able to see the fish stacked up like cord wood along the banks.  Gently walk along the water to prevent the silt from stirring up.

The Pisgah National Forest has so much to offer.  The Pisgah has Looking Glass Falls.  It is a 30-foot wide waterfall the drops 60 feet down a rock cliff. Steps lead to an overlook and continue to the base of the falls.

 A really fun place is Sliding Rock.  It's a natural 60-foot rock water slide that slides into a 7-foot deep pool. During the season there is a parking fee per vehicle. The property offers restrooms, changing areas, and observation deck. Sliding Rock is open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day Weekend, a lifeguard is on duty during open hours.  Be prepared, because the water is going to be freezing when you hit the pool!  Takes your breath away.

I did a cheap stay by camping next to the Davison River for $25/night.  The campsite had hot showers, clean bathrooms, and a fire pit.  Brevard is an awesome walking little town.  There's great food, and don't forget to visit Rocky's Ice Cream Parlor in Brevard.

For those that like to hike, there's Looking Glass Rock.  Prepare for a 5-6 hour round trip hike if you have kids.  Bring a pack with water and snacks.  The trail climbs about 1,700 feet in just over three miles. The many switchbacks along the way help make for a long and moderately difficult climb. A strong hiker can make it to the top in 1.5 hours and down in one hour. The view is breath taking. The trail is well blazed in yellow and easy to follow.

The Davison, Bevard, Looking Glass Rock, Sliding Rock, and the Pisgah National Forest is a wonderful place to get back to nature and just chill.  Make it a part of your summer destination in NC and you won't be disappointed.

Biltmore Estate and Beautiful Asheville, NC Travels

The most famous house in America, The Biltmore Estate.  It would feature 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more.


Coy in the fish pond at the Biltmore Estate.


The most beautiful gardens at the Biltmore Estate.  Adult tickets are $64, Youth (10-16) $32, and Children 9 and under get in free.

A Gardener’s Place.  This shop features estate-grown plants, garden accessories, books, and gifts. Located in the Walled Garden, on the Conservatory’s lower level.

The backside of the Estate looking across a breath taking mountain view.  It is hard to describe in words the magnificent beauty of this house and the surrounding area.  It is a "must" see in North Carolina, but if you chose to go..set aside for an all day event.  It will take you two to three hours alone to go through the house tour, and there's also the winery, farm house, etc.  Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes!



Watching movies outside in Asheville, NC.  There is nothing like the warmth and charm of this city.  It is artsy and eclectic to the core.  So many wonderful things to do, see, buy, and eat.  Asheville is like no other city in North Carolina.


Street performers in Asheville, NC.  This is one of the most romantic and charming city in North Carolina.

No visit to the state of North Carolina could be complete if you did not visit the Biltmore Estate and the nearby city of Asheville.  This house and surrounding areas are very, very, very special.

Some of these photos were taken during the Winter and some during the Summer.  I have never seen it, but it's been said that if you went to the Biltmore during the Christmas Season, it is absolutely the most beautiful sight around.  I prefer seeing this grand place during the spring, when the gardens are in full bloom.  My children love this place!

Asheville- This is a walking city.  It is young, hip, hippie, vibrant, with a warm embrace of open mindedness and Southern charm Appalachian style.  The city is surrounded by medium size peaks.  During the day, there's lots of shopping and one can spend countless hour par oozing through the gift shops and galleries.  Don't forget there's plenty of good places to eat.  The air in Asheville is always crisp and clean.

There is a sense of youthful exuberance in the city.  Where else can you see a coffee house made out of a double decker English bus.  You can find restaurants serving vegetarian, Thai, Japanese Sushi, steaks, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Italian.  This is a hippish micro-brew kinda town.  There art tons of arts and artist with that distinct mountain flavor.  Yet this place in not isolated and quite worldly sometimes.  You will see street performers out miming.  Youngster with guitars, or violins playing their music out in the streets.

There's a free black and white classic movie playing in the middle of the park.  How cool is that?  There is a sense of mysticism in this place, and definately worthwhile to visit.  Oh, and I almost forgot...there's also great local music.  Yes, live music!  So put on something casual, slip on some sandals, walk the streets, don't be stressed, don't be in a hurry, play it by ear, and just see where things go.  Asheville is a great place to get lost in.