Four years ago, I made the promise to my 4-year-old daughter (Daria) that she could go pick blueberries when she was 8. Yeah, this was the year. She grew up quick and I found myself with quite an adventure.

We started out on a Thursday afternoon with expectations of being gone until Sunday. Friday morning it poured, and we got rained out. After hiking 3.5 miles we turned around. We stayed in Bryson City with the expectation of some light hiking and local activities the next day, before going home.

Saturday found us pursuing the crazy idea of trying to climb the mountain again. And we did. This time, rain, snakes, bears, and all manner of other obstacles did not stop us from getting to the top, getting our berries, and getting down safely again.

We hiked a total of 25 miles. By God's grace, neither of us were hurt (with the exception of very sore feet). Daria did an extraordinary job of facing each adventure as though she was born to do it...we had a blast!

Many of the pics in this album were taken by Daria- they are labeled with a (D). She is turning into quite the photographer. :)