Barefoot Mountain

On our way home from visiting the towns of Sylva and Highlands, we noticed a sign directing people to Whiteside Mountain. Since we had never heard of it, we figured we should check it out. When we got to the parking area, we could see that you had to hike to the top, but given the age of other people in the parking lot (they were older folks) we figured we could manage... even though we were in flip flops.

We hiked our way to the top via a great little trial. At the top, there were spectacular views!

The trail continued along the face of the mountain, and occasionally it offered an opportunity to walk out onto the rock outcroppings.

While out on one such rock, Trevor noticed a crevice he could climb down into that led to a small landing overlooking a 500 foot cliff. He went down, took some video, and then reassured me that it was safe enough for me to come down and take some still photos. Here's Trev at the edge and a picture of the view out from under the rocks:

Then Trevor had me sit in the same spot and place my foot on the edge for dramatic effect.

We got some good photos, and everything was great until I went to stand up. As I brought my left foot up, the back of my flip flop clipped the edge of the cliff. It was knocked right off my foot and fell to its death. The first thing I thought was, "Oh my gosh, I am at the top of a mountain with one shoe." Then I thought, "Oh my gosh, something actually went over the side of the cliff, we really need to get out of here!" So, Trev and I scrambled back out of the crevice back to the safe, guard-railed trail.

Now, this is why I am so in love with Trevor. Knowing how tender footed I am, he took off his shoes, gave them to me, and walked down the mountain barefoot! We made it safely to the bottom and his feet are fine, but I think I owe him a lot of foot rubs!