Our family has made it a tradition of getting away for a long, Spring Break weekend since the kids were small.  Through the years, we have spent time in Washington, D.C.; Williamsburg, VA;  Atlanta, GA; and Charleston, SC.  For the last two years we have decided to spend a relaxing vacation in the mountains. We also started renting houses being offered by the individual owners of the properties.  Having rented like this on several occasions we have had a great experience with the process and properties.  Our house this year was in the Lake Lure area on the Broad River.  We had a good time fishing (mostly fishing and very little catching) as well as just hanging out by the river.  It was fun watching Howie have his first experience at a river.  During the weekend we hiked to the bottom of a 400 foot waterfall in Chimney Rock Park.  It was also a big birthday weekend for Spencer as he turned 21 while we were on vacation.

Graham, Tess and Howie by the Broad River in Lake Lure, NC.

Howie, the fishing dog, helps Graham as he keeps watch for those elusive fish.

Spencer made good use of the hammock on our porch.

Keena and Spencer, during our hike, at Hickory Nut Falls in the Chimney Rock State Park.

Beautiful view from the second floor loft of the house

Spencer and Brad enjoying a morning on the porch