Our search began on a small trail opposite the Thunder Hill Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  After climbing a hill above the overlook, we were rewarded with a letterbox bearing a beautiful view and a brilliantly carved stamp.

  

In the Insect Shield clothing & hat, Dianne looks like a fake park ranger!

After finding another box along the parkway in Moses Cone Park, we headed into the village for lunch.  Downstairs next door to our family favorite ice cream shop, we meandered down a garden path to the Village Cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch in the courtyard of a turn of the century home.  When we arrived the garden tables were filled, but we were lucky enough to find a table inside.

  

Mediterranean Spring Salad

The food was fresh and seasoned to perfection.  Service was attentive, and the atmosphere was friendly and efficient.  We will definitely return to this Blowing Rock gem.

A bit of regrouping and recuperation at the cabin left us ready to search for just one more letterbox, this one in a local cemetery, one of Emma's favorite places to search for letterboxes.  She enjoys reading at the gravestones and wondering about the lives of those interred there.

  

Stamping in at the cemetery

This happened to be the family cemetery of the letterboxer who planted the box there.  In the clue, she shared some touching stories about her father, grandparents and other relatives.  It was a poignant tribute to her family.

Back at the cabin after dinner, it was finally time for the promised marshmallow roasting.  Since they discovered the firepit in the cabin's yard, Ken and Emma had spent the last three days researching and planning and preparing for a campfire.  All their materials were in place so that when dusk fell, the fire was lit.  A couple dozen marshmallows and several fireside ghost stories later and it was time to end another day and begin planning for tomorrow.