Chimney Rock and a Chilling Tale

Yesterday I hopped on the Burg and took off without having a destination in mind.  I was just following my nose along Cane Creek Road when I saw a sign for Chimney Rock, so off I went.  It was a bit chilly but another gorgeous day.  I have so many memories of that road and that place.

The sun was so bright it almost glowed

Once mom and I were traveling on a bus along that curvy road.  We were sitting near the back right across from the rest room.  A rather large lady went in and closed the door.  The bus rounded a curve, the door flew open and there she sat in all her glory!  I was just a young lad and it scared me to be seeing that much of her, so I quickly turned my head while she grabbed for the door.  Momma just howled with laughter! 

Another time mom and I were coming to the mountains and we were in my Austin Healy Sprite.  It was red and pretty fast, so we enjoyed the curves and the view.  Moma loved Chimney Rock, too, and went there often as a young woman.  She even had her picture in the paper once while visiting there. 

Lake Lure near Chimney Rock

Then there was the Chimney Rock Hill Climb and my good friend George Holcomb racing his Lotus Elan to the top.  It was a beautiful car and very fast.  He didn't win any prizes, but we sure partied hard at the camp ground.  Gary Blake and crew even came up from Wilmington to enjoy the event.  We were camped right next to the river and the view was splendid.  It was a very fine time, indeed!

When I got back I went to the ABC store in Fletcher and the manager struck up a conversation as I was checking out.  With just a couple of questions, he quickly learned I was an IP (instructor pilot) in T-37's at Moody AFB around the time he was there as a student.  He and 2 others survived a midair collision in 2 Tweets and he had to eject to survive.  His IP didn't make it.  His parachute was missing 7 panels because of the way he had to punch out.  He wound up hanging from a pine tree with his feet just off the ground.  It was quite a story!  To say he was lucky is a gross understatement!  He went on to fly B-52s for the rest of his career.