For the first time in over four years, the Miller family returned to Sapphire Valley, North Carolina for a week's vacation. (For the previous visit in 1998, click here.) Following are some pictures taken during the week.

After a scenic drive to Dillsboro, North Carolina, we boarded the train for a round trip to Bryson City. The train travels through the mountains along the banks of the Tuckasegee River and offers outstanding scenery.

Here is the diesel train getting ready to depart the Dillsboro station. The railroad also offers steam excursions, but the steam engine was out of commission during our visit.

At this curve in the track, one can see the entire train stretching out along side of the Tuckasegee River.

Judy, Sarah, Laura and Erica are really enjoying this train trip! This is Sarah and Laura's first train trip, and, if you exclude Erica's ride on the Washington DC Metro, it is Erica's first trip on a real train too.

Christmas in August??? When in Cherokee, North Carolina, the answer is a definite yes! Santa's Land is a small amusement park and zoo located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. We spent one day exploring what the park had to offer.

Laura and Erica share a boat ride in the U.S.S. Prancer.

Although not quite as exciting as the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Santa's Land has its own railroad that carries passengers around the park.

Erica, Sarah and Laura take a break between rides.

Laura and Erica's favorite ride was the Rudicoaster, which they must have ridden at least a dozen times. At first they wanted Dad to come along, but then they got braver and decided to go it alone. Given Bob's love of roller coasters, it's obvious that it's in the blood!

No trip to Santa's Land would be complete without a visit to see Santa Claus, himself. Here Erica gives Santa a hug after reciting a list of must haves for Christmas.

Next, it is Laura's turn.

Finally, Sarah even gets into the act!

No trip to Sapphire Valley would be complete without taking in a few of the numerous waterfalls in the area. In August 2002, North Carolina was in the midst of a severe drought, as was much of the East Coast. The amount of water flowing over the waterfalls reflected that fact. Nonetheless, they were still beautiful to behold.

Laura and Erica pose at the foot of Silver Falls. We had to take a short hike to reach the falls, which involved traversing a stream by crossing a narrow log. We all made it without getting wet, although Bob was sweating it a little while crossing the stream with Sarah in a carrier on his back!

Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies. Compare the water flow at right with that in the picture below taken in April 1998, when the area was experiencing particularly wet conditions.

Bridal Veil Falls has become barely a trickle.

And Dry Falls is living up to its name by having a much reduced volume. You can now clearly see the walkway that takes you behind the falls.

We had a wonderful trip in 2002 and look forward to returning to Sapphire Valley in about a year.