Asheville

The rain finally stopped and we were feeling better and ready to explore after spending 48 hours inside a 29-foot tin can. No seriously, Tuesday we finally made our way off the mountain into the town of Asheville. We explored the town the last couple of days but have been unable to do what brought us here in the first place and that was to visit Mount Mitchell, the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains and the highest peak in mainland eastern North America. After the rains and strong winds passed through the area, the Blue Ridge Parkway was closed due to downed trees and washed out roads. Mount Mitchell is accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tomorrow we have to leave the campground. Couldn't stay on even if we wanted to because they are full.

We did have a nice time exploring downtown Asheville. It is an eclectic, earthy, artsy type of town. It is known or many things, one of them being their breweries. Jim was in heaven. Our first stop was to a place called Wedge Brewing Company. It is located in the River Arts community, an area known for the large graffiti murals all along the buildings, boulders or anything an artist decides to paint. Apparently some of the nations top muralists go to Asheville to create their murals.

Yesterday morning the weather was a little nicer, bluer skies and warmer temperatures. It has been chilly at night and the heat hasn't worked too well in the Airstream. Jim thinks we just need a new thermostat. Hopefully that is all it is. We are discovering a few needed repairs when we get back to Virginia but that can be expected. After all the trailer is 25 years old. We felt sorry for Boo and gave him one of our lightweight fleece throws. He likes being all snuggled at night. I know..spoiled dog.

We drove through Montford Historic District, a neighborhood with a variety of houses built at the turn of the 20th century. Some where enormous and some where romantically quaint. We got out of the car and walked Boo through a park only to come upon one house that was eerily haunting. It was an old home now split into several apartments. I bet there are some stories to tell about this old establishment.

One of the highlights of the day for me was finding a farmer's market with a woman selling gluten free breads and scones. I bought myself a scone and baguette. Then I found a stand where I bought sourdough bread for Jim.

We went to dinner at a vegetarian restaurant and sat outside with Boo. Asheville is an extremely dog friendly town. There was a ceilidh going on at a bar around the corner from the restaurant. We sat outside and listened to them for a bit. A ceilidh is a social gathering where different musicians come together to play Scottish or Irish folk music. It reminded us of our visit to Ireland.

We have met some nice couples at the breweries and here in the campground. Tomorrow we have to pack up and move on. Our destination will be Greenville, SC. We may come back here on our way back home so we can visit Mount Mitchell but that is still under discussion.
Good night from Asheville.