Crashed dogs on the trip down. To VA in 12 hours - to Asheville in 18.
Our campsite in VA - Jim broke down camp while I walked the dogs (rough deal for me, right?)
The view from the VA campground.
I called the tailgate the bar. Jim is mixing up a cocktail. We got a sweet site. When we first arrived, "our" loop seemed closed for maintenance. I could not have that, so I sweetly asked two female campground hosts in a golf cart if we could camp in there and just walk to a different bathroom. (Jim tried to dissuade me from this little move, but I could not be stopped, as I knew they would not mind.) They smiled and said, "If you don't mind the hike." Mind the hike? Ha. "Gate's open and we are headed there now." They were repainting the bathroom. So from that conversation they left one side of the gate open for us and we had THE WHOLE loop to OURSELVES all but the last night. Not to mention the fact that the 4 mile loop trail (North Slope Trail) was a 15 second walk up out of our site. Every morning and evening walk was enjoyed on that trail. Seriously thankful.
Our special entrance.
Dix on the North Slope Trail - it had rained overnight.
Our second ride - we hit a little offshoot trail called "Cemetery Trail" - very old cemetery.
Waterfalls are EVERYwhere in Transylvania County - over 250. Here is one!
This was a KILLER ride (so tough that I am still proud I did not cry). Only 13 miles, but 4 hours and 3700 feet of elevation gain. The highest point on the trail (Turkey Pen Gap) is at 5800 feet or so. I chose it too -- isn't that a kick? Dix could not ride long rides with us because of her hips, but Phoenix was there for all but the Dupont State Forest ride.
In Dupont State Forest (so FUN!) - we were going to miss this waterfall, but I saw it on the map and asked Jim if he minded checking it out. Thankfully, he was up for it, because it was a big and beautiful one.
High Falls - far more beautiful in person - what isn't, right?
Dogs keeping watch.
North Slope Trail walk.
OH the Mellow Mushroom, how I love thee. Seriously excellent pizza, beer and service. Such an incredible meal - I got a crazy mushroom pizza - with all different types and varieties.
And what would a trip to NC be without a HOT one? Gotta give a shout out to Douglas - the one who taught me the ways of the hot one. Now I have never eaten as many as I have seen him once eat, but I do shamelessly shove down two hot ones with great joy. If you have never had a hot one, you have to see this beautiful, neon sign on and you have to go and ask for hot ones. They are unreal. I could see that the neon was on about 1/4 mile away and I started cheering. I much prefer them for "dessert" than breakfast, so this was perfect.
Violet. There were other wildflowers out (Trout Lily had already gone by) but unfortunately, I do not know any of their names -- yellow ones, white ones...
Our last : ( ride of the trip. Sweet find with this arch though.
I hiked down to a waterfall (Jim chilled on the trail) - this is on my way up.
More violets. So sweet - day we left.
Biking. Food. Beer. This BBQ stop is a must. 12 Bones BBQ. It is cheap and incredibly good. $6 for pulled pork, cornbread, two sides (I get collard greens and sweet potato) - your choice of sauces. Holy shit. So good (my mouth is watering - no joke - as I picture my plate). It is served on this metal plate that has been beat up and the "ambiance" is picnic tables and rolls of brown paper towels. The beer on draft is the best I had in Asheville, and yeah, we already can't wait to be back there again.
12 bones parking lot - right on the river. We hit the road from here - at 4:45 pm -- were in my sister's town, walking the dogs in Range State Park by 9:00 am the next day. Drove through the night (Thursday), learning of the Boston bombing (we completely checked out - no phones, no computers, no NPR) and followed the craziness of Thursday night's violence. It was surreal to be driving so close to Boston as we headed into Maine -- reading the MBTA closed signs that were flashing -- thinking of the fear the people of Watertown must be filled with. Phew. Things are crazy these days, and it makes me sad.
Control what you can. Make positive impacts where you can. Love who you love and tell them.
Peace out, North Cackalack. Thanks for being you and being there. And thanks, not just for the Krispy Kreme tip, but for the introduction to mountain biking in NC, my friend.
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