Melvin's on top of the world
FL 4-5-15
Quite a bit has happened since my last writing. After 2 days of rest we moved from Lexington SC to Asheville NC on Friday April 3rd. The drive was of little note until the last 10 miles or so. For some reason it's always those last few miles in the day that present the most stress. As we entered metro Asheville the traffic really picked up. We didn't see any reason other than heavy volume. The slower speed itself isn't much of an issue until it comes time to exit left or right in four lanes when no one is willing to yield. Once we reached our final exit, and turned onto a narrow side street, we heard the screech of fire truck sirens. A quick look in the mirrors showed them approaching from the rear. As is proper, I moved to the right as the truck got closer. The sirens got more aggressive as I realized they could not pass me. With no other option I hopped the curb. The truck did the same as they passed nearly touching mirrors with us. Less than a block later they stopped in front of a residence. Since I now could not pass them I stayed put. Good thing as a minute later an ambulance passed by my left side soon followed by a police car. Smaller vehicles stopped behind me trickled past as opposing traffic permitted. Turns out it was some sort of medical emergency. In about 10 minutes the ambulance left and so could we. A few minutes later we arrived at Bear Creak CG.
This park sits atop a hill with a steep but manageable approach. Reminded us of our own driveway. Ruth did a fine job of guiding me as I back into our site in spite of the leaning fence and a 30 foot cliff to the rear. Time for a CC and ginger!
Yesterday was a chilly 55 degrees with a stiff, at times, wind. However, the nearly clear blue sky's called out for a drive on the Blue Ridge Mountain trail. That turned out to be a banner idea! Although we only drove about 50 miles of its well over 400 mile length we were nearly overwhelmed with eye candy. Perhaps the foliage would have been even prettier with the loral in full bloom, but summers leaves would also have obstructed the unending view. This is one of those sites that require ones physical presence to fully appreciate. We took many photos but I suspect they will serve only as reminders of this day more than inspire others. Once we reached the highest elevation east of the Mississippi at 6578 feet, we turned back. Even though we were retracing our steps, the views were all different and no less spellbinding.
As we returned to Asheville there was still plenty of daylight left in our day so we decided to find one of the 4 or 5 Mast General stores in the area. Garmin led us to Hendersenville NC. The Main Street facades are well preserved from the pre war days and quite attractive. Many specialty shops surrounded the General store. Inside the store was a wide variety of wares ranging from candies like Bit-oh-honey to socks with directions to make your own Melvin. It took us over an hour to make our way through and select a few gifts for our family and friends.
Today, Easter morning, greeted us with another blue sky day. Time to see the jewel of Asheville, Biltmore Estate, country home (grand Chateau) of George and Edith Vanderbilt, circa 1893. It all begins with an arched entrance to a nearly three mile drive through beautiful wood land to the parking area. The road gently twists through wooded areas, stone arch bridges and pastures. Each bend heightens ones anticipation of viewing this magnificent home for the first time. The senses must wait a bit more though. After parking, a shuttle takes you the final mile. Oh, what splendor when it finally comes into view. Even the shuttle ride was made enjoyable by the smiling faces of young children on their way to an Easter egg hunt provided on the front yard of the estate. Ruth and I inquired of two youngsters seated near us if the Easter bunny had visited their home this morning. Several children on the shuttle shared their excitement and discoveries with us.
As we stepped out of the shuttle the mere size of the structure amazed us. Once we got our wits about us we began to carefully view every detail of the building from its massive doors to the finest detail of the carved limestone.
A large poster at the entrance reminded us that costumes from Downton Abbey were on display. A double treat for the eyes today!
We picked up our audio aides and began our tour. Each room we entered was described in finite detail by our audio device. Flowers were everywhere. At my first opportunity I inquired of a staff member if they were real or silk. The short answer was real, but the explanation of their care and origin took a few minutes.
Upon entering the second room we spotted the first of many costumes from Downton Abby. From that point on it was like experiencing a remake of the PBS series while enjoying the furnishings and architecture of a grand manor of the same period. Ruth and I both were nearly overwhelmed with all of it. Our only disappointment was the ban on photography. The expected hour and a half tour took us over four hours. We saw the grand dinning room with its three side by side fire places and forty foot vaulted ceiling, the master bed room, the library, turn of the century bathrooms with running hot water, guest bed rooms, the bowling alley, and even all three kitchens. By the time we exited the home we were tired and in awe.
Next we strolled over to the pastry shop and had a treat while we rested and shared our favorite rooms with each other. A walk through the gift shop and the purchase of a DVD cured our lack of photographs. The day ended with a drive back out to the real world via another winding road through the spacious and beautiful grounds.
A few days can not do this area justice. So much to see and do. We will return and spend 10 days or more. The scenery is beautiful with rolling hills and mountain ranges everywhere you look. The village of Asheville is quaint and historic with grand architecture.
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