Day 76: Thursday, July 29, 2010 - Mike

Up very early and was again able to see the sun come up from behind the mountain.  A beautiful sight.

Stuck around the property so that we could take delivery of the new couch that arrived in the afternoon.  Went on a driving tour of other "Association" homes and lots and dropped by the local water fall, with its variety of flora and fauna.

Also spent the morning philosophizing on furniture arrangements, which made it easy at the actual arrival (once we got the thing up the hill, that is).

It was baseball in the evening, as we went to historic McCormick Field in Asheville to watch the hometown Tourists take on the Rome Braves.  We were on the front row just to the right of the visitor's dugout.  It was a good game, though a losing effort by the local boys, ending at 6-7.  But since it was Thirsty Thursday's night, we managed to get through the evening anyway.   Highlights included some great defensive plays throughout, a home run by the good guys, and a great coach argument with an umpire.

Day 75: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - Mike

Woke a little later this morning, around 7 AM local time, and sat on the deck watching the mountains move.

Ros and Bonnie took off for a Biltmore tour, while the men stayed behind and hung out.  We toured around some of the Association houses and drove over to Black Mountain for lunch at Ole's Guacamoles.  Came back to nap a bit and enjoy a quiet afternoon at the homestead.   Had a delightful supper and a relaxing evening.

Day 74: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - Mike

Up early (at least by Central time standards) at 7:00 and watch the sun rise over the mountain.  Sat out on the deck until others awoke for the day.

A busy day, exploring the neighborhood.  Hiked a few miles up to see water falls at Catawba Falls, which were splendid.  Then, ate lunch at a place called Countryside BBQ.  Very tasty.  Had the pulled pork plate.

Next, we had a little ice cream at the Jack Frost Dairy Bar. Then, after an afternoon thunderstorm, drove up to the highest mountain east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell. Very enjoyable drive and views all around (once the clouds cleared out a bit.)  Here's Tom pointing out the spectacular views behind him:

Drove back to Tom and Bonnie's house and relaxed a bit before supper, some ravioli and salad. Chatted and listen to music throughout the rest of the evening.

Day 73: Monday, July 26, 2010 - Mike

Got up and had a snack before heading for Asheville.  Drove through the mountains on Interstate 40, which was pretty amazing.  A number of tunnels.  Lots of work on landslide prevention going on in the westbound lanes.

Met Tom and Bonnie in downtown Asheville at the Early Girl Eatery cafe.  Excellent food all around.  Then drove to the mountaintop on Crimson and relaxed the rest of day.  Here was our welcome to "the deck," also known as the observatory to the north.

Had chicken and rice for supper.  Sat on the deck through the evening, watching a few thunderstorms in the distance pass by.

Day 72: Sunday, July 25, 2010 - Mike

Up early, then hit the road for the lands to the East.  Drove through Indy, and stopped at a Micky D's for a little McLunch.  Drove on to Louisville, then kept going to Knoxville, through the lovely mountain landscape.  Had great weather except for having to drive through a thunderstorm just south of Lexington. 

In Knoxville, had supper at a Puelo's Grill, a combination of Italian and Southern cooking.  My crabcakes and lasagna were horrific, but Ros' Shrimp and Grits were eatable.  Checked in to the Country Inn and Suites and promptly got an internet fix.