Off to Asheville

[Mik]

So far the hippie count is only 3. I think the reputation is undeserved

[Copper]

Long hair?

[George K]

Can you compare Asheville to Cannon Beach (which we love).

Always looking for a new place to explore that's not just "another big city" like SF, etc.

[Mik]

@copper said in Off to Asheville:

Long hair?

Partly, but more a look and attitude. Any number of hipsters but they are everywhere.

[Mik]

@george-k said in Off to Asheville:

Can you compare Asheville to Cannon Beach (which we love).

Always looking for a new place to explore that's not just "another big city" like SF, etc.

Cannon Beach is much more compact and is mostly its natural beauty. Natural beauty here is abundant but it is larger, tougher to get around in and more crowded. Many of the attractions are man made. Lots of interesting architecture and history. Sitting by the huge fireplace at Grove Park Inn after dinner.

[Mik]

We saw a bear this morning. The trip is now successful.

[Loki]

@mik said in Off to Asheville:

We saw a bear this morning. The trip is now successful.

One wonders the bear’s point of view.

[Mik]

Depends if he found anything I suppose.

[Mik]

Although we’re at Biltmore and I must say this glorious obscenity strains my support of capitalism.

[Mik]

Saw another bear very close up on the grounds of Biltmore, which was the best part of this trip. He crossed the road right in front of us.

The grounds there - 125,000 acres, was my favorite. All the miles and miles of roads are landscaped purposely.

[Catseye3]

Helpful Advice for Mik:

"While both black and brown bears are on record exhibiting adverse reactions to direct eye contact, this is especially dangerous if you find yourself in close quarters with a grizzly."

[Mik]

My first reaction was not to get out of the car.

[Loki]

@mik said in Off to Asheville:

My first reaction was not to get out of the car.

Much to the bear’s dismay.

[Mik]

On to Winston Salem and a minor league game tonight. On the menu is Winston Salem’s only unique cuisine I can find - the Cheesy Pig Dog. It’s a hot dog topped with BBQ, mac n cheese and shredded cheddar.

I’m thinking Skyline has nothing to worry about but we shall see.

[Jolly]

@mik said in Off to Asheville:

Saw another bear very close up on the grounds of Biltmore, which was the best part of this trip. He crossed the road right in front of us.

The grounds there - 125,000 acres, was my favorite. All the miles and miles of roads are landscaped purposely.

You can tell a lot about the size of a bear by looking at his ears. Little bear, big ears relative to his head. If he's got Charles Barkely ears, it's a big bear.

[Mik]

Big black bear.

The ballgame tonight was interesting. Two bench clearing brawls, more walks and pitching changes than I’ve ever seen in a game and, in a really interesting twist the catcher tried to
pick off a runner stealing second and the pitcher caught his throw. On the mound.

Also the first time in a pro baseball game I could watch my car from my seat.

[Mik]

Oh, and the crowd was so small, my very spirited daughter and her roommate were on the jumbotron every few minutes.

[Mik]

Home again. great trip.

[brenda]

@mik said in Off to Asheville:

Oh, and the crowd was so small, my very spirited daughter and her roommate were on the jumbotron every few minutes.

That's awesome! Would love that as the parent.

[Jolly]

@mik said in Off to Asheville:

Big black bear.

The ballgame tonight was interesting. Two bench clearing brawls, more walks and pitching changes than I’ve ever seen in a game and, in a really interesting twist the catcher tried to
pick off a runner stealing second and the pitcher caught his throw. On the mound.

Also the first time in a pro baseball game I could watch my car from my seat.

I like minor league baseball. The talent level is decent, the concessions are usually reasonable and it's a nice way to spend a late spring or early summer evening.

There is no way to spend a nice late summer evening down here, unless it's inside.