Great Smoky Mountain
This trip was originally scheduled for September, but Hurricane Florence spoiled those plans. The BVEs did not give up. Connie used her excellent planning and negotiating skills to reschedule the trip in November. We all agree looking back, that Florence may have done us a favor - the Smokies in November are Beautiful.
Day 1 - Monday, November 5, 2018
Our flight from Des Moines left at 3:22. Peggy was the FIRST to arrive at the airport with her driver, her brother-in-law, Joe. Julie was second with her driver Myrna. A few minutes later Lisa and the Waterloo crew arrived with their driver Joel.
Lisa flew out of Madison, her driver to the airport was her husband Randy. She arrived in Asheville at 5pm. She checked into the house and stocked it with provisions until everyone else got there.
The flight from Des Moines was a few minutes late but we arrived In Charlotte around 6pm with plenty of time for our connections. Lisa and Julie were on a flight leaving at 8:47. Their flight was 1/2 hour late and got to Asheville at 10pm. It landed so hard we thought a tire would have blown. Peggy, Connie, Brenda and Sue were leaving at 10:30, but their flight was cancelled due to fog and were stuck in Charlotte overnight.
They were rebooked on the 7:30am flight the next morning and spent the night at the Radisson in Charlotte, they got the last room available. At 2:42am they were rudely awakened by a fire alarm. Peggy left the room to see what was going on and then called Connie to tell them everything was fine and not to leave the room but she called Russ's number instead. It took her a while to get back to the room because she got distracted by the cute fireman.
Day 2 - Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Brenda, Connie, Peggy and Sue were on the plane at 7:30. They made it to the house at 9:15. They got settled in and we ate breakfast at the house. Brenda gave everyone shopping bags, Lisa gave everyone socks and Connie gave everyone gloves.
We left the house at 11:20 and headed to the Biltmore Mansion. Brenda had all of our tickets and gave them to the attendant and told him she had the tickets for the car behind. The attendant said he was going to tell car 2 that she told them they had their own tickets. We laughed and parked.
We hiked to the house and took our first group shot in front of the mansion. Then we talked to Bob about the grounds and how best to see everything. We tried to get him to give us a private tour but he said no.
We hiked to the house and took our first group shot in front of the mansion. Then we talked to Bob about the grounds and how best to see everything. We tried to get him to give us a private tour but he said no.
We had lunch outside the old horse stables, really good barbeque sandwiches. Then we went through the house.
Peggy read the guide book to us so we knew what we were looking at. The house was decorated for Christmas and was very beautiful. The lower level had a bowling alley and a swimming pool. In addition to the kitchens, laundry and servants quarters.
Then we walked around the house and took another group photo from the side of the house.
We continued on the path the the gardens. The outdoor gardens we beautiful mums in fall colors, some roses and lots of other beautiful plants.
The conservatory was decorated for Christmas with lots of poinsettias and orchids in many colors.
Walked back to the house and had ice cream and shopped. Then headed back to our house. Our first stop was a liquor store. We tried to go ABC Liquor Store #2 but ended up at #7 after a scenic drive through town. The second stop was for groceries at Ingles. Connie saved us a bunch of money by signing up for an Ingles Saver Card.
Got back to the house and discussed future trips over cocktails. Came up with several odd year short trips: Isle of Royals in Michigan, Hot Springs in Arkansas, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Also decided to add Shenandoah National Park combined with DC and 3 southern Colorado parks to our list of top contenders. After lots of discussion and laughing we Decided to do Isle of Royale in 2019, Arches and Canyonlands in 2020, and Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison in 2022.
We had enough appetizers over cocktail hour that we didn’t want much dinner so Connie scrambled eggs and Julie made avocado toast. Headed to bed at 10pm.
Day 3 - Wednesday, November 7, 2018
We had planned to leave at 8am, but got a late start at 8:40. We had an hour and a half drive to the Smokies. Brenda had a book on the park and Peggy read to us about the park so we would know what we would be looking at and for.
We drove on Blue Ridge Parkway. A beautiful drive. The leaves were a bit past their prime but still magnificent. Just like us.
We arrived at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 9:54. We talked to a volunteer there about hikes and made our plan for the day. The Smokies don’t charge a fee for the park and there aren’t many Park Rangers. Volunteers work the visitor centers and the park.
The hike was steep and he was correct, we did need to catch our breath often. The Apalachian Trail crosses the trail to Clingman's dome so we had to stop and hike about 10 yards on it just to say we have been on it. Maybe we will finish it and be like Grandma Gatewood - a truly inspiring woman. The view from the dome was spectacular and worth the hike.
We got back down at 1pm and decided to have lunch on a bench near the trail and enjoy the beautiful vista. Brenda and Lisa L went to the car for the food and we enjoyed our first lunch on the trail.
The next hike was Kephart Prong Trail. This was a 2 mile trail that followed a stream.There were perfect rock skipping stones next to the stream, but the water was running so fast it didn't really work for rock skipping, but Brenda and Connie gave it a try.
We decided to turn around after 3/4 miles. The highlight of that trail was the stream and the log bridge.
Drove back to Oconaluftee. Got there around 3pm. Peggy and Lisa R went to Farm Museum, Lisa L and Sue stayed at the visitor center. Brenda, Connie and Julie hiked Oconaluftee River Trail. Elk go through to graze in a nearby field about this time and we were hoping to see elk, but didn’t.
We saw a guy fishing. He had just caught a big fish so he posed for us. Then he asked if we would text it to him. Hey we got a guy's phone number while hiking - that was a first!
We left at 4:30 and headed to the National Park sign for the official group shot. Had to take it multiple times to get a shot were everyone was looking and didn’t have a duffaus look on their face.
Then headed back to house. Part of drive was in the dark. Connie’s car went straight back to the house to start dinner. Brenda’s car stopped at the grocery store to get stuff for tomorrow’s lunch. We were all back at the house at 6:45.
Connie and crew made a delicious dinner of Shrimp Pasta, Salad and mixed vegetables. Julie was supposed to make key lime pie but it was getting late so we decided to wait until another night. After dinner we looked at trip pictures on the TV and talked. Then the showers started and we headed to bed around 10:30.
Day 4 - Thursday, November 8, 2018
Started getting up at 7am. We made coffee and put Sue’s Egg Bake in the oven. Peggy and Julie decided to make the key lime pie so we could have it for dinner tonight.
At breakfast, Brenda said she wasn’t feeling well and left the table to lay down. We decided not to go back to the park to hike and looked for other options. Lisa R found information on the Artist community and we decided to do that.
Brenda wanted to stay in the house and sleep. The rest of us decided to stay in town and go to the River District Art Community.
We piled the 6 of us in one car. The car had a hard time making it up the steep drive with all that weight.
Started shopping around 10:30 in River View Station. After about an hour we went to the Studios on Clingman and Depot streets. Went to Odyssey a pottery studio for over 50 artists and then a glass blowing studio.
At 12:30 we stopped for lunch at Fresh West Wood Fire Pizza. Great service and pizza. We even got a couple of local beers to share for a mini beer tasting.
Then back to shopping and looking. At Eco Depot Marketplace Julie got a scarf, Lisa L and Sue bought necklaces and Connie got earrings. Then we crossed the street and Connie found a necklace that was calling her name and she got it.
The next stop was North Lights Studios where several painters were. We all liked Wendy Whitson’s landscapes of the blue ridge mountains. Plus she had a sale, 20% off all prints. Julie got one and Wendy put it in a tube for traveling. We had a lot of fun talking with her. Connie took a picture of the artist and Julie in front of an oil of the print she bought. We gave her a BVE card and told her to check the website to see her picture in about a week.
It was time for a break so we stopped in a coffee shop and had a beverage before heading for the house. On the way we decided to stop and get groceries for dinner.
Close to the house the lane was being re-asphalted and there was a paver across the road. We couldn’t go any further. Lisa R starting backing up and we slipped the back tire into the ditch. We got out to lighten the load and were able to push the car out. Without all that weight in the car it popped right out. We waited a few minutes and the asphalt machine was moved and we were able to drive to the house. But no one would get back in the car so she drove back and we followed on foot.
Brenda was feeling better when we got home. We made dinner of spaghetti, salad and garlic toast with key lime pie for dessert. Then had a quiet evening planning the next days hike. Called it a day around 10:30.
Day 5 - Friday, November 9, 2018
Sue made pumpkin pancakes and sausage for breakfast. The plan was to leave at 8am. Left house at 8:30
When we got off Highway 40 we were supposed to take a sharp right. Julie told Brenda to turn and we ended up going the wrong direction on an off ramp. Thank goodness for Brenda’s excellent driving skills to get us turned around without incident.
Then we went about 300 feet up the road and made the sharp right onto a narrow, windy and steep road. Lisa R and Brenda are excellent drivers and got us to the Cataloochee Observation Point safely at 9:45. We walked up a short trail to the point and oowed and awed and took some pictures.
The next stop was Boogerman Trail. Lisa Reed needed to use the bathroom but with none available she used a tree. We didn’t know that and when we heard a noise and we looked over we saw a full moon that would have made Randy proud.
We Started hiking at 10:15 in a light rain. It rained the whole time we were hiking, at times pretty hard. The trail had lots of muddy spots and we had to step carefully. It was .8 miles to Boogerman Trail.
The trail got wetter and there were spots where the trail looked like a stream. At one point Peggy and Brenda got across and were helping the rest of us across. Julie who is balance challenged slipped and ended up with swamp ass. That’s when we decided it was time to turn around. We got back to the trail head at 11:30
We drove a short way down the road and saw some wild turkeys. And a little way farther we come across a herd of Elk. We ARE the Best Vacationers Ever!
The next stop was the Caldwell house and barn. There was a professional photographer there. Connie watched her and then took the most amazing shot through the barn.
This is where the road ended so we turned around and stopped at the schoolhouse that we drove past earlier.
We ate lunch at 1pm - a tailgate in the parking area near the schoolhouse. It had stopped raining and the sun came out. The colors where just beautiful here and we took another group shot.
After lunch we took a short half mile hike to a horse camp to stretch our legs after lunch. At 1:45 we were in the cars and headed back to Asheville. It was too early to go to the house so we wanted to go to a coffee shop. We tried to contact the second car but both Connie and Lisa L had their phones on airplane mode. Peggy tried to do hand signals to tell them to call us but they didn’t get it.
We stopped at High Five Coffee Shop at 3:30 after the first coffee shop was located in the aisle of the Wholefoods
At 4:30 we headed back to the house.
At 6pm we visited Brenda’s nieces Brooke and Becky. They joined us for dinner. We tried to go to Tupelo Honey but it was a 2 hour wait so we ate at Mayfel and had a delicious southern cuisine dinner. Gumbo, Jambalaya and Red Beans and Rice were the favorite orders.
Left at 8pm. Car 1 stopped at the grocery store for ice cream. Car 2 headed back to the house. Sue and Lisa L prepped the egg casserole for tomorrow’s breakfast and Brenda and Connie planned the next day hikes. Connie dished up ice cream!
Started heading to bed around 10pm.
Day 6 - Saturday , November 10, 2018
Lisa L and Brenda were the first ones up and put the coffee on and started baking Sue’s egg casserole. We sat down to breakfast at 8am and ate. Then packed up and left the house at 8:50, but before we left Julie realized she didn’t have her phone and it took a while to find it. It was 9am before we actually left.
Lisa R car needed gas so we filled up and then headed east on highway 40 to Mount Mitchell. The high temp in Asheville is expected to be 38 with wind speed of 15 to 25. It’s going to be a cold hike.
We got to the visitor center on Mount Mitchell and it was 24 degrees. The wind was blowing hard and there was frost on the trees. Drove a little farther to the summit which is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. We walked 300 yards to the highest point, took a quick photo and then hurried back to the cars. That was enough hiking for us today.
Brenda and Lisa R drove us back down the mountain. At the top all of the trees were covered in frost the temperature was 24 degrees. As we went down the frost disappeared and the temperature got up to 44 degrees. It was 12:30 when we got back down to the town of Marian and we were getting hungry. We looked for a sunny place out of the wind for lunch.
We looked at the map and saw the Carson Historic House and decided to check it out. We had lunch in the parking lot.
Over the years, we have crashed a lot of wedding - starting with our second trip at Glacier. At the Carson house - they have a place where they hold weddings, and one was set up for later that day. A lady stopped to deliver pies for the reception - and we made ourselves helpful by helping her carry them in.
Then it was time for a tour of the house. It was a great tour of the house and we learned about the Carson family who were friends with Davy Crockett, Sam Houston and Andrew Jackson. This was another of those BVE moments because this wasn't planned, but ended up being a lot of fun.
After the tour at 2:30, we headed back to Asheville to Tupelo Honey for biscuits and coffee. We got there a little after 3. It was very busy downtown and took a while to find parking. We walked to Tupelo Honey and put our name in for a table. They told us it would be an hour and a half. So we went exploring in the F W Woolworth which was renovated into an art gallery.
At 4:40 our table was ready and we ate biscuits and blue berry jam with assorted southern cuisine. Then we headed back to the house. Connie fried bacon and sausage for breakfast in the morning and Julie and Brenda made a pumpkin pie.
We had picture viewing and sharing. Followed by toasting time and pumpkin pie.
Day 7 - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Breakfast at 8. Left at 8:30 for mass at the Basilica of St Lawrence. They were singing the rosary when we got there and several of us thought we were late, before we realized what it was.
Mass was at 9. After mass we walked around in the Basilica and checked it out. A very beautiful church.
Then we drove to the Omni Grove Park Inn. The hotel is built into the side of a mountain. We parked in a parking garage that was connected to the 8th floor of the hotel. It was a weird sensation to think you are the ground floor to walk through a door and wee that you are 8 floors up. The area we entered the hotel at had a beautiful view of the golf course and comfortable mission furniture - so we sat and enjoyed it for a while.
Then we went out side and took some group shots and grabbed sodas before going back to this spot to enjoy the view again.
Lisa wasn’t feeling well so we went back to the house and dropped her off to rest before heading to Sierra Nevada for our 3pm tour.
We got to Sierra Nevada at 1:30. The restaurant had about an hour wait for a table so we went to the restaurant and bought a loaf of bread then went upstairs and bought 2 flights to drink with it.
The tour was very interesting. Sierra Nevada is a zero landfill facility. They interact with the craft brewers in Asheville and let them use their labs. The tour included a tasting of 4 of their beers.
After the tour their was still an hour wait in the restaurant so we went to the patio and ordered brats. We moved our table close to the heater because it was chilly out there.
We left the brewery about 5:00 and stopped to top off the tanks before heading back to the house.
It was time to start getting our stuff together and clean out the refrigerator- spaghetti, egg bake, hummus, guacamole, salsa, carrots, chips , etc. A feast of left overs.
Called it an early night except for Peggy, Connie and Lisa L who talked until midnight.
Day 8 - Monday, November 12, 2018
Alarms were set for 3:45 for our early morning flights. We left for the airport at 4:30 - 10 minutes earlier than planned.
Lisa R’s flight was at 6am and we dropped her off at the terminal and then turned in the rental cars.
The rest of us were on a 7am flight to Charlotte. We turned in the rental cars and went to the terminal to drop off our bags. Then we headed to security. For some reason, Brenda’s boarding pass came up invalid and she had to go back and get a new one – but that early in the morning there were no lines and it didn’t take long it get it.
Our flight was on time and we had about a 2 hour layover in Charlotte so we found a place where we could get out of the crowds and get some breakfast then got on our flight to Des Moines. The pilot warned us there would be turbulence, but it wasn’t too bad an the flight arrived on time.
Joe was waiting for Peggy and Jeff and Myrna were waiting outside so we said our quick good byes and headed the rest of the way home. Our 11th trip is complete and we are all looking forward to the next one.