I just realized that I never posted pictures from our 4th of July weekend. We had a houseful of fun going on for several days. Jennifer and Brad and the boys were here, Mama, Robert and Dee, Fred and MaryAnne, and Brent, too! And, Jill, Curtis, Kevin, and Toni, and Tiffany came over for the bbq since they were only a few miles away in Toni's grandparents (Bill and Betty Hill). We had about 30 people over for Robert's smoked chicken and pork and lots of other good dishes. We invited some good friends from Fort Tatham Campground to join us for the occasion. These are good friends who have spent many summers with Papa and Gah, so I was glad to people able to help Gah host a "feed", as Papa would have called it! Then, some of us went to Bryson City for fireworks. I can remember lots of laughter and all kinds of stuff going on--such a shame I did not write immediately, because now, I just have pictures and knowledge that we had a good time. . . .
I've been attending Lifeway Community Church in Sylva. Brent and I have visited several times in the past; so, I was already familiar with it. It is much like a Vineyard Church. Anyway, I went to a Monday night Bible study led by David and Ceceilia Burress. He shared a funny story about living in Polk County, Florida for about a year about 20 years ago. He got so fed up with it, and thought he was running back home to the mountains, but he realized he was going the wrong way when he saw signs for Miami. We laughed so much about this, as flatlanders have a difficult with directions in the hills. David says up here, people don't so much mind the north and south directions, but prefer "up river and down river." He is a welder and blacksmith. He GAVE me a push lawn mower to help with keeping up with the yard--another guy at the study fixed it up some, sharpened the blade, and delivered it to me! David and Cecelia invited us to come out to their house to participate in some blacksmithing. Another family was planning to be there and the stuff would be hot. Finding it was an adventure in itself--not far off the highway, but really deep ruts in the road and steep drop offs. David is very humble and quiet about his talents; but, he has quite a list of credentials from working on the Biltmore horse stables, the North Carolina State Fair, and the John C. Campbell Folk Art School. I considered it an honor to get to spend time with these locals who obviously love children and sharing their talents. Chloe got to hold the drum that David's great great grandpa beat in the Civil War! She also got to try on chainmail armor that their son made for a homeschooling show years ago. He helped both girls make a hook, which is a good first lesson in blacksmithing. In return for their lesson, they helped Cecelia shuck corn for her chickens. Chloe hopes that we get to return again for more corn shucking. We all enjoyed our visit and stayed much longer than we'd planned because it was just so relaxing and interesting.
We hiked in Panthertown while Brent was with us. It is the place that I fell in the water while taking a picture with my blackberry. It is connected to the Pisgah National Forest, but not part of it. Panthertown is nicknamed the Yosemite of the South because of its vast views, rocky terrain, and waterfalls. It is very remote and the trails are not well marked. Mom and I came out here with the girls a couple of years ago, and I've wanted to take Brent ever since. It is a very strenous hike, but worth it. We only saw two other people while we were on the trail. There were other cars at the trailhead, but we did not see the people. We had to step over lama poop as some people rent them to take them through the area. We walked to one waterfall and took pictures before we found what we were actually looking for: Granny Burrell falls. You can climb all over it and swim all around. At the bottom is a deep pool. If you jump in, the churn pushes you back up and out again. The girls did this over and over, "just one more timeee!!" Brent did it once-- its very cold! Chloe said this one was her very favorite day because it was an adventure. Alma hunted sassafrass leaves and crushed them to smell the rootbeer scent. We walked through an old pine forest that looked like Hansel and Gretel. But, the waterfall was surely the best part and one we will hopefully return to.
Saturday night, we stopped by Thad Wood's auction to see what was going on. I've been there before with Gah and Papa, and it's pretty good entertainment. You sit in rows of old school auditorium chairs in this warehouse building. The caller, Thad Woods, is at the front on a microphone doing that auctioneer chanting. A couple of other guys hold up the items and take them to the seats of the winner. There is a snack bar over in a corner selling ice cream and popcorn and such. Lots of stuffed dear heads and other animals that are real dusty are on the walls along with road signs and some local memorabilia. You get this card with a number on it and if an item comes up you want, you hold it up. It can be intimidating; I did not figure we'd bid on anything, but just watch the show. You never know what's going to be for bid: furniture, appliances, deodorant, dishes, artwork, socks, peanuts, fishing lures, a watch, a case of moonpies, Ford hats, ....you just never know. It's a very random thing and I kept help but wonder where he gets this stuff. Some is obviously from estate sales; but, a case of hand sanitizer? We ended up buying 4 cases of Extra gum at $3 each and 2 cases of sparklers at $2 each. left over from the 4th. Brent got a diamond blade at $5 for some kinda saw. Gah got some bleach cleaner for $5. The kids were so surprised when they were calling out the cases of gum, and I said, "hold up your number!" They get lucky once in awhile with a pack in the grocery check out line; so, to have a case of gum to call your own is a type of wealth for a kid. When our friends come visit, we'll chew it while we run around in the dark with the sparklers.
Last Sunday we went over to Asheville to go to an AT&T store since I fell in a river in Panthertown with my blackberry. So, any trip to Asheville with Ga requires a visit to Hamricks which is sort of like Beall's but more old-lady style. I did find a pair of Lee shorts on sale. On the drive over, Gah says, " I know ya'll don't like J&S, but how about let's eat there?" Well, just what do you say to that? Now, Asheville is nicknamed the Paris of the South. Rachael Ray has highlighted interesting places and I have noted some features on Asheville in other travel and dining magazines. However, EVERYTIME I have been to Asheville, we go to J&S. It is a cafeteria. Sort of like Morrisons. The food is not bad, it's just plain and the atmosphere would be rated about a 2.
We get in the line and Alma looks over the glass at the ladies with white smocks and hairnets and exlaims, "Lunch Ladiesss!!! I've never seen one before!!" I reckon that's something for a homeschooler to get excited about. We all picked out some stuff and my coconut pie was good as always. Our bill was a little over $30 which is disappointing since it was not really how we would like to spend our dining money. But, the girls loved it. They kept saying, "This chicken is sooo good.... This rice is sooo good." Now, come one, how good or bad can chicken strips and white rice be.?? I asked for cocktail sauce for my fish when I was going through the line. The lunch lady said she'd send some out to my table. A few minutes later, the same lady came out with it and said, "Sorry this took a few minutes I couldn't get those Mexicans to understand what to do." hmmm Pretty blatant for a public place. Gah really enjoys J&S, maybe its the predictability of the meal. You do get a lot of food. She and Papa enjoyed this place for years, and I guess it's good that Alma and Chloe finally experienced a cafeteria. As we were checking out, I noticed pamphlets that said they also cater. Since our girls loved it so much, we might have a cafeteria wedding reception in our future.
On June 27, the community of Bethel, near Waynesville, hosted it's 5th annual Cold Mountain Heritage Tour. I went on this tour two years ago, and thought that the rest of my group might like this. I know that Libby and Eddie love to see new mountain areas and that Curtis and Jill enjoy old buildings and such. So, that morning we went to the Mast General Store on Main in Waynesville to purchase the tickets. The proceeds go to support a renovation on a historical building in Bethel.
There is a Cold Mountain in Bethel that the author, Charles Frazier, used as the title in his book. Written accounts do actually verify an Inman who left his wife and daughter to fight in the Civil War. On his way home, he was shot by the homeguard. So, the book and movie are based on this Robert Inman's life in this place.
The first building is a Presbyterian Church that has historical significance to the community and a great nephew of Inman's was the pastor there during the 1960's. The thing about this that stood out most was the stained glass. We also saw Inman Chapel, that Inman's family began. It is a universalist church and sounded a little like some kind of commune. We visited Inman's grave and a local historian explained why Inman's grave did not recieve the honors or a headstone for a long time because he was considered a deserter. This was not the case, and you'd understand all that by seeing the movie. We also saw the oldest standing building in Haywood County which was a log cabin with an addition built onto it. It is thought that the builder of that cabin was a skilled furniture craftsman, because it is built with tongue and groove and has other really artistic features for its time. The original family handed it down and actually lived in it until about 10 years ago! This cabin did not get electricity until the 1970's; the old man living there walked over to a neighbors to look at a little tv now and then and everything else was gas or wood powered. We also toured a dairy farm that has been in the same family for 100 years. Now, in the big room they hold square dances and weddings. I think this could be the perfect place for Kevin and Toni's wedding; but, she did not seem to think so. I enjoy meeting locals and getting a look at the inside of things. But, my group is not quite as enthusiastic about it all. This made me really wish Brent was there to share it with. I felt a little tension about it because it was clear they were getting a little bored with it and I felt bad because they paid and committed a day when they'd rather be fishing. I was really feeling like somebody was pooping on my parade. But, the end of the day wound up at a pole barn with some music and food on the Pigeon River. I think everyone enjoyed cooling off in it.
But, the coolest thing by far was meeting Charles Frazier while I was at Inman's Chapel. He was talking to a reporter there doing an article about the heritage tour. I waited and Libby helped me to get his attention for a picture. I got his autograph in my notebook I had; too bad I did not have a copy of one of his books with me. As it turns out, he has recently bought acreage in Belleview! I gave him all of my contact information and told him how glad I'd be to show him historical things in Florida and that he might would like to see our farm. Jill kept picking on me for being a weirdo stalker trying to get a date with a very rich man. Maybe just a little bit of that is true. I seriously doubt I'll ever get a call, but I could not help myself. He is the most famous author I've ever met; and, surely, we'd have a lot of interests in common.
Wayah Bald??? This is a short drive outside of Franklin. You wind up a road with lots of switchbacks and end up at this overlook tower. The story on a sign says that a wise Cherokee chief would take his grandson, named Wayah, up to this high point to study stars. It is also believed that other explorers, Ponce de Leon and William Bartram, used this place to create charts and maps as well. Libby took lots of pictures that I have used here. There are several other photos that I'd like to include, but blogspot does not seem to want them here. I'll try that again later, I suppose. And, what's up with the picture locations that I can't seem to move? Will a blogger help a girl out?
I just realized that I never posted pictures from our 4th of July weekend. We had a houseful of fun going on for several days. Jennifer and Brad and the boys were here, Mama, Robert and Dee, Fred and MaryAnne, and Brent, too! And, Jill, Curtis, Kevin, and Toni, and Tiffany came over for the bbq since they were only a few miles away in Toni's grandparents (Bill and Betty Hill). We had about 30 people over for Robert's smoked chicken and pork and lots of other good dishes. We invited some good friends from Fort Tatham Campground to join us for the occasion. These are good friends who have spent many summers with Papa and Gah, so I was glad to people able to help Gah host a "feed", as Papa would have called it!
