Today was a fun day. We finally took some time to get out & see some of the blue Ridge Mountains instead of just being responsible and doing the chores of settling in.
We headed up the Blue Ridge Parkway—which is less than 3 miles from our townhouse—and found that the colors of the trees are still gorgeous, not as plentiful as before but now you can see the beautiful distant mountains clearly. And folks, there was snow on the road!!! Actually on the roads and on the roadsides. Very pretty. We drove up as far as Mount Mitchell and checked out the tent camping sites—excellent, by the way. Wished we could’ve just stayed right then.
The record high temp here was 81 degrees, the record low was -34! The average winter snowfall is 104 inches, but last year they got 144. The highest ever was 172.5 inches in 1997-98. The highest wind speed recorded was 178 mph.
After checking out the sites, we drove on up to the summit parking lot and hiked up to the observation tower. The path, too, was covered with ice and snow in places, but I managed not to do one of my famous flying half-twist/leaps to the ground. The summit of Mount Mitchell is the highest point in the US east of the Mississippi at 6684 feet. The views from here were so pretty. As we climbed up, we passed a guy carrying a guitar case. Once we reached the top, we could hear him playing and singing somewhere below. It was very pretty.
One of the prettiest sights I saw today were the abundant red berries on the Mountain Ash trees. There is an Ojibwa Legend about these berries:
In late autumn or winter one will see an entirely different kind of tree dotted here and there among the green pines and spruce. These are Mountain Ash trees covered in a mass of brilliant red berries. The more berries on the tree, the more severe the winter will be. Why is this so? Legend relates that many years ago, even before Canada had a name, a severe and terrible winter set in. Snowdrifts formed in great heights and temperatures dropped to extraordinary degrees below zero.
While in search of food, the Indian hunters became terrified when they came upon hundreds of birds and small animals lying dead on the frozen snow banks. Immediately they banded together in great numbers and offered prayers' to the Great Manitou, as they were frightened that the same evil spirits would destroy them also.
The Great-Spirit answered them by instructing them to take one drop of blood from every dead bird and small animal and smear it on the tree that meant life and death to their people. As the Mountain Ash was the tree whence they fashioned bows and arrows, their only means of survival, they chose it and set about as Manitou had made them do. The following morning every tree they had smeared bore thousands of berries. The birds and small animals that had survived were perched on the mountain Ash branches eating the life-giving food.
The happy Indians danced late into the night, giving thanks to Manitou, who in return gave his promise that whenever a cold winter was approaching again, he would cover these trees with food.
The trees were so beautiful, and if the number of berries is really indication of how cold this winter will be, I need to go buy some more warm clothing.
We drove through Weaverville to see what kind of area it was—very nice & out in the country. Then we headed back to Asheville and stopped at the Harbor Inn Restaurant to check out their food. Well, we have found a favorite seafood restaurant, that’s for sure. The place is obviously very popular with the locals as it was crowded, but we got a table right away and dined on the freshest tasting seafood I’ve had in a long time. Ray had the perch and baby shrimp & I had the cod & deviled crab combo. Both came with delicious hushpuppies (that would’ve been a meal in themselves) and baked potato and coleslaw. Usually I don’t like restaurant coleslaw, but this was so good. So not only did I have stuffed deviled crab—which I am allergic to—I also stole some of Ray’s baby shrimp—also allergic to it. But it was irresistibly delicious. And I haven’t starting itching or having hives yet and it’s been 4 hours, so I think I’m good. Service was excellent. Price was amazingly low. We will definitely be going back.
In conclusion, can I just tell you how very happy I am to be living so close to such beautiful sights. I am so proud of my new hometown.
Pictures from our drive.
