Surprises Still Await Us!

OK - it is time for me to admit that half the time we have no idea where we are going each day - or why. We pray and head in the general direction and sometimes because of lack of daylight or because we need a grocery stop we find ourselves in the sweetest places!

Chapel at The Cove

As it happens - that is what happened to us at Asheville, NC. Now most informed people know that there is so much to do and see here that one might decide to move here just to experience everything. Let me make a list for you: Blue Ridge National Parkway ( 450 some miles built in the 30's by a work program), Biltmore Mansion and 8,000 acres of land most of which you can explore by horse, bicycle, hiking, or car) - really and amazing place. Billy Grahams home and training center called "The Cove". The sweetest, most vibrant downtown with all the history you could ask for. Our favorite? The Grove Hotel - built in one year with 400 men, mules and one steam shovel. The fire place is one of two identical fireplaces in the lobby. The boulders are bigger than you would use in major landscaping!! Do you see Jon standing there?

Of course another favorite was seeing the North Carolina that Billy often referred to. Montreat - the Cove. Mountains, trees, beauty everywhere. Ruth talk often about it and afterall it is the place she chose to raise the kids pretty much by herself. What a woman.

We debated quite awhile about whether to spend the 69.00/ ticket to tour the Biltmore mansion. We got mixed reviews from everyone we asked. My opinion - if you are there you must go see it. We didn't know that the industry barons could live like that (before income tax). The nice thing is that you are on your own, you can stay as long as you like in each room, you are free to roam the grounds and stay awhile. There are all kinds of hospitality venues and it is very relaxed. As for the mansion - there are no words. No - maybe the word is Royalty.

We loved this part of North Carolina. We were surprised that a little town could hold so many surprises ! Still Crazy and Still Havin Fun! Weather is still glorious! Blessings to you all.

The Lodge at the Billy Graham Training Center

Biltmore Home (hah)