Kontan Jou

Day 2 was interesting. Getting up to the chaos of the morning it was time for adventure. I had grand hopes of hiking in the mountains. The person in charge was itching for the city. Um…why did you choose a chateau IN the mountains when you are a city girl? Just sayin’. So we’re off to Asheville for hours of entertainment. I’ve never been to Asheville before. I’ve also never smelled pot before. Two things that I can no longer say. Interesting place it is. We ended up an an Earth Day event complete with yurt. I’m all about conservation and wise use, but Asheville is a little more than I can embrace. I think I need to visit again and take in different sights. The Biltmore has to be spectacular. After granola fest we ventured to a Vegan restaurant. OK, no issue with this, but I have NO idea where I’m going. Not a problem, I can just follow my cousin who also doesn’t know where she’s going. We pull away from the park and head toward the downtown area. She pulls over to get directions off her phone and I pull in behind her. Driving again she gets in the left turn lane…waits…then proceeds to turn right. WTH?!? Realize that there is a car coming and I have NO where to go but…wait for it…LEFT! So I turn left and pull into a parking lot to turn around. Wait. Wait. Wait. Attempt to pull out and follow. I have no idea where she is and she has not told me the restaurant. Did I ask? Why yes, I did. Crap. My phone WILL NOT DIAL OUT! I can text, receive texts, and receive calls. My aunt calls me, “where are you?” “Lost. You guys left me when you turned RIGHT from the LEFT turn lane.” I’m not happy. I told them what street I was on and was told, “just drive down broadway and you’ll see it.” FYI…Broadway turns off to the left. If you go straight you are on the loop around the city. I missed the weird Y turn on three separate occasions. Fortunately, there is also quick exit off the loop.

I did find the Vegan place and it wasn’t bad. The kids even enjoyed their meal. The atmosphere…loud. I don’t think the workers appreciated the number of children we brought into their establishment. In fact, I’m certain that they did not appreciate it. When one lovely child spilled a drink a guys was storming around complaining about the F’n kids making a mess. Nice. That’s class there man. Glad it wasn’t one of my kids that harshed his mellow.

After lunch my cousins wanted to shop. I’m sorry, we have this great place at the top of a mountain with an awesome view and hiking opportunities and you want to shop? Cool, but I ain’t following you around this city and I’m getting stoned just standing here. I decided to head back to the house with my aunt, uncle, and kids. Not sure how well that went over, but shopping is not my thing.

Back at the chateau, I grab Lil Bit and two young cousins and take off on a nearby trail. Nothing major. I know Lil Bit and K-man are hiker quality, but I’m not so sure about J-girl. She isn’t that outdoorsy. Not willing to look weak she hangs in rather well on the slightly overgrown trail. Once we reach the point that it needs some serious work we decided to hop the trail, cross the small stream, and go up the mountainside a short way to another trail. Keep in mind the chateau is in sight the whole time. I was not about to venture too far in unknown territory. We ended up hiking that trail for a good way before deciding to go up further. Not a bad hike and I’m glad we took the opportunity because Sunday was dreary and wet.

A few pics to share…