North Carolina, Day 5

[kenjari]

September 27, 2006

Today was a long and surprisingly exhausting day. WE drove from Raleigh to Asheville, largely on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I think Other Kenjari may have over-exerted himself; I hope that a good night's rest will restore him.
The Blue Ridge Parkway was worth it, though. It's a long, winding road right through the mountains. The views and scnery were absolutely incredible. The ubiquitousness of the gorgeous scenery reminded me a little bit of Snowdonia in Wales, even though the Blue Ridge is rather different. For one thing, it's much higher. In fact, I think we got up higher than I'd ever been before. Right around Mt. Mitchell, we were literally driving through clouds. It's like fog, but both wispier and thicker at the same time. Every turn in the road brought some new and beautiful sight. At one of the overlooks, we could see a huge waterfall on the side of a neighboring peak. At other points we could see for miles over the valleys and mountains.
We're staying at the Owl's Nest Inn, a bed and breakfast just outside of ASheville. It's an old Victorian building wiuth period decor. OUr room is both charming and cozy. Now off to bed so that I can get up in time for breakfast.