Well, That Was a Debacle

I spent hours trying to get that damn video to upload, but it just won't go. Instead, I'm going to put up the first set of vacation photos. This set will be Asheville. Tomorrow will be the photos from the trip from Asheville to Cleveland and after that will be the photos from Cleveland.


The Yurt! This is the back and the angle you see coming in from the walking path that brings you there. There is a little one-lane drive that you can drive your car down to unload your luggage, but it's not something you can turn around in, so you either have to back in our back out. The pricier and newer yurts at Campfire Lodgings have a more accessible driving path with room to turn the car around to get out.

This is the view from the porch on the other side from the previous view. It was a bit dark when I took the photo, but it's nothing but forest dropping away down the side of the mountain as far as the trees allow you to see. This is actually the most secluded of the three yurts, although it lacked the bathroom facilities of the other two.

This is the inside. Behind the Japanese screen is the dressing room and kitchenette. Off screen to the left and right are a small table with chairs and the air conditioner, fireplace, and TV.

The view from the bed. The skylight can be cranked up to allow the hot air to escape to make the yurt easier to cool.

The gas fireplace. There wasn't even the slightest thought as to whether we'd use it. Asheville seems to be really mild for the Southeast, but high 80s still don't invite fireplace ignition. The curtains on either side hide the windows, which are covered by opaque flaps on the outside that can be rolled up to allow in more light.

The front of the Grove Park Inn. The stones over the windows are massive. There are newer wings to either side, but they lack the interest of the original building.

The mantel stone here gives you more of an idea of the size of the stones on the outside given that it was about the same size. Keep in mind, if you don't know me, that I'm 6'3" and I'm standing inches in front of the fireplace.

Sunset from my parent's campsite. They were on the other edge of the mountaintop on which the campground is situated. The slope falls away into forest just feet from their camper and gave a great view of the valley and French Broad River below.

E and me hiking at Chimney Rock State Park. The place really was gorgeous, but much too crowded for my tastes, and its previous life as a private park left remnants that lingered and made it seem a little too artificial and touristy, but E loves hiking with me and it gave me a little backpacking practice.

The tiles on the half wall around the serving station at Asheville Pizza and Brewing are all movie posters, and each one is different. The restaurant is movie themed as they also have movie theater in the back where you can watch a movie (or The Simpsons on Sunday) with a good beer and food.

I really dig the Coen Brothers reference (Raising Arizona if you aren't a fan) on the restroom doors. The men's restroom just opposite this door is graced with the likeness of Holly Hunter playing Ed taking Nicholas Cage's mugshot.