LEAF - October 11-25, 2014

On top of the world at Mamma Gertie's

Dreams of fall color.

It has been a year since we've traveled.  Need to relearn the ease of it in our new 5th wheel...

Our goal this trip: to reach Black Mountain, near Asheville, NC for the LEAF.

"Mamma Gertie's Hideaway"
Swannanoa, NC

Biltmore House
seen from one of the gardens

We arrived a few days early and decided to check out the Biltmore House, Gardens, and Winery.  So much to see but we had a two day pass.  I loved the art work in the mansion, especially the portrait of Edith Vanderbilt. 

     




Randy and Julie in the Biltmore House

The Biltmore is tucked into
 the landscape in upper
left corner.
The roses were so fragrant.



The conservatory

LEAF stands for Lake Eden Arts Festival which occurs in May and October each year in Black Mountain, NC. A four day event full of music, art, fun, and frivolity in order to raise money to help preserve cultural arts around the world for future generations. Quite an impressive happening.  Everyone smiling and happy.  Kind of like a Woodstock event without the drugs.

Beautiful weather was ours to
enjoy.  I loved the colorful tents tucked into the landscape and the reflection of clouds on water.

Quite a climb up to Chimney Rock.
Randy took the elevator,



while I climbed the stairs.

lovely fall foliage

Where are ya Ran?



 

The Broad River and Lake Lure
in the distance.

 

Destination:  Chimney Rock
our reward were panoramic views.

 

Here we are at the Black Mountain
Cider Works to taste some hard cider.

Cheers!

Bottoms up!

Well that went right to my head!
I'm feeling very happy.
 

"Glamping" in our new 5th wheel

We Stayed at Crooked River State Park
in Georgia on our way home. 
Its a "Bestie" with spacious camp sites. 
We took a quick tour of nearby St. Marys where you can connect with the ferry to Cumberland Island.  Got back to camp with a few groceries, went for a bike ride and enjoyed a campfire before bed.  It was hard to
leave in the morning.  But all good
things must come to an end.