I challenged Kathie and Ashlie to be ready to leave at 8 AM today and we pulled out of the driveway at 7:59! It was an uneventful trip to Black Mountain. We did a quick set up at the Christmount Christian Assembly, our denomination's camp and conference center, campground. I packed a quick picnic lunch and we hit the road to Chimney Rock, a 30-minute trip down windy NC 9, stopping along the way to the Rock to consume our picnic lunch.
You may find it strange that some of the photos are sideways, but that describes Ann's
stomach as she continued to climb to the top.
From Chimney Rock we drove into Asheville which was celebrating some sort of music festival, so town was very busy. We started out at the Bascilica of St Lawrence because it has a Gustavino domed ceiling. There were two Hispanic weddings going on which inhibited our perusal of the church, but nonetheless we got to appreciate the artistry of this Italian architect who designed unsupported domed arches. MIT has still not created a replica of his technique. Gustavino's family estate was here on the Christmount property which has recently been uncovered and now has markers which attract people from all over who are interested in the Bascilica. One of his arches is also in New York's Grand Central Station. You can Google Gustavino to learn more about him.
After the Bascilica we toured through the streets of Asheville, stopping at Tops, the three-story shoe store famous for its huge selection, shopped in The Mast General Store because neither Kathie or Ashlie knew about it, treated Dave to ice cream from Kirwin's, and then had dinner at Tupelo Honey Cafe. It is proper in the south to have dessert before dinner!! Then we browsed the 10 Thousand Villages store which is right next door to the restaurant. Ashlie bought a unique chain necklace made from bullet casings from the Eritrean-Ethiopian War in workshops providing jobs to people with HIV/AIDS.
Tomorrow we will spend all day at the Biltmore Estate.
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