Can't leave Asheville yet

Yesterday was a rest day in which I said goodbye to the great smokies and hello to Ashville. I took my time and stopped along the way at fruit stands and overlooks. I had no plan. If you have no plan, slow down.

 

The weather was making me hesitant to follow Marko to Shenandoah with 5 days of 60% rain chances forecast. All this greenery comes at a cost and as soon as I camp in the rain, I suspect things will not be dry again soon. I thought of heading down to Charleston but 5 hours of driving seemed like quite a commitment. Will Black from MJ's is from Ashville and he told me to contact Kevin at Liberty Bikes. Kevin had suggested some free campsites along the forest service roads south of town. I went to meet him and he allowed me to shower in the employee bathroom. Bathing in a sink everyday is like those house cleaners that come and wipe the surfaces in your house. It makes you feel better but you aren't truly clean until you shower. 

I had a nice chat with Kevin and Vickie. He through hikes and she rode her bike across the country. Both confirmed that once your gear is wet, it stays wet so I'll put that off a while longer. She told me that nothing dried out east of Austin. @Chris Wardlaw, think about that before you move to Greenville.

Forecast was for one more dry day in Ashville so I stalled the decision and headed for the forest road and I'm glad I did. The radar showed thunderstorms in shenandoah. sorry Marko. It was getting late and the first few sites looked like they were occupied by cardboard sign people.i kept going up and up and it kept getting later but there's no need to fear lucky is here. About 6 miles down the gravel road I came across site 13(lucky 13) next to a babbling brook in a forest of magnolia, oak, pine, ferns and vines. It is a place of butterflies and fireflies. As the sun set, I made camp and finished off the leftover curry before curling up with a good book.

 

The morning was crisp and calm and after a big bowl of oatmeal and coffee and a short walk in an awe inspiring forest, at least for those of us from droughtland, I decided another breakfast was in order. Always save your corn chip crumbs for armadillo omelet. 

Start the crumbs and olive oil with a little pepper or onion if you want. 

 

Break the eggs on top. Add the cheese and salsa and keep the heat low. 

 

Fold the sides and let it simmer a bit.

 

 Turn it over onto a plate and wipe out the skillet with a paper towel. Hard crunchy outside, soft juicy inside with just a little bite. Armadillo omelet. 

 

Plate licking good.