Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thank goodness, I feel 100% today! Yesterday’s tornadoes had turned into violent thunderstorms which raged all night long. Flashes of lightening seeped around the dark window shades and into the room. By morning, the sun was shining brightly and the sky was a cloudless blue.
Driving North Toward the Blue Ridge Mountains
When we checked out, the woman behind the desk told us about all the local damage from yesterday’s tornadoes. She rattled off the names of local towns but unfortunately, we didn’t know where they were. At that time, she had heard that people had died in the four-state region and there had been extensive damage to homes and businesses.
Later we learned that 357 people died in the path of the worst tornadoes ever recorded in the south. The most devastating twister in Alabama was one mile wide with high winds which tore off roofs of buildings, carried trucks hundreds of feet, and demolished all the houses in its path. We left feeling grateful that we stayed in Cornelia for an extra day. We drove north on Route 441, passing countless fast-food restaurants and said good bye to Cornelia, Georgia.
Tallulah Gorge
About 30 minutes north we found Tallulah Gorge State Park. This is the famous 1000 foot gorge which also highlights Tallulah Falls. I had read that the falls are sometimes “turned off” during the week, so we were fortunate that they were falling today. One section of the river, whose name I forgot, was damned and turned into a hydro-electric plant some years ago.
Tallulah Gorge Interpretive Center
We entered the State Park and paid a $5.00 day-use fee. Then we drove to the Interpretive Center which was a huge beautifully designed building with a three-story core which led to the trails. Tallulah Gorge is also famous as the place where the circus high-wire performer, Karl Wallenda, strung a wire and walked across the 1000 foot gorge in 1970. The Great Wallenda was 65 years old and this was his way to celebrate his 50th anniversary on the high-wire. We walked out to the scenic overlooks recommended by the park’s ranger.
Trail to the Edge of the Gorge
It was a beautiful cool morning, 68 degrees and sunny. It was nice to take a walk in the cool woods with the purple rhododendrons blooming! We walked to two of the overlooks and took photos of the river falling over the boulders below in the deep gorge.
One of Five Tallulah Falls
A short distance up the road there is a small town called Mountain City. As we approached the city, the traffic on Route 441 came to a complete stop. On both sides of the road we could see uprooted trees and downed posts and signs. Large and small branches littered the ground everywhere.
Tornado Damage
The tops of trees were snapped off and thrown all about. A small wooden house was tilting to one side. The roofs of several buildings were lying mangled next to its building. This was one of the places where a tornado had hit! As we drove by, we saw the local authorities cleaning up the mess. It was an unbelievable sight! We were very grateful that we stayed in Cornelia for an extra day!!
Rhododendron
We continued north passing through several small villages, and crossed the border into North Carolina. The road was hilly and we could see the mountains in the distance. The road has only two lanes and it is named the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway. Eventually we entered the Cherokee Indian Reservation and passed through the town of Qualla.
The Great Smoky Mountains
A few minutes later we drove into the town of Cherokee. It was a lively place with rows of bright tourist shops on both sides of the street. Jeff stopped on the tourist street and I went into a shop to buy a “Life Is Good” magnetic disc for the back of my car.
Cherokee, North Carolina
It was past noon so we looked for a place for lunch. We found Paul’s Family Restaurant on Tsali Blvd. which had a big sign which read: Indian Owned – Mountain Trout – Indian Tacos – Buffalo Burgers. The atmosphere was better than the food, but it was a fun experience.
Outside Paul’s Family Restaurant
After lunch, we went to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. After a five minute video which told the legend of how the Cherokee People got fire, we walked through the museum. It had interesting artefacts and displays of the history of the Indians in the South Eastern part of the U.S. in chronological order. Ancient tools and artefacts were displayed with good explanations of their use. In several dioramas the models of people looked very real.
Wax Figures and Native American Artifacts
Near the end of the display was the account of the Trail of Tears. Although the American government declared it illegal to take the Indian’s land, the settlers in this area forced the Cherokees to move to the Oklahoma Territory. Whole villages of men, women, and children were uprooted and made to walk west. Of course, many of them became ill and died of starvation and disease along the way. It is a very tragic event in the history of the United States.
Cherokee Baskets
Afterwards, we crossed the street and went to the Qualla Craft Shop which sold handmade objects crafted by a variety of talented Indian artists. We admired the beautiful baskets, jewellery, and pottery but unfortunately, didn’t buy anything because of the high prices.
Going to The Blue Ridge Mountains
We left Cherokee on Route 19, called Soco Road, and drove east through Maggie Valley. The Blue Ridge Mountains grew bigger and closer. We climbed up and down the mountains with the road. At one point I glanced at the thermometer on the dashboard: 58 degrees! Near the top of the mountain the trees were in early bloom and had less green leaves as they had in the warmer valleys. The flowers weren’t even in bloom yet.
Lexington Street, Asheville
Finally we reached Asheville, North Carolina. We didn’t have a hotel reservation, but it was only 5:00 o’clock. We pulled over into a parking lot to check our iPhones. We finally decided on one of the three Hampton Inns near the Biltmore Estates. We checked in and had a long conversation with the desk clerk, Michael, who gave us good recommendations for restaurants and activities in Asheville. We have stayed at so many Hamptons now that they feel like a home away from home.
Paintings on Bridge Supports
We took one of Michael’s recommendations and drove into the city to Bouchon French Bistro on North Lexington Avenue. It was a lively place with lots of people and wonderful scents of herbs and good food. We each had a glass of good French wine while the owner worked the tables. He is from Lyon, France and his restaurant is very well respected in Asheville. I had Barramundi with seasonal veggies and wild rice. Jeff had steak au poivre with pommes frites. For dessert, we shared a fabulous chocolate mousse with creme fresh. Everything was very delicious! What a treat so far from home!!
French Bread in Bouchon
Michael said that Asheville has had a resurgence of culture and the city supports the arts and artists. The city has restored its Art Deco architecture and it is the 5th “foodie” city in the country. Asheville seems like a happening place. We’re looking forward to exploring the city tomorrow.