Ok, I love the South. The people are so friendly, and lovely. North Carolina was awesome. Our first NC destination was Ashville, known for its arts, culture and more liberal ways. Walking around the downtown area we were stoked to see a Cool Beans coffee bus look-a-like! Of course we had to stop, and have a coffee and brag to the barista about our beloved Red Deer coffee spot. The barista was stoked too, and we enjoyed our creamy (correctly made, which is hard to find) cappuccinos in a familiar spot upstairs in the bus. A piece of home, far away. Refreshing, just missing the Traptow family :)
We continued on window browsing when a man with a news camera caught us on a corner and started asking us questions about a pro-life license plate that was causing some controversy state-wide. We curtiously gave our opinion, with our un-showered, greasy selves. Of course we would appear on the local news looking our best... Ha. We continued on, and enjoyed some of the best Southern BBQ we'd had yet. Why can't we have BBQ like this in Alberta? Seriously, somebody needs to hop on that wagon...
Boondocking at the local Walmart, we continued on in the morning to Hot Springs, NC. Yes, having a mountain town named Hot Springs, one would think they would boast some killer natural hot springs, right? With hope and excitement we braved the skinny mountain roads of the Great Smokys, thinking of the glorious hot springs to come. Arriving, we thought, wow. For a tourist hub, this was no Banff. With hesitation, we approached the "spa" building that was basically an aged mobile home. The folks inside greeted is kindly with homemade tiedye t's and toothy grins. We were escorted around the back on a dirt path to find a row of shanty, weathered looking huts. One of these was our very own private hot tub. Yes, it was strange. Everything about the place was strange. But we soaked in some of the best mineral water ever, enjoyed a creekside outdoor view and just... relaxed. One of the best things we've done on our trip, and would definitley go back.
Ok. I've heard of the Great Smoky Mountains. And, mountains are beautiful and awesome. But, we're seriously spoiled in Alberta with the Rockies. Yes, going through the Smokys was fun but my goodness, they have nothing on our majestic Rockies. With that out of the way, we took our time and enjoyed these "mountains" (I thought they were super dinky and small). We went to Cades Cove where visitors flock to look at (in awe) deer. Seriously, people went crazy if they saw a deer beside the road... But maybe that's normal? Anyway, we found a great hiking spot and did a 5m toward a waterfall (also dinky compared to AB). It was awesome to 'hike' though, and hike through some seriously different mountain vegetation than we're used to. Good times.
Finishing with some awesome Jamacian grub, we set forth, Chattanooga bound. Ready and excited to explore our assumed favourite city.
We continued on window browsing when a man with a news camera caught us on a corner and started asking us questions about a pro-life license plate that was causing some controversy state-wide. We curtiously gave our opinion, with our un-showered, greasy selves. Of course we would appear on the local news looking our best... Ha. We continued on, and enjoyed some of the best Southern BBQ we'd had yet. Why can't we have BBQ like this in Alberta? Seriously, somebody needs to hop on that wagon...
Boondocking at the local Walmart, we continued on in the morning to Hot Springs, NC. Yes, having a mountain town named Hot Springs, one would think they would boast some killer natural hot springs, right? With hope and excitement we braved the skinny mountain roads of the Great Smokys, thinking of the glorious hot springs to come. Arriving, we thought, wow. For a tourist hub, this was no Banff. With hesitation, we approached the "spa" building that was basically an aged mobile home. The folks inside greeted is kindly with homemade tiedye t's and toothy grins. We were escorted around the back on a dirt path to find a row of shanty, weathered looking huts. One of these was our very own private hot tub. Yes, it was strange. Everything about the place was strange. But we soaked in some of the best mineral water ever, enjoyed a creekside outdoor view and just... relaxed. One of the best things we've done on our trip, and would definitley go back.
Ok. I've heard of the Great Smoky Mountains. And, mountains are beautiful and awesome. But, we're seriously spoiled in Alberta with the Rockies. Yes, going through the Smokys was fun but my goodness, they have nothing on our majestic Rockies. With that out of the way, we took our time and enjoyed these "mountains" (I thought they were super dinky and small). We went to Cades Cove where visitors flock to look at (in awe) deer. Seriously, people went crazy if they saw a deer beside the road... But maybe that's normal? Anyway, we found a great hiking spot and did a 5m toward a waterfall (also dinky compared to AB). It was awesome to 'hike' though, and hike through some seriously different mountain vegetation than we're used to. Good times.
Finishing with some awesome Jamacian grub, we set forth, Chattanooga bound. Ready and excited to explore our assumed favourite city.
One more thing. Goobers. This delightful treat is a boiled peanut. The green raw peanut is boiled for hours in the shell, in seasoned water. A giant cup costs a couple bucks and you are set with goobers for the day. Best when eaten hot fresh out of the pot, you peel away the soggy shell to reveal the plumped up warm peanut. Salty and with a similar texture to a cooked kidney bean, these are so freaking good. Two goober lovers, right here.
- K
- K
Our attempt at making our van Christmasy.
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