Asheville - The land of Dreadlocks and Priuses

So we're still alive!!!!! An early rise on Thursday-much to Jen's delight- gave us enough time to explore Duke University Campus and briskly walk through the 'Sarah P Duke Gardens' before departing for Ashville.

A 'quick and uneventful' trip to the gas station went smoothly despite my best efforts to up the drama after asking for a beggars assistance. In my defense, I had seen him helping out another lady who had a car problem, but I probably did still deserve my (severe) telling off! Lesson learnt- don't ask African American men with string belts and brown bags for ANY assistance (slight interjection, Calum saw this man slip the brown bag into his pants BEFORE he asked him for help...)

However we embarked safe and sound onto the second stretch of the American Dream. After stopping in Statesville for a bite, we continued upwards and upwards into the hills, surrounded by stunning views which was accompanied by Jen's fine fine singing, video may follow! We arrived at Arthaus Hostel, which is very pretty, clean and conveniently beside a micro-brewery!

After checking in, Jen booked activities for the following day and we hit the town! Ashville is truly a hippy town and its laid back nature and musical culture led to a very entertaining evening. We watched a live band play in the square, and then strolled through the downtown area. We stopped in a court yard restaurant for a burger and biscuit! Although Jen disputes this, I am convinced a biscuit is actually just a scone. Although having it with the main meals, if cream and jam had been brought out it would have made a lovely dessert - second interjection, a biscuit and a scone are VERY different things.

Talking of dessert! Check this out:

Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting...... yum!

But we were sooooo full we had to ask for a doggy bag!

Following dinner we ventured to a bar called 'Jack of the Wood' where we drank fine beer and listened to bluegrass mountain music. With are stomachs full with food and beverage we strolled back to the Hostel to get an early night before todays activities.

So today we had the option to visit a large historic house or go white water rafting. Guess which option won! This morning we truly were living the dream as we ventured down the French Broad River, with fine company, stunning views, and lots of laughs. We both took up the first challenge of jumping off a 30ft cliff into a deep pool. Although Jen was initially nervous, with the backing of the cheering crowd below, she went for it and following a small splash arose victorious, with a large smile on her face. My trunks had been annoying me for the most part of the journey, as there was a safety pin jabbing into my behind! The group leader came to my rescue as Jen couldn't get it out using her teeth to remove it from the netting followed by 'thats the closest I have been to a mans butt in years'- we think she batted for the other team.

We were also able to swim down some rapids, enjoy a cooked bbq in the forest and see three bald eagles on this adventure. Its been a great day so far! This evening we plan on going to see some old book stores, watching a circle of drummers in the park (some hippy thing) and then watch live music in the park!

Hey, guess what the most popular car is in Hippyville?

Genuinely couldn't take any more photos...they were EVERYWHERE. Obviously not just popular among celebs hey Grant? ; )


Ashville is an exciting and fun town to be in and it will be sad to drive away! But onwards we must go in search of more fun and adventure!

Peace out!

Calum and Jen xxx