Last night we all played 'Beyond Balderdash' and this morning headed off to Ashville about 40 miles northeast of here. We went north to the Blue Ridge Parkway and drove on it about 30 miles to just outside of town. We had lunch on the river (French Broad) at 12 Bones Smokehouse and all had a great meal. It is a very popular spot that we found a few years back when camping in Asheville. We also passed that campground on the way into town. After lunch we parked and walked around downtown for an hour and a half. Very nice town! Cheryl Abbate has a friend who owns Medea's Organic Café in Arden, just south of town. So we stopped in and surprised her with a visit. Starting in South Ashville to about half way back to the house there was thick smoke from the wildfires just south. We had to have the lights on while driving and it was starting to affect our breathing and we were happy when we left it behind. Many pictures will supply the details with two explanations: Alesa talking to a dulcimer maker and Cheryl's friend had us tasting her organic juices. We are now back at the house for dinner for those who are hungry after the big lunch.