Saturday hike on the Black Mountain Rim Trail

Posted by Arbor House NC Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sunshine and cool temps made for a wonderful hiking day yesterday.  I joined the Swannanoa Valley Museum group of 38 people to hike a portion of the mountains that circle the Black Mountain valley.  The museum will host one hike on the third Saturday each month to hike all the mountain ridges that surround our town.  We started out at 9 AM after carpooling to the site and finished up around 3 PM.  We enjoyed a sack lunch up on the highest peak and then spent the rest of the afternoon working out way to Highway 9.  Can't wait until the next hike.  Wonderful hikes in this area and very easy to get to from our B&B.

The flowers are popping up everywhere and the Biltmore Estates flower beds are now open. The Biltmore web site has a blooming schedule to tell what flowers are in bloom and what's to come. It's worth the trip to see the blast of color.

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING.

The past three days at Arbor House have been a very special first reunion for our family since mother died last July  We are planning to do this type thing at least once a year. Your delicious breakfasts, luxury accomodations and warm hospitality meant so much! We would love to come back. Maybe same time next year!
South Carolina

Dear Carolyn and Dave,
Our stay at the Arbor House has been wonderful and you are inkeepers "extra ordinaire" - Everything has been lovely. Our breakfast each morning was delicious and it was such fun to linger around the table in good conversation with our group and with you and Dave. We'll definitely be back to stay at the Arbor House and we'll tell all our friends.
South Carolina

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Spring is on the way

Posted by Arbor House NC Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Sore muscles this morning attest to the fact that spring can't be far away because yesterday was a garden clean up day.  It's work now but this spring , summer and fall the gardens are so pretty and provide such enjoyment to all the guest. The spring bulbs are showing lots of green and soon we will have flowers where the bare spots are now.

The gold finches are starting to turn a lighter yellow and we have spotted a few yellow rump warblers in the tree by the deck. The blue birds are cleaning out the houses and the Carolina wrens are starting to sing. Yesterday I saw a male and female towhee under the bird feeders gathering up any seeds that fell.
Duck activity is picking up and the male and female wood ducks are flying up to the bare branches to check out the duck houses. It is going to be a stand off  between the owl and the duck to see who claims the duck house by my art studio.The owl has lived in the house all winter and may not want to give it up.

We are going to check out the Black Mountain golf course on Thursday to see if I can remember how to hit a golf ball.  The 17th hole is not my favorite. It is a par 6 , 745 yards for the guys and of course I get a break on the ladies tee but still I get my iron practice on that hole just getting to the green which to make things worse is on a hill side slope with water down the left side.  Who invited this silly game of golf  any way trying to put that tiny little white ball in a small hole in only 3, 4  or 5 strokes. At least when I garden I see some results.
The Black Mountain course is open to the public so bring your golf clubs when you come and give it a try.  I find my feet feel better in hiking boots and that is something I can talk about.

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In like a lion

Posted by Arbor House NC Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The saying "in like a lion out like a lamb" will hopefully be true for this March.  We woke up to a white covering on the trees and lawn this morning. Yesterday we had a nice day to take a walk up on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the ice flows on the rocks and get the views of the mountains without all the leaves blocking everything.  The road was closed eight miles up from the Folk Arts Center so we could just park our car and join other hikers and bikers taking a hike without cars on the road. It's a special treat the locals enjoy during the winter.  You will see cross country skiers , hikers and some brave bikers enjoying the peaceful stroll and ride on the ridges.
The picture of the little snowman someone build on the bridge railing says it all. We've had it with snow this year and throwing up our hands. Enough already!

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