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
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.
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!
Three runners for the MT. Mitchell Challenge took off this morning for the run up to Mt. Mitchell.
We got up and made a hearty breakfast for them at 6 am and then took them to the start line in down town Black Mountain for the 7 am start. It is a very steep trail run starting at 2,400 going up to 6,654 and then back down. The marathon runners turn three fourths of the way up and do a regular 26 mile run but the ones who run up to Mitchell will do the 48 mile plus run. Starting off with a temp at 27 degrees and going up it will be about 6 degrees when they reach the top. The mountain tops are beautiful this morning , stark white with a morning sunrise shining on them and clear skys. Last year it rained for 5 hours so the race was lucky today with just a slight breeze.
Looks like about 300 runners today with the average age in the 40's. The last lap of the race ends here at Lake Tomahawk so we get to watch all the runners come in for the victory lap to the finish line. My hat is off to them. I can hike with you all day but no thanks to running.
We had a full house last night so the other guests are still tucked away in their cozy beds and will sit by the wood burning fire to enjoy their breakfast.
Come join the fun next year , contact the Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce to find out about the entry for the race. It is limited so first come get to race.
The snow is melting and people are out enjoying the stroll around the lake path. Our guests this weekend had fun hiking on the Mountain to Sea trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There was a little snow left on the path in the shadows but most of the trail was clear. Hiking this time of the year is great because you can see long distances without the leaves on the trees and the underbrush.
We have 12 good hiking paths within 15 minutes of the B&B. Many guests will use the B&B as home base and go on day trips to the popular vacation sites like Chimney Rock, DuPont Forrest water fall hikes , Grandfather Mountain, the Biltmore Home , winery and gardens and up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I have books and maps of most of the trails and can help the guests decide which trail is suited for their time and skill in hiking.
Now is the time to start thinking about when the wild flowers are at their peak and the rhododendrons and mountain laurel are the prettiest. Since we have had so much rain this winter the dog wood is suppose to be really pretty this year.
As you can tell I am looking forward to spring. Bring your hiking boots and come join us.
WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING
We are coming back in May for our anniversary! Save the Lookout room for us for two nights.
Winston Salem
Next May we want the whole house , all four rooms for the weekend. We love it here. Breakfast was great.
Atlanta
