On Monday, John & I went to the Broad River Gem Co. and sluiced for gems in a shared bucket. They were seeded buckets, but the experience was worth it to learn about gems from the owner, talk about Queensryche, learn about gems in the area and panning the creeks, learn what gems look like in raw form, and learn what’s native to the area!
After leaving the Gem Co., we drove down to Rutherfordton to visit Kate. She owns the property next to ours (Elysia & I). John & I spent some time with her, then drove the Jetta up a very grassy field to the top of the hill on my property. We got out of the car, amazed that we made it (considering the grass was over 2 feet high), then started walking to the forest. Poof! A bambi deer popped out of the grass and bounced away in fear. We must have woke it up. It was TINY!!!! Soooooo adorable! We must have been less than 5 feet from it when we woke it up.
After walking down the hill through the forest to our creek, we met up with our neighbor Brian, on his 4-Wheeler. He showed us where to get down to the creek safely, and we went over to that area and started panning. We found lots of pretty things, but mostly river rocks. We did walk away with some garnets though! It was so much fun, and we didn’t want to stop. Sadly, the sun was setting in the forest, and we had to head out.
We drove to Walmart to buy a card reader for my laptop, then had dinner at a Cracker Barrel in Hendersonville before heading back to our timeshare. We passed out pretty early and fully exhausted that night!
Tuesday morning: we drove to Waynesville and had lunch at Panacea on the River. After that, we went to Cullowhee to hang out with Ron & JoAnn Raccioppi for a few hours. Ron took us out on his 4-Wheeler, then we hung around the house chatting for a while before going to Franklin for dinner at “the Gas Station” restaurant. Great food!!!
On the way home, John & I stopped in Asheville to pick up Oh Brother Where Art Thou from Blockbuster, and we watched it before bed.
Today, Wednesday, we went to Chimney Rock with Val & Aggie. We hiked the upper trail, then the lower falls trail. Aggie was soooooo good all day! I am amazed at how much fun she had going hiking with us! And Val… she’s Wonder Woman! She was able to breast feed and hike at the same time! Incredible!!
After the hike and a very nice picnic on the falls, John & I went to a craft and country store. I got some Apple Butter and Plum Jam! We then tried to find a creek to pan in, but had no luck. Most creeks were private or hard to get down to.
Now, we’re back in the bar, researching gems and doin’ recaps! I am happy I haven’t heard from Erica yet on Elena’s arrival. Nik, hold her in there for a bit longer! You’re doing great!!!!
Tomorrow, off to Asheville to hang out with Val & Aggie again. Melisa may join us for lunch!