Rocky Top Tennessee

Day four: K'ville. People are obnoxious and rude. This melting pot of East Hill natives, posh outsiders, students, and God knows who else... I don't claim to 'get' this town, but for being such an active area for commerce in the Vol state..um.. I'm not feeling it. Still, the shopping is great. The hotel is luxurious. I really don't have to leave here.

Sidebar: Cable television is fascinating. Do I really need to know about extreme bathrooms and where to find them?! No. But I watch it anyway. As I do extreme restaurants {Modern Toilet is a bathroom themed restaurant chain in Asia}, trauma in the E.R., bits of Underworld Evolution {immediately queued}, Van Helsing, a Bond movie marathon on USA and Iron Chef America {love it}. Seriously, my brain is melting... gotta go..

Evening in K'ville finds me shopping online at the Oakley website. It's too easy to spend money there. While I'm stilling sporting my original purchase of 11 years ago...still hit the site for the latest in fashion. Might not sport, but I can wear it.

Made the mistake of checking the Firm inbox. Bad choice. That'll ruin a good mood.

the things you see in Cullowhee...as you are leaving..

Day three: Sunday. We wake, greeted by rain. No worries. The final day of the festival moves quickly. Goodbyes and well-wishes are shared. The rain seems to have driven most everyone inside; that's always good for business. This day ended quickly. Many smiles are replaced with frowns when it's time to go; those arthitic knees and bad backs flare up. Fortunately, we didn't have a load up in the rain. A few quick pics of Catamount Gap and we're headed back. The drive through and around the myriad of National Forests (Pisgah, Cherokee, Smoky Mountains, et al) was in the rain. Heavy clouds obscure the mountain tops and make for a beautiful scene no picture can do justice.

the things you see in Cullowhee...again

Day two: July fourth brings sun and clear skies. The first official day of the mountain festival. Let the people watching begin! Spirits are high, friendships are renewing, dollars exchanging. Festivals like these, don't require much work, but demand a laid-back attitude and genuine smile. Easy to be had in the right company. The day moves quickly. Laughter comes quickly and evening plans are quick to be made. Disappointed at the news the small town had axed the fireworks, pizza and beer were in order. It was a fun night of 20 questions, avoidance, Dr. Phil sessions, crispy crustt, and one lone firework on the campus of WCU.

the things you see in Cullowhee

Day one: Lady and I arrived in this small mountain town mid-morning. I knew I loved this town the first time I saw it because...get this... they have signs ENCOURAGING U-turns! The weather couldn't have been better. Mild, sunny, and beautiful! Setting up our wares was a new take on an old favorite. Looks and smells amazing. Although we are surrounded by older, mainly retired folks and a few cavorting soccer moms, the mountain festival set is always filled with interesting people. Erik's back. By 9p.m. EST, we are tucked safely away in the affectionately named Hatchet Inn. {If you've seen horror movies, you know what I'm talking about.} The University Inn is a series of rooms in and on the mountains out here. Gloriously secluded, you could {in theory} be hacked to death and never found.