May 13, 2015 - Tellico Plains, TN

Just got in!  The weather has been great.  Spent one day riding up to Asheville stopping to have lunch with my friend Duncan in Winston Salem then dashed up Old Fort Mountain.  It was a hot ride with temps approaching 90 but after Statesville a cold front caused the temperature to drop 10 degrees and was very nice.  Stayed in Asheville with my good friend since childhood Larry Rosenberg and his wife Kathy.  A great 2 days catching up and touring Asheville.  Had Lunch with Judy Carver at a great Thai restaurant on Charlotte Street.  Wish I could eat there tonight.  Visited the cemetery to see the placement of Robin's and Bill's headstones and they did a great job.

Left Asheville this morning at 10:00 heading to Murphy, NC then Rt. 68 North to Tellico.  Nantahala Gorge is a must see on that ride and the rafters were already in the water.....Brrrrrr!  I am settled in at the Inn doing laundry and waiting for Keith to arrive from Southern Pines and we will start the Trail tomorrow.  The first day has 3 water crossings and the third one is treacherous.  Wish me luck!