My trip planner for the day had me going from Cherokee to Ashville. Although I was a day ahead of schedule and ten miles short of Cherokee, I soon found out that the distance and the long gradual climbs, would slow me way down, and made my planner unrealistic. On route, I read and learned much about the Cherokee Nation.
When the army began forced removal of Cherokee citizens from North Carolina on June 12, 1833 most Cherokees submitted peacefully to arrest and deportation, but hundreds refused capture and remained here after the Trail of Tears. Some families with white members held dual citizenship in North Carolina and the Cherokee Nation, and were excempt from removal. Other Cherokees obtained emigration waivers from Preston Starrett, a federal enrolling agent, who was married to a Cherokee citizen. The struggles of those days are now very well documented and dramatized in a local play called Unto these Hills.
After lunch and a short visit to the town of Cherokee, I finally entered the Blue Ridge Parkway. People warned me that the first eight miles were straight up, and they weren't kidding. I had my water and electrolyte drinks and hydrated regularly to replace my body fluids. When I realized that I wasn't going to make it to Asheville, I resourced my maps for an alternate stop for the night, and found a visitor center at Waterrock Knob.
Once at the viewpoint and visitor center, I was almost out of water and figured that this life essential resource would surely be available here to replenish. No such luck! Then I met Alice and Bill who have a summer home in the mountains and offered to go to the nearest town, 15 miles away, and buy me a gallon of water. Forty-five minutes later, they were back with water, ice cream, cookies, a Dr. Pepper, my favorite drink on this trip, and a four-pack of V8. I was amazed and felt blessed by their acquaintance. The night at 5,700 feet was cold but showcased a beautiful sunset and sunrise. I slept in the open under a star studded sky, and kept a watchful eye out for bears since this is bear country, and I was the visitor in their territory. No bear sightings that night. The following morning two campers came by in a VW-bus and offered to cook me some breakfast. Ah, the people part of this trip has been so heartwarming. Life is truly beautiful!
When the army began forced removal of Cherokee citizens from North Carolina on June 12, 1833 most Cherokees submitted peacefully to arrest and deportation, but hundreds refused capture and remained here after the Trail of Tears. Some families with white members held dual citizenship in North Carolina and the Cherokee Nation, and were excempt from removal. Other Cherokees obtained emigration waivers from Preston Starrett, a federal enrolling agent, who was married to a Cherokee citizen. The struggles of those days are now very well documented and dramatized in a local play called Unto these Hills.
After lunch and a short visit to the town of Cherokee, I finally entered the Blue Ridge Parkway. People warned me that the first eight miles were straight up, and they weren't kidding. I had my water and electrolyte drinks and hydrated regularly to replace my body fluids. When I realized that I wasn't going to make it to Asheville, I resourced my maps for an alternate stop for the night, and found a visitor center at Waterrock Knob.
Once at the viewpoint and visitor center, I was almost out of water and figured that this life essential resource would surely be available here to replenish. No such luck! Then I met Alice and Bill who have a summer home in the mountains and offered to go to the nearest town, 15 miles away, and buy me a gallon of water. Forty-five minutes later, they were back with water, ice cream, cookies, a Dr. Pepper, my favorite drink on this trip, and a four-pack of V8. I was amazed and felt blessed by their acquaintance. The night at 5,700 feet was cold but showcased a beautiful sunset and sunrise. I slept in the open under a star studded sky, and kept a watchful eye out for bears since this is bear country, and I was the visitor in their territory. No bear sightings that night. The following morning two campers came by in a VW-bus and offered to cook me some breakfast. Ah, the people part of this trip has been so heartwarming. Life is truly beautiful!
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