We got up lazily and began to study on the maps of North Carolina that we had.  There was lots to see, but by Friday we wanted to be near enough to the center of the state to visit with my brother Scott's wife, Kristin, and children, who would be visiting Kristin's sister and family in Advance, NC.  After I got a paper and saw that much cooler temperatures were forecast for the next two days, we ruled out getting up too high, since it would most likely be butt cold up in the mountains.  After lots of discussion and research, we opted for Asheville, in the Western part of the state, in the hills, but still below the tallest peaks.

The drive West was very pleasant -- dogwoods everywhere, and forest everywhere else.  Jody nimbly navigated us into Asheville and our chosen campground there: the French Broad River Campground.  We had tried to call the campground on several occasions, but only got an answering machine, so we were dubious.  We pulled up to the office, and found a sign saying that the office was closed, and that we were to just find a site and set up, and they would be along later to check us in and take our money.  The campground was right on the river.  With some assistance from the owner, we got parked within about 15 feet of the French Broad River, which was halfway well named: it was certainly broad -- perhaps 300 or more feet wide, and fast moving -- but there was nothing French about it that I could see.  The place had a very funky, chaotic feel to it.  We liked it, especially the proximity to the noisy river.  We set up camp and got to fixing dinner, happy to be there.  There were lots of Mallard families living on our side of the river, some with ducklings.  Jordan counted one mother Mallard with 17 very young ducklings following her.

That night, after dinner, we sat outside and watched the river and the stars for a bit.  The weather had turned cool that afternoon, but just sweater cool, not cold, so it was still nice out.

We read aloud some of "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson -- highly recommended -- and then went to bed.

April 17 - Snow