Fontana to Boone via Cherokee, right past Santa Land and Asheville

Spent last night in a 'cottage' overlooking Fontana Lake, Barbequeing under the porch and watching the sun set. We spend a lot of time on this trip with a fist full of beer (or wine or Jack Daniels). Its a filthy job, but someone has to do it.

Off in the morning heading for the start of the Parkway via Cherokee (much less exciting than you might think) and past the monstrosity that is Santa's Land. Open almost all year round you can Santa's village, Zoo land, Fun land, the North Pole and a gift shop. Wow! All for the princely sum of $21.16 (?) plus tax. If you are 2 years old you have to pay. Presumably ANYONE who might get the slightest pleasure has to stum up. Managed to resist the temptation however and headed on to Asheville.

Ashley and Rachel were there a few weeks ago for her birthday weekend. That's another opportunity to meet up missed. Ash, if you're reading this, we're still waiting to hear what Rachel would like for her birthday. Let us know soon and we'll give it to her next year ;o)