Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 17)

This entry is part 17 of 30 in the series Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah

April 17, 2024

Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 17)

By Simon J. Lau

We’re currently in Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The town is known for its artsy vibe and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city’s liberal atmosphere and progressive mindset have earned it a reputation as a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits. Unfortunately, it’s also the first place I’ve visited outside of California where there is an abundance of open drug use. I was surprised to see these same problems here in the South, but I guess California isn’t alone.

This morning, we hiked up Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a historic fire lookout tower that sits atop Pisgah National Forest. Originally constructed in the 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the tower served as a vital vantage point for spotting wildfires in the region. It stands at an elevation of over 5,300 feet, providing visitors with a commanding perspective of the forested landscape below.

When we arrived at the tower, there was a park ranger there. He said that I couldn’t climb up to the “tippy top,” as it was closed off to visitors (vandals had recently broken open the secured latch). However, he said I could climb the stairs to the level just below the top floor. Being mildly scared of heights and noticing that the staircase wasn’t exactly rock solid (with parts clearly deformed with age), I was happy to oblige.

If you look closely in this image, you can see Bruno waiting for me on the ground level. I did, for a moment, consider bringing him, but ultimately decided it was too much of a safety risk.

Later in the day, we dropped by the New Belgium Brewery. They had this nicely done and very large outdoor patio that faces the French Broad River. It also helped that the weather was just perfect: although slightly humid, it was overcast, and there was a pleasant breeze. My favorite kind of weather to enjoy a drink on an open patio.

I’d like to say I’ll miss Asheville, but I won’t. The surrounding areas, especially the Blue Ridge Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway, are awesome. However, the city center is just overrun with drug users. The large presence of junkies really puts a damper on the city’s charm. If the city did more to clean up its streets, I could see why folks would like to visit. However, as it is, I wouldn’t come back again. Fortunately, tomorrow we continue west! Onward!