Brevard is one of my favorite towns on this globe. Eclectic downtown, great local food and the Pisgah Tavern (The Hub) is a spot I stop into every time I’m here. Oskar Blues food truck spatulas an awesome burger. I’ve hiked Looking Glass Rock about 3 dozen times, John’s rock a couple and I’m never going to hike the entire Art Loeb trail but it’s here too. Art Loeb sounds like a 50’s game show host.

“And here’s your host for the Hollywood Bean Bag toss it’s Aaaart Loeeeeb”

I’m not hiking all that shit but I hear it’s nice.

Love Brevard, just wish everyone didn’t drive 14 miles under the speed limit.

Davidson Campground is pretty well known for a good camping spot. River runs right beside the camp and it’s spacious. If I’m going to use a campground I’m definitely going to stay here. While I do enjoy the freedom of dispersed camping and Brevard has a handful of them, I don’t enjoy the smell of meth while I try to enjoy my morning coffee. I’m not saying those spots are filled with meth heads all the time just some of the time. It can be sketch.

But

I’ve never heard of any incidents. I’m not judging here folks but I wouldn’t allow my daughter to camp there so that should tell you enough. Theres some spots here and there off the gravel government road if you can find them

It’s 59° and I can’t tell if it’s drizzling or the treetop winds are shaking the last of the hurricane droplets formerly known as Isaias. On occasion a small twig falls on my roof to let me know that I need to stay on my toes with all the loose deadfall playing target practice. We take fallen branches for granted. Most trees don’t wait for you to get out of the way when they’re shedding. It’s one of the reasons I talk and hug the surrounding trees in my camp.

“Hey I’m your friend. Love ya! Don’t crack my head open please”

That’s not exactly correct I actually talk to them in a formal manner. I also let them know my fire will only be made with fallen wood and used to keep me warm and cook my food. I keep my fires small so I don’t needlessly heat the branches above me. The trees appreciate that. They’ve told me so. I sat under one yesterday with my back against it and did nothing for about half an hour.

Highly recommend.

I enjoy making little vlogs out here. Sometimes I’ll put my phone in little nooks and crannies with some new camera angles for some action shots all the while trying not to look like an asshat as I candidly pretend I’m not recording myself. Oh I’m fully aware that I’ve made fun of influencers for years and here I am using their techniques.

Come at me bro I don’t care, I’m not trying to collab with anyone yall I just like making myself look ridiculous on camera. Also now when I watch a movie my mind automatically goes to camera POVs and I’m like “ooh imma try that”

Brought my mountain bike with me. If I’ve been disappointed with any activity I’ve lost interest in it would be cycling. I used to be a cycling maniac. Shaved legs, head to toe coordinated spandex, colorful shirts that expressed cycling mania.

Wore Lance Armstrong underwear along with matching bracelet. Then Lance just became Lance. Yeah I know most of the pro cyclists juice but Lance was the most vehement about not using. Even threatening. Careful the words you use against people doing the same exact thing you did.

That’s all

I just stopped cycling. Maybe it’s the walking now, journaling (like this) is a long morning activity that takes up quite a bit of time if I go on a rant.

I used to cycle about 150 miles a week. I haven’t cycled 150 miles in the last year and a half. One major factor is the online hate cyclists have nowadays. I don’t feel comfortable riding my bike on the road anymore. Cyclists have a bad reputation for being dicks. They get it right most of the time even when I rode in packs I wasn’t a fan of most of the surrounding cyclists. They’re pompous. Not all. Just most.

Anyway I’m riding my bike today..

Gravel ride.

I’ve actually gotten into a fist fight with two guys while riding my bike. That’s a story for another day.

And yes I won.

Never pick a fight with a guy who just broke up with his girlfriend.

Where was I?

Oh yes. I like it up here. I could live here but too many hippies. I’m kidding. Sorta. There’s a direct correlation to the number of bumper stickers on the back window of a car and how slow they drive.

Maybe it’s the weight of the stickers? Maybe it’s because they can no longer see out of the back window?

“Coexist”

I will if you speed the fuck up.

I’m getting better with slowing things down y’all. I promise. The last person to beckon me out of my car for a road rage fight was an old hippie in Flat Rock.

You good Jerry? I’m sorry for riding your bumper I didn’t want you to roll backward while driving .03 mph on a straight open highway. Turn Sugar Magnolia down, the patchouli air freshener is making you angry.

How did this turn into little bites of violence.

Sorry this isn’t my regular coffee brand. In the 70s this would cause fights. Not the breakdancing kind that was the 80s

70’s- Kung fu

80’s- Breakdancing

90’s- Mosh pits

Current? We just get on social media and talk shit murkily. Like bathroom wall graffiti linked consciousness.

I’m gonna ride my bike up a gravelly hill. For some reason I’m also craving a bo biscuit which I haven’t had in years.

12:30 a got Buck the sailor man making some art on my quad. It’s just a tattoo y’all.

Tis a good day in the making. A good day indeed.