We love the waterfalls in NC. The falls at Dupont Forest are some of our favorites, and they’re close to Asheville. These videos are from “High Falls” which is at the top of the park. As a special treat we had some extra family members with us yesterday, Jolly, Phil, Ellie and Dillon.

On the other side of the falls there is a sweet looking natural slide. There were some college-age kids zooming down it but I didn’t manage to catch them in motion. It looked like it was hard on the backside, but worth the pain. Well, maybe at that age.

Must be a slow news day when my backyard is the lead segment. I’m guessing this piece will be on WLOS.com later, but my Mom needs to see it now! So I caught it on the Flip.

According to a neighbor who has been on this street for over 20 years this problem started when Grove Park Inn redesigned the golf course. I’m probably the least informed person about this problem on the block, but they wanted to talk to me because I posted the video. I’ve even been contacted by a member of city council wanting to know more about it. I really didn’t have time for this today but reporter Sherrill Barber wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. I’m glad he talked me into it. He’s a good guy and I enjoyed talking to him about news and social media.

This whole thing is a real social media case study waiting to happen. Bryan and I are going to post a video talk about it tomorrow on the AVL Marketing blog.

Here comes the rain… after it has hit the ground that is. This seems to be getting worse every year. I’m not sure what’s causing it but the problem definitely starts at the Grove Park Inn golf course, as you can see in the next video, and it’s continuing to eat away our yards. Not shown is a huge tree that has had its base eroded and it is now only standing because it is leaning on a smaller tree. I’m sure a strong wind will take it out in the next year.

I’ve seen “da bears” on bike rides (who knew they could ride!) and Mary has even seen one in our neighborhood, Grove Park, when she was walking the dog one morning. Some tips from the City of Asheville.

Bye bye Mr. President. I hardly got know you. POTUS Obama and posse left just in time for him to deliver a eulogy at the memorial service for the 29 men that died in the coal mining accident earlier this month in West Virginia.

Those drivers really put the “motor” in motorcade. Hammer down through my neighborhood. My house is just a few doors down from this intersection. Once they started closing streets everyone figured they were about to depart. It turned into a regular block party. My (favorite) neighbor, who will remain nameless walked back to her house and mixed up some mimosas for the adults and lemonade for kiddos. Here’s to you President Obama. Don’t be a stranger.

P.S. Thumbs up for the Asheville Police Department, at least the guys at this intersection. They were, very, serious when it was called for, but the rest of the time they were chatting with the crowd and giving out various APD trinkets to the all the kids.

Then Paris walked down a few houses to catch him again. Unfortunately, that’s when he decided to walk back to our group and shake hands with everybody. So Mars and I got the introduction and handshake, but no video. Paris gets a handshake in the video below, but only her hand is on camera. ;) Fun day.

In the video above our house is just beyond the trees on the golf course. This is a roundabout path to the Grove Park Inn.

The Obamas enjoy some fine dining at 12 Bones just down the street from my office downtown. I love how after he orders The President says “you’ll call our number or something?”

If I’d hung around the house a little later today I would have gotten to see the motorcade go down my street.

Around 6 PM tonight four patrol cars parked in front of my office building with their lights flashing. Our balcony overlooks Pritchard Park. I was SURE the boss was going to come check out the regular Friday night drum circle. I would have had a perfect view from the balcony, but alas, they eventually got back in their cars and drove off. Change of plans I guess.

My neighbor down the street, very nice home, has a large sign on their picket fence: “We weeded our garden for the Obamas. Welcome to Grove Park.” I’ll mow my grass tomorrow.

Notice the spelling. This is the “idiot” version of the Iditarod. This happened just down the road from us. I’m so outta the loop!

At least we saw the holiday parade yesterday, which had its own moments of weirdness, albeit less intentional. I may post some videos later.

Hot Rod Roadster Pickup brings a tear to my eye.

Yes, I love this stuff. No, (almost) none of my friends do. What’s wrong with you people?!?

The roadster pickup, or RPU, above is the real deal. This hot rod beauty was built out West in the 1950s. At least that’s what I remember from my conversation with the owner a couple years. He said he attends Bonneville regularly. Awesome.

Now for something completely different…

Hot Rod Model A Phaeton - Perfect for the famliy man.

Next to an RPU a Model A Phaeton is my favorite model to hot rod. This is a rather extreme modern retro monster, it was my favorite at this year’s show, but I would like one someday that is a more conservative rod, late ’40s or ’50s style.

No more typing for me. There are more hot rod pictures over at my Flickr account. Check ‘em out.

Another pass from the other side.

We took a trip to Highlands, NC today to visit some friends. On the way back we stopped at this great waterfall called “Dry Falls.” Dry, because you can walk behind the actual waterfall.

Chillaxin' with my crew. Getting wet at Dry Falls.

You can see the path winds behind the waterfall.

Taken from the back side of Dry Walls. Yes, the path goes right under it.

NC Waterfalls has a bunch of great info about Dry Falls.