Gems, geocaching, and ribs

We're visiting Franklin, N.C. this weekend. Diagonal downtown parking says it all! Our son is living here in a tiny studio apartment for a few months while in a National Park Service class, so we have a good reason for the 400 mile (one-way) trip. Traffic wasn't bad... even on I-81. Guess we'll see what the late Sunday evening traffic is like. Nice to be away from the snow... only left on the higher elevations here. And yesterday's high reached 61°. Nice. Explored the area, found five geocaches, and enjoyed some great ribs and cold beer at Fat Buddies Ribs & BBQ.

Franklin, Macon County, and the Nantahala National Forest offer stunning scenery, waterfalls, hiking trails, and lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation. We'd noticed an abundance of gem shops in the area. We've learned that Franklin is known as the "Gem Capitol of the World" for its ruby, garnets, and sapphire that still attracts thousands of gem hunters.

Met Earl at breakfast this morning. He's from Michigan and visiting relatives in the area, too. Earl shared some pictures of his wildlife and rustic furniture woodwork at Carvings & More. Nice guy, talented craftsman.