The Basilica of Saint Lawrence

The Basilica of Saint Lawrence in downtown Asheville celebrates its centennial this year, 2009 AD. There are approximately 54 basilicas in the USA but Saint Lawrence is very original in its design. Rafael Guastavino (1842-1908) came to Asheville from Barcelona to work on the Biltmore House and subsequently designed the basilica. The elliptical roof is self-supporting and utilizes an ancient method of thin layers of tile and mortar that was revived by Guastavino in Catalunya. Guastavino died before construction was completed and his body is interred in the Chapel of Our Lady to the left of the main altar.

The bell tower to the left of the main entry showing the brick masonry, copper dome and statues.

Pack Square Park

Pack Square Park is the new, improved public urban gathering place for the citizens of Asheville located in front of City Hall and the County Courthouse. The land for this park was donated in 1901 and construction for this vision was begun in 2005. Construction is still underway but this section is now complete and is a welcome addition to Asheville. For more information on the history of Pack square see http://www.packsquarepark.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=38

A view looking west showing the fountain, green and the Vance Monument obelisk at the edge of the park on Biltmore Avenue.

A close-up view of the tilework on the wall; notice the tiles in the pavement also.

Urban Art

Interstate highways present two very different views to drivers. The speeding car on the roadway above the city, oblivious to the landscape below, and the street traffic that navigates the "canyon" below. Asheville artists have transformed this underpass to a work of art. During the summer months the street is closed and a stage is erected for musical performances when all may enjoy this exceptional art.

The highway support structure opposite the one above showing the variety of art displayed.

A close-up view of the view above.

Hardlox Jewish Food and Heritage Festival

Hardlox, a Jewish Food and Heritage Festival was recently celebrated in Asheville. This city has a festival for every ethnic group and organization. There is even one called "Because it's Asheville"; seriously. Among the sights was this group of women dancing to some Yiddish music. It was a good opportunity to enjoy the diversity of Jewish life in Asheville.

The Jewish/Reggae singer Matisyahu will be performing in Asheville on November 15th. If you have not heard his music check out the link on this blog's main page.

The day was a bit brisk but this festival goer dressed for the weather.

Grace Episcopal Church

Grace Episcopal Church, located in North Asheville, occupies a prominent site above Merrimon Avenue. It was designed circa 1905 by Richard Sharp Smith, an English architect who also supervised the construction of the Biltmore House after the death of Richard Morris Hunt.

A view of the interior courtyard of the church with the sanctuary on the right and the link between sanctuary and fellowship hall to its left. A covered walkway is behind the camera.

A close-up of the cross shown in the courtyard shot; probably of Celtic design.

DuPont State Forest

DuPont State Forest is located in Henderson and Transylvania counties in North Carolina. The original tract once belonged to the DuPont company and a portion of the forest was the site of a manufacturing facility that produced photographic film. The forest has almost 100 miles of trails and several spectacular waterfalls. Two times a year the Friends of DuPont Forest conducts the Tour de Falls which includes bus rides to three falls and Lake Julia. For more information see their website at http://www.dupontforest.com/

Triple Falls is the first stop on the tour and is truly spectacular! Standing here looking at the water roaring over the rocks it is hard to believe that such pristine beauty is located so close to the city of Asheville - less than an hour away by car. Scenes from the movie The Last of the Mohicans were filmed at these falls.

High Falls in all its beauty. Just barely visible at the top right of the falls is a covered bridge that was constructed in the late 1990s by a developer. At that time a gated community was planned for this area but a non-profit group was formed to secure the forest for the enjoyment of all.

Yes, these rocks are slippery and several people have fallen to their death climbing on falls.

Bridal Veil Falls was also featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans.

Lake Julia was originally constructed in the 1960s as a part of Camp Summit and is about 100 acres and 35 feet deep. The Lodge has offices for the DuPont State Forest staff and was aquired by the state in October 2000. In addition to the three falls visited the forest also includes Hooker Falls that is accessible from the Hooker Falls Access Area by a 10 minute walk.

Scarecrow

Ah, the favourite of the crows - the lowly scarecrow. Originally made to scare crows away from the fields of corn he has become a faux being, a joke to be cawed at by the crows. One of the earliest mention of this being is found in Japanese literature, known as a Kuebiko. Alternative names are mawpin, moggy, shay, guy and bogeyman.

Scarecrow Gothic, with apologies to Grant Wood.....

Most crows will recognize the Tin Man trying to be a scarecrow.

This one is probably taking it a bit too far...