Janet

5/8/12

We have just returned from an almost ideal evening, watching single A baseball at a small and almost deserted ballpark. It’s always a fun way to spend time, watching a  bunch of young men play baseball on a warm evening, drinking cold beer and eating overpriced and mediocre food while you’re at it. The Asheville Tourists are at the end of a home stand against the Lexington Legions. A rainbow appears off to the East just as the game is about to begin. A young woman gives a very competent and heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem. The pitching is crisp. The hitting is rare. The between innings fan games are even entertaining. Ted E Tourist is a bear and the mascot for the team. But this team has two mascots! Mr. Moon, a bit more dapper and sophisticated, is also a mascot. The sparse crowd is engaged and quietly supportive. We leave after the fifth inning; the Tourists are losing 2-1. 

This evening has been especially welcome after a complicated  day and couple of nights. Multiple problems with the camper (mostly our fault) and lousy weather have plagued us. Our  GPS system, which we have named Edith, is clearly annoyed with us.  We were looking forward to the Blue Ridge Parkway but it was enshrouded in fog. We and are belongings are damp.  But, we have met with the kindness of strangers (thanks especially to the two wonderful mechanics near Marion, NC) and serendipitous finds along the way. A good trade off and one that I think bodes well for the trip. 

By the way, Martin won May 7th punch bugs only because he declared it so. We chose not to count any that day. 

Tomorrow we head to Athens, Georgia to visit old friends and then we push westward. Any comments or suggestions for the trip are always appreciated.