On Saturday we went to the farmers market in Cashiers. Though it is small, each vendor offers a few essential things, and we are positioned right in the middle with our vegetables and wildflower bouquets. While there, we got to try some really fantastic local goat cheese among other things. We bought some butter and milk, which we used later to make cheese. We also had the privilege of trying some (secret) homemade moonshine. At first we were little scared, after hearing all those rumors about how mountainfolk moonshine can kill you, but after a few sips we started to feel a lot better. And it actually didn’t taste too bad, I’d say it was a little better than a shot of straight vodka, but it burns all the way down.
Once market was over, and our bellies were warm with Bob’s moonshine, we headed to Gorges State Park for a hike. The trail was nice, and it led to very rocky river where we found a spot to sit for a while.
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Sunday was our day off, which we filled most of it with sleeping. We also took the dogs down to Lake Glenville, which they loved of course.
Then we went into town to get some firewood for Donna, to start her collection for the winter. Being from Florida it’s hard to understand how much wood you actually need for a winter, that is if you are using a wood-burning stove. This amount here will last her about 3 weeks, so there a few more trips to be made. That night we were taught our first lesson on starting and maintaining a wood stove and then slept like babies in the heat.
Monday’s weather proved to be dreary with a light rain for most of the day so we helped clean up around the house. We attempted to fix Donna’s two broken vcrs for her (the only source of television at the house). After about three hours and a few youtube videos later, and Ryan moving on to other more interesting things, we got a perfectly clear screen! Donna and I celebrated our victory by then curling up on the sofa and watching the entire of series of Return to Lonesome Dove. Why can’t they make TV like that anymore?
“Here’s to the sunny slopes of long ago,”
Tonya & Ryan
Just as Free 