New Long Shoals Road Bridge (NC 146)

"Change is the only constant."
~ Heralclites

Amazing change in the neighborhood!

After over two years of construction, the new Long Shoals Road bridge over the French Broad River was dedicated today to the memory of Sgt. Jeff Hewitt, a Buncombe County sheriff's deputy who died in the line of duty in 2004. His wife said Hewitt drove over the old bridge and fished underneath it regularly. ( More on Hewitt)

The incredible 266-foot curved steel plate girder bridge is part of a new $54 million Long Shoals Road (NC 146)/Interstate 26 interchange project which has transformed the area near Biltmore Park.

The traffic flow has improved with the new interchange. Getting on and off I-26 is a breeze and with the bridge and road widened and completed, there is less congestion, less backups. Driving is a breeze.

Hominy Valley Maple

“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”
~ Henry Ellis

Hominy Valley Maple, holding on to (letting go of) its last leaves... Still so very beautiful...

Fall colors, NC-151

“Far away, there in the sunshine, are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they may lead.”
~ Louisa May Alcott

Looking up while riding down from the Parkway on NC-151. Caught the sun... and my heart.

"Punkins 4 Sale"

Incredible clear, blue sky...

And "Punkins 4 Sale" off of Raccoon Road in Waynesville, North Carolina. Charming.

So many sights to capture and remember, all within a half hour drive from our home. I never get tired of riding around Waynesville and soaking up the heavenly, panoramic scenery.

Waynesville is located just outside the Pisgah National Forest between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, about 30 miles southwest of Asheville. Most of the town is between 2500 and 3000 feet above sea level.