We started out by hiking the Rhododendron Trail which leads to a herd of wild ponies. As we began this hike with the temperature in the 70's, we saw this sign. Little did we know just how true it would be.
The hike wound up an open field past many rhododendron bushes which had bloomed a few weeks prior to our arrival. After a half mile, we came across this sign.
We were now walking along the Appalachian Trail, the famous marked hiking trail over 2,200 miles long extending from Georgia to Maine. As we continued up the mountain, we began to watch the darkening clouds very closely.
Not many wildflowers on the mountain, but we did find a few stalks of Grey Beardtongue.
We sat on the porch of the visitors' center to enjoy lunch on the only two rocking chairs that were not drenched by the pouring rain, as the thunder boomed across the mountains and echoed in the valleys. The temperature now was closer to 60 degrees. We were glad that we were high and dry and off the trail, as we saw many soaked park visitors running into the center to seek shelter from the storm.
The rain wasn't going to stop any time soon, so we headed out of the park. We again stopped to see the changing view, now observing that we were above some of the clouds left over from the storm.
The drive back down the curvy road was challenging, as we were now driving through the clouds we observed from above. Once we reached the bottom of the mountain, we headed south along some rural roads to West Jefferson, NC. Yes, you guessed it. It was time for the June beer dinner at Boonedock's.
We enjoy trying different foods as well as sampling new beers. This beer dinner was sponsored by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, which has just completed building a brewery in Asheville, NC.
As we were gathering for dinner seating, we were first served a sample glass of their flagship beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, readily available in grocery stores. Still tasted good on draft.
Our first course was a cucumber cilantro bisque, served cold, which was paired with Summerfest German Lager. This beer was a lighter variety, similar to a summer ale. Paul is not a huge cucumber fan but he sipped over half of this shot glass before deciding that he had enough.
As you look at each course, notice how the beer gets darker in color as the meal progressed. The darker colored beers are made with barley that is roasted longer.
The appetizer was a southwestern eggroll paired with Single Hop 291. This beer tasted similar to many of the good IPA's we have enjoyed since coming to Virginia. The eggroll was spicy but very flavorful.
The main course was a pork chimichanga, paired with Southern Hemisphere Fresh Hop. This was another good hoppy beer which was slightly darker in color but very rich in hoppy flavor. The chimichanga was stuffed with Ashe County Cheddar, onions, peppers and rice.. Boondock's tries to use as many fresh local ingredients as possible.
Dessert was a cilantro-lime cheese pastry served with a Rain Check Spiced Stout. This is Sierra Nevada's first beer originating in North Carolina, meaning this beer has not ever been made in California, their home location. While we are not fans of real dark beers, as we slowly sipped this beer, we could tell that the flavor of the beer complimented the dessert. Cheddar.
What could be better than a day enjoying the fresh air in the out-of-doors followed by good food and good beer?
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