First stop on the trip was at the Town of Crossnore. Crossnore really didn't appear to be too much more than the Crossnore school. This school is based on christian values, and is mainly attended by middle-school / high school aged kids from broken homes. They educate the kids, and teach them useful skills (Working behind a register, being part of a business, weaving). I think it's a pretty neat idea.

Virginia is hanging out in the Labyrinth.. which is supposed to give you time to walk, and reflect, and meditate and whatnot... but... I don't have the patience for all of that.... I step over the little walls, and I'll meet you in the middle. I've been in a Labyrinth somewhat similar before... but this one... man... if you stick to the path, it takes like 30 minutes to walk this dang thing.

Right next to the Labyrinth was this neat little creek with a metal log and little metal people walking across. Also neat, so Virginia tried to join in the fun...
Ok, this was the next stop on our little riding trip... The Altapass Apple Orchard. The place is right off of the Parkway, at exit 328.3 . They also have a website. So, I thought it was kind-of going to be a big deal. We get down to it, and it's kind of a shack. They have all sorts of cool jams, jellies, butters, spreads, and chutneys all over the place. They sell fudge, and ice cream, and have little kids toys available. Also, they have almost daily live music playing. So, the store, while being a shack, was still kind of neat. But then, we walked out onto the porch for a view of the orchard. The orchard is a little less than impressive, with a fair amount of trees, but weeds growing 4ft high between all of the trees, so you can't really walk around. I think they offer some sort of hay rides through the orchard, but I was ready to get moving again.
Here is the bike parked at the orchard. We were travleing light, with just helmets, jackets, and a tank-bag. It was a gooood day of riding.
Another shot from the front of the orchard's store. Yeah... they didn't mention online that you had to get on a dirt road to get down to the place. But it wasn't too bad, the gravel was pretty sparse, so it really didn't create any real traction problems.