I read and enjoyed your review of The Boulders. It does, indeed, sound like a wonderful place. However, I was a bit amused and somewhat taken aback by your reference to an "unspoiled" area. It served to remind me that one's impressions are indeed a matter of perspective. Many folks around here (including perhaps me) get to feeling that the area has already been "spoiled."
Let's keep the "High Country" our secret, all right?
Ann, when I talked about the area being "unspoiled" I was comparing what I saw of the area around Blowing Rock (and the drive we took home through Linville to Mars Hill and Hot Springs) to Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg in the Smokies, where the commercial development is shocking and really detracting to the natural beauty. I live only an hour from that area but I really don't care about ever going there again.
The views from our rental house near Blowing Rock were so breathtaking. Looking out across the mountains, I felt the same peace I feel in Provence.
But you're right-- it's all relative. And so much depends on how development is handled and how it is balanced with protecting the natural beauty of an area.
Yes, I understand. I have no desire to go to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area either, except perhaps to visit Dollywood once. Development, though, is a very contentious issue around here, as it is in the Asheville area as well. The concern is not another Gatlinburg, but rather the continuous spread of McMansions across the ridges. I understand there are similar concerns in the more desirable areas of France as well.
Anyway, you can appreciate why we hesitate to leave our mountain abode, especially at our age, except for travel about once a year or so.
Ann
P.S. Is this about what the winter sunset looked like?
