Apollo Creed Travels

Apollo catches a sunset at Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:22:29 +0000

Doughton Park is one of the Parkway’s largest parks, with nearly 6,000 acres of sheer beauty. Doughton Park was formerly known as The Bluffs, until they changed the name to honor Congressman Robert L. Doughton, who was a pivotal supporter of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Visitors to Doughton Park will find a restaurant, a lodge, a campground, and a very large and awesome picnic area. People traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway will most certainly want to spend some time at Doughton Park. It’s of Apollo’s opinion that Doughton is one of the prettiest and most scenic spots on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway.

Two log cabins remain within Doughton Park–Brinegar Cabin and the one-room Caudill Cabin. While Brinegar Cabin is located right on the Parkway, reaching the Caudill Cabin requires a 3.3 mile hike with nearly a dozen or so creek crossings. Apollo was pleased to find a website that descendants of the Caudill’s have built to describe the cabin. Be sure to scope out the Caudill Cabin website, it’s pretty damn cool!

Apollo at one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's overlooks through Doughton Park.

Apollo overlooks the surrounding mountain ranges of Doughton Park. It's pretty rad that you can see both Stone Mountain and Mount Jefferson from Doughton Park.

Apollo was gonna try helping out the park service and cut some grass, but he couldn't reach the controls. Oh well.

Apollo couldn't help but dick off on this giant tree saw thing.

Apollo admires the view towards West Jefferson, and the Mount Jefferson State Park.

Neither Jim nor Apollo carved this into the fence, but Apollo thought since it was already defaced, we might as well hijack the love.

Looking out toward the Piedmont from Doughton Park.

Apollo asses a nail while looking down on the Blue Ridge Parkway as it meanders through Doughton Park. Apollo multitasks like an em eff.

Apollo says good night to the sun.

Doughton Park must be one of the coolest sunset spots on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. Absolutely breathtaking up here.

Creed does Brinegar Cabin

admin — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:20:31 +0000

There are two old homesteads located within Doughton Park that are still standing today. Brinegar Cabin and the Caudill Cabin. Although Apollo ran out of time to hike the 3.3 mile stretch to the Caudill Cabin, he was still able to visit the Brinegar Cabin, which sits directly off the side of the Parkway for super easy access.

Brinegar Cabin is an incredibly cool log cabin built in 1885 by Martin Brinegar. He and his wife Caroline lived on the 125-acre homestead until the land was purchased by the National Park Service. These folks lived out one heck of a self-sufficient life here on this farm, and thanks to the wonderful dudes of the NPS, demonstrations are available during the summer which show visitors how life was back in the day.

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway within Doughton Park. The cabin sits right off the side of the Parkway, so visitors traveling north or south probably won’t miss it.

The Brinegar Cabin main sign reads: For nearly 60 years, Martin and Caroline Brinegar lived on this 125 acre farm leading lives based on hard work, self sufficiency, and an abiding religious faith. Descendants of their three children often come to visit the homeplace.

Apollo arrives at the Brinegar Cabin on the Blue Ridge Parkway, located within the boundaries of Doughton Park.

Apollo Creed waves to his following, claiming the Brinegar Cabin front porch as his own... even if for just a couple of minutes.

Apollo dangles on a Dogwood tree looking over the Brinegar's front yard.

Apollo is a genie in a water fountain, baby. Gotta rub him the right way, honey. Apollo's a genie in a water fountain, baby. Come, come, come and let him out.

Apollo admires the totally beautiful Brinegar Cabin.

Apollo leans on the fence that the Brinegar's used to keep out rodents and riff raff animals that ate the premature produce from their garden.

Old cabin lovers are sure to love Brinegar Cabin.

Apollo wonders why the cabin was constructed so crudely back in the day, yet they were able to install an advanced sewage system to the cabin, complete with a fire hydrant. Wow, they know their shit back in the day...

Apollo approaches one of the cabin doors with an eerie caution.

Admiring the view from the Brinegar's front lawn. Apollo thinks living here would be A O K.

Apollo battles the Cherokee Indian Reservation wildfires

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:27:44 +0000

When Apollo learned of the wildfires burning on the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Jackson County, NC, he quickly grabbed his gear and sprang out the door for a closer look. According to news reports, the fire started from embers of a mobile home fire that spread to the forest. Over 1,000 acres have burned, but thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Apollo drove the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Cherokee on a clear night. When he reached mile 460 on the Parkway, he started smelling smoke and visibility was quite hazy. He knew the fires were nearby.

Apollo watches the side of a mountain burning from an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Supposedly, the Parkway is now closed due to smoke.

Apollo tried to get closer to the fires. Here, he watches another fire burning from the KOA Campground in Cherokee, NC.

It's amazing how quickly and easily fire can spread. Many smaller, more contained fires openly burn along the roadside. Some of these seemed miles off from the larger fires.

According to a very nice Native American man from the Cherokee Water Department, the fire department decided to let the fires extinguish naturally and just wait for the rain to come.

Apollo spent the entire night climbing around looking for fire action, at the risk of being totally freaking melted.

Perhaps the scariest moment in Apollo's life came when this burning tree tumbled town a rock face and came within inches of crushing him. Dying on the Green River Narrows was rough, but being pinned by a huge tree and subsequently burned alive just didn't sound cool.

After being nearly charred and squashed to death, Apollo pays homage to Smokey the Bear and his shovel.

On the way home, Apollo couldn't help snap a quick shot of the huge ass Indian statue outside the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. This impressive work of art is carved out of a solid chunk of Redwood.

Apollo tries gambling at the old Lake Tahoma Casino

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:00:04 +0000

As soon as Apollo learned of the old casino on Lake Tahoma near Marion, NC, he emptied his bank account and rolled all of his change. Upon his arrival to Lake Tahoma, he found a wicked-cool dam, a bunch of fisherman that gave him dirty looks, and a completely gated shut casino that hasn’t been in operation for years. Apollo never got to blow his wad, and that pretty much sucked.

The good news, is that Lake Tahoma is a remarkably beautiful mountain lake fed from the waters of Buck Creek. Even better news is Lake Tahoma bans speedboats, jet skis and fast-paced watersports, so people can relax and catch their fish without dealing with a bunch of obnoxiously loud young bastards.

Heading from Marion or Old Fort, you'll know your at Lake Tahoma when you see 17 hundred million trillion no tresspassing signs. Hidden behind all those signs was this cute little dam.

After you come to the dam, the old casino comes into view. What a bad ass structure!

This is about as close as Apollo was willing to get to the casino. Supposedly, surveillance cameras, heavy iron gates and heavily-armed henchmen prevent people from actually seeing the inside. How cool it would be to find the owners for a private tour...

The Black Mountains were calling Apollo’s name

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:17:34 +0000

The Black Mountains are the highest mountain range in the Eastern United States. Mount Mitchell, the range’s highest peak of nearly 7,000′ is the highest point this side of the country. With 15 peaks over 6,300′ above sea level, the Black Mountains are just a kick ass ear-popping place to be. Apollo couldn’t wait to show Thunderlips just how much the Black Mountains rule.

Since the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed indefinitely beyond Craggy Gardens, folks traveling from Asheville must access the Parkway either from Highway 80, or Highway 221 near the Linville Falls Community. Kind of a pain in the ass, but worth it nonetheless. Apollo sure doesn’t mind the detour.

Thunderlips happier n' shit to be up on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Black Mountains.

The afternoon sunlight on the Blue Ridge Parkway through these parts is divine.

You know what they say... the size of your shadow gives hints to the size of other things...

Apollo and Thunderlips enjoying the high peaks of the Black Mountains.

Apollo and Thunderlips battled the wind for 20 freaking minutes on top of the Singecat Ridge Overlook sign. Elevation 3,406'.

Apollo owns the Sun.

Apollo and Thunderlips struggle to discern Mount Mitchell from the overwhelming glare.

Apollo gets frustrated as hell from the stupid ass confusing signs to Marion at this intersection in Little Switzerland. Come on people...

Apollo & Thunderlips catch hell in Old Fort, NC

admin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:58:57 +0000

The odd little town of Old Fort, NC is supposedly filled with people who enjoy yelling obscenities at tourists and people taking pictures. In the hour or so Apollo and Thunderlips spent in Old Fort, they had to listen to at least 25 different people yelling cuss words as they drove by. While Apollo is sure this behavior doesn’t speak for everyone in Old Fort, the handful of dickheads living here is enough to keep him from ever coming back. Best Apollo can figure, if you’re not wearing a Nascar tshirt here in Old Fort, you’re gonna catch a lot of shit. They must be really proud of themselves in this place.

The Master of Disaster and The Ultimate Male had high hopes for Old Fort on this beautiful spring day. Things quickly went to piss. Folks in Old Fort do not warm kindly to people taking pictures.

This must be the hugest arrowhead on the face of the earth. Apollo wants to see the bow that fired this giant ass arrowhead.

Thunderlips cools off in what seems to be a water fountain.

The Old Fort Visitors Center and Museum turned out to be the only safe-haven from the raucous Old Fort Yellbillies.

The James W. Wilson memorial rock.

Thankfully, people quit bitching when Apollo and Thunderlips went in the caboose. Of course the second they emerged, the expletives quickly resumed.

Apollo had to take a huge shit. After being yelled at for the past 45 minutes he felt it fitting to crap in the caboose. Poor dude couldn't prevent the shutter clicking.

Apollo had NO IDEA that cabooses were so well equipped. Cabooses are pretty freaking rad.

According to the Wiki, the caboose provided the train crew with a shelter at the rear of the train. They could exit the train for switching or to protect the rear of the train when stopped. They also inspected the train for problems such as shifting loads, broken or dragging equipment, and hot boxes.

The view from this caboose window was divine. Not.

Cabooses are also called brake vans or guard vans. Silly British...

Apollo found no stationery in the caboose's stationery cabinet.

Apollo checks out the massive cast-iron underworkings of the caboose. Those were the biggest leaf springs he's ever seen.

Thunderlips thought it'd be cool to act like he was actually riding on the rails. Apollo wanted no part with this as he felt it was incredibly lame.

Apollo and Thunderlips visit Andrews Geyser

admin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:14:12 +0000

Andrews Geyser is a man-made geyser built to mark the railroad entrance to the Blue Ridge Mountains. A New Yorker by the name of George Fisher Baker constructed the geyser to honor his homeboy Colonel Alexander Boyd Andrews from Raleigh, NC. The geyser is pretty freaking rad in and of itself, but the overall scenery here at Andrews Geyser is what did it for Apollo. The train tracks here are a good 150 feet above the geyser and gnarly, rocky outcrops jut out and litter the sides of the railroad. The nearby creek is clear, friendly and very inviting. All in all, the scenery here is very unique and just makes for a fantastic place for family picnics.

The trouble with Andrews Geyser started back on Highway 70, where the Andrews Geyser sign read 2.3 miles to the happenings. 3.4 miles later, Apollo arrived at this sign, stating the geyser is 2.1 miles north. Um. Yeah. Old Fort is really good at them there maths.

After driving 4.6 miles on the 2.3 mile trip, Apollo and Thunderlips finally found the train engineers' heralded Andrews Geyser. The overall scenery here is extraordinarily picturesque and makes for a fabulous family picnic area with plenty to keep the kids occupied.

Sometimes, nothing beats the consistency of the National Park Service. The sign at Andrews Geyser did not jive with the first one whatsoever. Give or take 27 years, nobody will really know the difference anyway.

Apollo and Thunderlips were having a great time here at the geyser. A super nice lady tried like hell to get Apollo to see a rainbow. Apollo didn't have the heart to tell her that he sees plenty of rainbows in Asheville. Today was a 'get out of the city' day.

Apollo races Thunderlips at the Asheville Hobbies Mini-Z indoor race track

admin — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:54:00 +0000

Apollo has been frustrated as hell with the complete lack of fun ideas from Thunderlips gigantic melon. After teasing him and calling him a bunch of expletives, they decided to head to the sweet ass indoor Kyosho Mini-Z track down at Asheville Hobbies. The smack talk was flowing and the blood was boiling.

Apollo and Thunderlips love the Kyosho Mini-Z’s to death because they’re essentially ready to run right smack out of the box, all you need to do is buy the batteries. I mean how awesome is that?

According to Clay (the MAN at Asheville Hobbies) Folks interested in racing these super-fun, fast and affordable Mini-Z’s should call the shop for current practice nights. Races alternate between Thursday night and then the next week on Monday nights. A nominal $2.00 practice fee gets you track time from noon to 8pm.

The name calling was at its peak at the start of the race. Apollo swears he has the faster car and slicker driving skills.

The King of Sting starts off fast and easily beats the lumbering cumbersome Thunderlips off the grid. Apollo spanks the pack.

After nearly crashing into the serious foam barrier, Thunderlips gains steam on Apollo's blunder. Uhoh.

Apollo appeals to the heavens for some kind of electric Mini-Z NOS system. He can't let this joker show him up. Even though wrestling is real.

Even though Thunderlips is a dead-lock to win the race, he takes the final turn a wee too wide.

Apollo takes Thunderlips on the inside, Tom Cole Trickle Days of Thunder Scientology Cruise style. The photo-finish doesn't lie: Apollo win's by a bicep flex.

The winner got to play with a shiny, brand-new Team Losi 1/18 scale Mini-Rock Crawler. These are sweet ass, Ready to Run, batteries and charger included.

The rock-crawling bragging rights podium. We all know who da man still is.

Apollo and Thunderlips had one hell of a time at Asheville Hobbies. If you haven't checked it out yet, you're totally missing out.

Apollo for real appreciates Clay for letting him hang out all day on the indoor Mini-Z track at Asheville Hobbies. He’ll be back for more races, and can’t wait to match his stuff up against some hardcore racers.

Apollo learns Kung Fu at Asheville Martial Arts

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:43:31 +0000

Apollo Creed is constantly on the hunt for learning fighting tactics that hone his already incredible fighting skills. After watching a few Bruce Lee flicks, he decided to seek out one of the absolute baddest martial art instructors in town, so off to Asheville Martial Arts he went.

Asheville Martial Arts teaches traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu, one of only 3 schools in the US to teach Peng Lai Praying Mantis which originated in Taiwan under Master Shi Zheng Zhong. They also teach competitive San Shou Kickboxing. San Shou is Chinese in origin and differs from the usual kickboxing in that it allows throwing as well as punching and kicking. Classes are open to anyone 13 and up, which made Apollo quite a happy butt-kicking camper.

Apollo got in touch with Matt Melton, the man running the show at Asheville Martial Arts who knows his craft through and through. He’s been training martial arts since 1982, mostly in Chinese Kung Fu but also in Jujitsu, Arnis (Filipino Stick Fighting) and Tai Chi. Apollo couldn’t wait to dig in.

Apollo eagerly arrives at Asheville Martial Arts.

Apollo scopes out the digs at Asheville Martial Arts.

Apollo warms up and stretches on the speed bag.

Apollo steps it up and destroys the heavy bag.

Apollo mocks the Karate Kid crane kick. Shouldn't it have been DanielCHAN as opposed to Danielsan?

Watching a legitimate martial arts instructor is really something to behold. These guys seriously know their stuff.

Apollo was extremely impressed with Asheville Martial Arts. Here, Matt and Akeem go through the moves.

Apollo picks up a few pointers on traditional Praying Mantis Kung Fu.

Apollo isn't so sure his boxing skills would hold a candle. He decided to just watch the goings on instead of having his ass stomped.

After lifting all of these weights, Apollo takes a breather.

Apollo didn't laugh when Josh took down Akeem. Apollo didn't want to suffer the same fate.

Apollo watches Aaron and Akeem practicing.

Matt shows the guys some moves.

If you're in WNC and serious about learning martial arts, Asheville Martial Arts is hands down THE place to be.

Apollo really appreciates Matt and the guys at Asheville Martial Arts for letting him hang out. Matt really knows his stuff and is dedicated to his craft. He’s also a moderator on Kung Fu Magazine, the defacto standard publication for everything and anything Kung Fu.

Apollo hits the Biltmore House Gardens

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:51:30 +0000

Although the weather was a complete washout, Apollo still managed to have a damn fine time at the Biltmore House Gardens. He met some very interesting people, including someone that out-laughed Ray Liotta. It was an unbelievable laugh….

If you're visiting Asheville, the Biltmore House is unquestionably a must-see.

Apollo took in the 500 million different species of flora and fauna at Biltmore.

Apollo thought this bird cage was pretty kick ass. There was no bird, only leaves.

Soon as they get some birds, Apollo shall return.

Apollo points out the Australian Alexander Palm.

Apollo thinks back to the scene in Predator when Mac and Dutch hunted the Predator. Predator is still the manliest movie ever created.

If gardening is your bag, The Biltmore House Gardens will seem like Xanadu.

The Biltmore House Hot House.

After the Hot House, Apollo cools down in a bird bath that probably hasn't seen a bird in a 100 years. Pity.

Apollo really wanted to climb to the top of this palm tree thing.

Ol' Vanderbuilt sure knew how to make some rad greenhouse action.

After soaking in the greenhouse action, Apollo braves the rain to check out the impressive Biltmore gardens.

Apollo tried that bs rain dance shit to make the rain go away. It just rained harder. Ah, the power of Apollo Creed.

Apollo digs flowers.

The Biltmore House grounds are a whole ton of fun.

Apollo couldn't find a tag showing what type of flowers these be. Maybe someone much smarter knows?

Apollo watched with pleasure as people struggled to open the huge gigantic monster doors.

Waterlogged Apollo Creed calls it quits for the day at Biltmore. He'll return when the weather is better.

The Biltmore House Gardens pretty much rock and roll. Check out the Biltmore House website to plan your visit. If you haven’t been yet, maybe it’s time to go. If you have, maybe time to go back…

Biltmore Estate ‘guests’ should also scope out the neighboring Biltmore Village website for a complete listing of all the places to chow, shop and sleep all within walking distance of the Biltmore House.