| Lake James is one of the loveliest lakes in | | | | a bathtub. That was the most welcome surprise |
| Western North Carolina. An easy drive of less | | | | of all! It is an incredibly clean lake. The dogs |
| than an hour, Lake James State Park lies east of | | | | actually smelled clean when we got home... I'm |
| Asheville. We packed up the two eager dogs and | | | | used to having to wash the creek smells off |
| went there one beautiful summer weekend. | | | | them when they go swimming, but not at Lake |
| There is no entry fee. That was a welcome | | | | James. |
| surprise. Leashed dogs were welcome, that was | | | | Canoes, jet skis and various floating vehicles went |
| another welcome surprise. | | | | past on the main body of the lake, but all was |
| The cordoned off swimming area did not allow | | | | peaceful in our little private inlet. The wake from |
| dogs, though. That made good sense to us. | | | | the passing boats was pleasant. That inlet would |
| Instead, the park rangers aimed us up a gorgeous | | | | have been the perfect place to bring an inflatable |
| trail over a hill and through the woods. About a | | | | raft or inner tube. I hear fishing is good at this |
| quarter of a mile up the trail was a little trail | | | | lake, but we didn't go where any fishing was |
| turnoff that led to a small lake inlet. We were | | | | happening. |
| happy to discover that we were the only ones | | | | Our visit occurred in July. Where were all the |
| there, that day. We set up blankets and picnic, | | | | bugs? Shouldn't we have been bitten right and left |
| and let the dogs run loose. They raced up and | | | | by mosquitoes and such? It just didn't happen. |
| down the beach, trying to catch the tiny waves. | | | | Who knows why. There were a few flies, that's |
| They came out into deeper water and swam | | | | about all. |
| with us. Oh, the water!!! Clear, clean, and warm as | | | | |