Hello from Bohemia Coffee Shop in West Jefferson, North Carolina! (Sorry for the posting delay – there’s not much Internet available in the rural Mountains!)
The husband and I arrived with groceries in tow just before lunch yesterday. The cabin is very rustic and cute with lots of antiques – especially food related, like this ceramic Quaker tin!
Mom and me –
My love –
We ate lunch on the porch, which is stocked with scenic seating
MY OTHER RECIPES
We made Turkey + Cheddar Melts with the husband’s homemade rye bread. Plus I had a plum, some sun chips, and pickles!
I’m also featuring my dad’s lunch because he only eats fruit and yogurt for lunch on most days! (Note his Bob’s Red Mill shirt I gave him!) Plums, tomatoes, fig, yogurt:
Grandfather Mountain
My mom loves to call our family trips “Jock Trips” because we try to plan our days full of walking and fitness activities. Yesterday was hiking; today is biking!
We went to Grandfather Mountain for some hiking. Before we left, we checked out these darling bears!! We were so close to them I was a little scared 🙂
At the top! (Too bad we didn’t hike the whole mile in the sky)
We did about a 1.5 mile hike along the rockiest path I’ve ever been on. It was very challenging to keep your footing and we had to look down the whole time, but the views at the end were worth it.
We came across a snack patch of blackberries!
And at the end of the path there was a view, where we split a Resee’s bar the husband had brought.(He loves Resee’s and my mom always brings him little surprises). I had one bite (my mom’s hand, if it doesn’t look familiar!)
I made the big mistake of forgetting to bring some snacks along and got horrible hunger pains in my stomach around 4:30. I stopped into the gift shop and was lucky to find an apple!
It didn’t do that much though, so I had to endure until we got through another hike and home. Water didn’t help much either! I used to get these pains more often in college. It’s like my body skips growling and goes straight to sharp pains. Strange.
Our second hike was at Moses Cone Carriage Trails. We hiked another 2 miles, and the scenery was gorgeous!!
Thursday Dinner
We returned home from our second hike around 7pm and my stomach pains still hadn’t gone away! I had a handful of nuts ASAP (my go-to food for curing hunger)
And a beer – which is always filling!
The husband and I did a baked pasta dish for dinner: Turkey and Goat-Cream Baked Pasta. It turned out delicious! The goat cheese makes it very creamy and gives it a nice tang.
Basically mix together in a big bowl:
- Cooked fresh tomatoes (about 10 small romas) with fresh oregano and a dash of red wine to taste. Plus a little salt and pepper.
- Cooked chopped zucchini (2) and sliced mushrooms (1 pint)
- 1/4 cup hydrated sun-dried tomatoes
- About 8 oz cooked whole wheat egg noodles
- 20 oz browned 99% fat free ground turkey
- 1 4 oz log of goat cheese
Spread into a baking dish and top with about 2 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese then put under broiler until cheese is brown. I would also suggest a little bit of jarred tomato sauce, as this turned out a little too dry.
We also did a spinach salad with pecans and blue cheese in a homemade dressing. The dressing was: raspberry blush vinegar, honey mustard, honey, and salt.
We also had Ravenswood Old Vine Zin with dinner. I had about 6 oz. LOVED this wine.
My plate –
Seconds –
Plus I sipped off the husband’s late night Moosehead. Enough sips to make it on the blog 
A little later we had some cherry vanilla frozen yogurt. I probably had a cup’s worth –
Friday Breakfast
It’s a frigid 55* outside this morning! I made the group fruited oatmeal (banana, peach, raspberry, blueberry) with some maple syrup, cinnamon and the very end of a jar of almond butter.
The husband brewed some of our coffee –
We are off to bike the Virginia Creeper Trail! It’s 17 miles down, then 17 miles flat. We’re going down and part of the flat before we turn back and go back to the halfway point. Should be some beautiful scenery!
See you all tomorrow with the trip report 🙂
That casserole looks fantastic. Sounds like you’re getting a lot of hiking in – sounds fun! Have a great time Kath!
What a cute coffee shop!! And such cute photographs of you and your family 🙂
Those are the smallest blackberries I’ve ever seen!!
Enjoy the rest of your trip – have fun biking today!!
hey Kath, looks like you all are really enjoying your time!
i love personal getaways to the mountains (or beach!)
question for everyone,
I am going camping at the beginnig of September, but its not the typical camping trip…. we will be downtown in a big city in a camper and in a seafood parking lot (don’t ask)
I ‘ll be without running water and a fridge for 5 days, what can i take that is healthy and can keep in a cooler (we are planning to get some seafood) im also going with others who are big meat eaters.
wait, what?? you saw bears and were that close to them!? i would have been scared i’d get eaten!! looks like you’re having fun so far though, pretty scenery!
Sounds like a great trip so far!
I thought of you this morning when I stumbled upon the blog Eating Out Loud, he had a recipe for creme brulee oatmeal!! Here is a link in case you, or anyone, is interested. I plan to make it this weekend.
http://www.eatingoutloud.com/2008/08/creme-brulee-oatmeal-brunch-or-dessert.html
Looks like a nice, relaxing vaca! I totally agree with ya about the Ravenswood– one of my favs!
It looks like a beautiful hike. It looks like your family is having fun.
You and your mom look so much alike! Very cute family 🙂
That turkey pasta dish sounds AMAZING! Thanks for the recipe.
Two Qs:
1. How can the Queen of Preparedness NOT bring a snack along on a hike!!!!!????? Kath- are you feeling ok?? I’m worried 😀
2. How many sips of Moosehead will NOT make it onto the blog 😀
Deb
Awesome pictures! Both scenery pics and food pics. The casserole looks AMAZING! I would like to try it sometime 🙂
Hey Kath. I’m new to your blog and just love it! You’ve inspired me to try running (which I haven’t done much of since my high school days and am in much need of after my two pregnancies). I’m about 4 weeks into building my endurance back up and I’m eating oats for bfast most days. Thanks for the inspiration.
I live in SWVA, a little over an hour from West Jefferson. They have a wonderful cheese factory there if you get time to visit. Looks like a nice, relaxing vacation. Enjoy it!
Believe it or not I have BEEN to the Bohemian Cafe. I wrote an article about West Jefferson and interviewed the owners. Strange! They have a really cute lil’ downtown in WJ…I’m sure you’d dig Ashe County Cheese 😀
gorgeous pictures! i love the quaker oatmeal tin – so cute 🙂
your trip looks wonderful! 🙂 have fun
I’m coming out of lurkdom to FREAK OUT about those friggin’ bears!
Two summers ago DH and I went to the Smokey Mountains, and I was scared to death that I would see a bear. . . You acted so calm! I would have lost it.
Seriously.
Love your blog, btw.
I am a big fan of your blog! 🙂
What kind of camera do you use? It takes fabulous pictures!
Kath, looks like a beautiful place. It is great that your family enjoys being active, too. Have a great time!
Heather
So, those bears were in a zoo or something, right? I would have died if I were that close to a bear!
What scenic places you’re hiking through! Really gorgeous, and how sweet that you get to do these things with your parents. That’s awesome.
This morning’s fruited oatmeal looks especially delicious.
Have fun today!
I’m so jealous that you saw bears! I REALLY wanted to see a bear when I was in the Rocky’s last weekend, but all I saw were elk, still cool, but it’s no bear!
Sounds like you are having a great time!
I love all the beautiful scenic photos. I also love the Quaker tin and the Carnation mug 🙂
Enjoy biking today!
I’m assuming the bears were in capativity? Or tame. All of the bears i’ve seen want absolutely NOTHING to do with people. Well..except for in yellowstone, where tourists are stupid and try to feed them and pet them and stff.
Oh you make me miss my mountains and summer hikes so much! Glad yall seem to be having a great time!
Happy Friday Everyone! I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for an easy yet still mildly impressive meal to make for two (the boyfriend). Also healthy if possible. I don’t have a dishwasher so I’m trying to keep it relatively easy cleanup. Thanks!!
looks beautiful! I love hiking trips- with the fam all the better 🙂 your chef-job sounds like great fun, happy anniversary to your parents, too 🙂
Looks like fun! Your dad’s lunch is pretty awesome. I wish I could get my Dad to eat so much fruit. Good luck with the uphill portion of the bike ride…eeeeek!
Oh and about the bears…all the animals at Grandfather Mtn ARE in captivity, so you are close to them but it’s safe 🙂
While I was looking at your blog, my little guy saw the photo of the bear and now he wants to go visit them. I’ll probably leave that photo on the screen for a while, so it will be like we are visiting them too. LOL
What a beautiful hiking trail, I am jealous. It sounds like you guys are really enjoying the trip, I hope the rest of it is marvelous. Can’t wait to hear more. Happy biking!!!
I love the Virginia Creeper Trail! I grew up in Abingdon, and used to walk/run/bike there all the time. Have fun!
Also, my husband and I were in Charlotte this past Monday, and the little magazine on Charlotte in our hotel room had a picture of you and your husband in it! It was in an advertisement for a Chinese restaurant there in Charlotte. I wondered if you were aware of that moment of celebrity!
That pasta looks fantastic! I bought some asiago at an Italian market last night and can’t wait to use it in something good and cheesy.
I had a neighbor when I was growing up who only ate fruits, vegetables, chicken, and fish. I was constantly over at their house- many good memories. His wife taught me how to crochet and knit and helped me complete my first blanket.
Anyways- your dad’s plate reminded me of them.
That pasta dish looks outstanding but I think the real attraction here is those bears! I didn’t know you could get that close to bears without getting clawed at! I love bears and have always wanted a bear costume. Perhaps if I got one I could be one with them.
Aw I love the rustic location you’re in, so cute!
Hiking is awesome. I wish I had the opportunity to do it, especially in a beautiful location like that. Sucks about the hunger pains though. Sometimes when I get overly hungry I get really weird sharp pains in my chest… no idea why they occur there but it’s no fun at all.
That baked pasta dish looks amazing. And the fact that it contains goat cheese makes it a definite winner.
semi-new reader here and finally had to comment — as an App State grad I am super jealous right now! I miss hiking there in the mts. if you’re ever in Boone during the day, check out Our Daily Bread (if it’s still there) on King St. — they have such good, organic yummy foods there!
love your blog btw!
yall, i’m pretty sure those are FAKE bears…just FYI.
My dad has worked for Quaker Oats his whole career and we have that same Quaker ceramic cookie jar in our kitchen. We keep the dog’s treats in it. Every time he hears the lid rattle he comes running.
Hope you have a great time on your vacay!
KATH!
I opened a mysterious box in the mail today. To my surprise, guess what! Honest Foods Products! They honestly turned my day around. I started school on Wednesday and I’ve been sooo stressed. Thanks for adding some relieve to my day. 🙂
Awesome pics Kath! I really enjoyed reading your post 🙂 Hope you continue to have a great time!!
PS-I WANT that Quaker oats canister!!
Looks like a great time so far! You definitely look a lot like your mom 😉 I wish I had some good scenic hikes like that around my parts…
Food looks great as usual; enjoy cooking for your fam!
amazing pics!! looks like it’s going to be a fabulous weekend 🙂
all of the food looks absolutely delicious– i’ll definitely have to try that casserole!
enjoy the rest of your trip!
Wow that hike looks like it was so much fun! It sounds like you are having a blast with your parents..sorry the other day I thought you said it was the husband’s..my bad! Love old fashioned cabins..I’m actually on the way to mine on marthas vineyard as I write this! Enjoy the weekend and the bike ride seems awesome!
I love hiking! Looks like you’re having an awesome little get-away with the family!
I’m a big fan of that cute ceramic Quaker tin…love it!
That looks like a fabulous trip (except the bears!).
Your pasta dish looks yummers!
Nice Canadian…East coast beer….yum yum.
Lindsay, as one who has been to Grandfather Mtn I can pretty much tell you they’re not fake. There are several animals in captivity there.
I’m going to start calling you Kath Treadwell!
And what a great pasta dish – it sounds so easy AND appetizing.
Hi Kath,
I am a fellow GOTR coach and met you at the training last weekend. Today was the first chance I’ve had to check out your blog … it’s awesome! I’m already addicted (I visited several times today and even shared with my husband!) I can’t wait to try out some of your great recipes!! 🙂
Jen W.
I LOVE the old fashioned quaker tin! How cute! Annnnd I am absolutely drooling over everything you ate today, but then again that’s nothing new ;0) Enjoy the trip Kath!
That sandwich looks amazing! Did you use regular cheese or low fat? Yummy ice cream! I had a bowl of strawberry cheesecake at the “ice cream house” as my daughter calls it.
Looks beautiful! I love to go to the mountains. And that casserole looks delicious!
Candy
enjoy the rest of your trip – that view looks absolutely breath-taking! that antique oatmeal tin is too cute – i need to find one for my kitchen 🙂
I love your blog! I’m interested in starting running. I think I’m going to try C25k. I’m curious about running shoes – I know I need to get some but I have no idea where to start. I’d like to get something basic and then buy something better if I really get into running. Anyway, just curious what type of running shoes you like?
Looks like such a fun time! I love going on minivacations that include sightseeing/exercise. It makes for a healthy and relaxing time in my book! I just wish I could bring someone with me that would do all the cooking!!!
does anyone know how to prepare wheatberries? can they just be soaked overnight and then heated in the microwave with my oats to soften up?
Hi Kath! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and I LOVE it! You’re always up to something exciting and this mountain trip is no different! I just started my own blog! Maybe you’ll have time to check it out….kristaskravings.blogspot.com
Thanks for being such a positive influence for so many people!
I tried the Chobani greek yogurts! Thank you!
I like the fruit at the bottom and think it has a less tart taste then the Fage.
So far I have tried both the strawberry and peach (so far peach is the fav; but both are good)
I know you tried a few. Which is your favorite flavor?
I was able to stock up because they were 10 for $10 at my supermarket this week. The guy said they are “the new popular choice” haha!
Wonder if it has anything to do with you!
Julie- You should pick up the latest issue of Fitness magazine. They do a whole segment on running shoes based on foot shape. They also list good websites to check out for shoe deals.
Good luck!
Thanks Melissa. I’ll look for that magazine in the gym and check out that article.
LoL guys – the bears were in captivity and they were real!
Deb ,
🙂 If I take a sip or two I normally just mention it (“I had a few sips of the husband’s beer”) but this was more like 5 swigs!
Martha ,
Welcome to KERF!! We saw that cheese factory but were in a hurry this time. We did go there about 8 years ago when we did the Creeper Trail. I’m not sure I remember it though…
Annie ,
FAQ # 22.
Elizabeth ,
Yes!! That was us! I used to be the editor of that magazine (my first job out of college) and got to pose for that shoot once. Cool you recognized us!!
Jen ,
Thanks for stopping by!
amy ,
Regular.
Julie ,
I personally wear Adidas, but it all depends on your foot. I’d see if you can find a running store that will fit the shoe for you and have you run on a treadmill, etc. to study the form.
Jaime ,
See the Sidebar “A Wheatberry Lesson”
Fig ,
Ooo I didn’t know there was peach! I’ve only had blueberry, honey and plain and so far liked all but the honey was kind of boring (I could just add it myself).
Kath