RETURN TO MONTREAT

Just spent 5 days with our daughter’s family in Montreat, NC.; on our drive home agreeing what an amazing time it was, and place it is.

A town next to Black Mountain, next to Asheville, the former home of Billy Graham, still a Presbyterian Retreat Center.

It’s where her husband spent youthful summers, his parent’s home remaining a family retreat.

Their three boys replicating their dad’s summer life, and amazing to watch: There are age-matched clubs every day, from 8:30-noon and 2-4:30, with a trip home for lunch.

The clubs generally social activities, including a pool day, various team games, and plenty of creek exploring. Three strikes – whatever that is – a particular favorite.

But during my unstructured summers ‘Scared straight’ particularly memorable.

And like their dad’s summers, the place jammed with cousins: His 3 siblings there, 11 cousins total. When awake, the cousins together 24/7, unaware how lucky they are…

The first thing an outsider notices about Montreat, the 50s-nish of it: Houses unlocked, everyone on foot, I Like Ike signs in the windows.

July 4^th how one imagines a 50s 4^th: Morning parade, family picnics – even a greased pole, which if successfully climbed nets a bit of cash, and a write-off as a sustainable energy credit.

Our second year there, the primary appeal time with our three grandsons, but Montreat and the cousin environment powerful draws as well.

And with the kids at clubs, we’re free to do anything we want morning and afternoon.

The day begins with a morning stroll down the very serious hill to drop the 3 boys/11 cousins at their clubs, followed by a walk to the Gate, a landmark establishing the town limits.

Apparently – this was relayed to me as truth, and even if not true should be – the gate was manned by GateBoys back in the day, who checked people into town, provided directions, and told visitors they couldn’t hit a 9 iron. Which saved them hiring a caddy if they played golf. 

But the ‘other’ GateBoys a current rap group, with minor involvement in the PDiddy trial, a copyright battle underway over their song “Montreat Me to Hot Oil, B****.”

And tons of picnic grounds: Monkey Bottoms a particular favorite, a perfect site for cousin Jack’s 6^th birthday party – easy clean up! And more creek exploring… the special guest a candy filled pinata – a tough competitor but finally banged open – there’s some tough girl cousins.

Our mornings/afternoons consisted of naps, bakeries and lunches/dinners out. And naps.

Relaxing: Lost in our minds, as John quotes.

A ‘highlight’: Pottery class, which unfortunately, was the day before, turning into jewelry class. I’ve all the bracelets I need, so I passed, but as the only male in attendance, was tempted to stay and pick up chicks. My favorite pick-up line: Hey baby, I’m Catholic – want to hear about the real God?

But My Captor must be a Protestant sympathizer, because she sent me to confession, and I’m still working off my Hail Mary load.

Our grandkids unanimous in their love of clubs: Whenever asked how they went, replying “Good”. High praise.

Our daughter also loving the Montreat experience, a total convert. Which we totally understand – and agree with.

There was Helene damage, but mostly repaired, the locals unfazed, continuing to move forward…

That attitude echoing a theme of the week, the Serenity Prayer hanging on the wall:

Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. 

A life road map, no matter the decade…

For 300 more posts like this –each with a wish for an afternoon nap– go to beersatthenifty.com. Your phone will display every post, and you can waste an hour or two.

ENHANCE YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THIS POST, PAIR IT WITH THE FOLLOWING ‘AGING HIPSTER MUSIC’:

Exciting news: Neko Case has a new album scheduled for release on 9/26, and a single has been released ‘Wreck’. Its been added to the BATN playlist, along with a ton of other Neko songs.