The 20MR Episode 54: Day Trip

Thanks for stopping by to check out Episode 54. In this show, you go along with me on a day trip to the mountains of NC. We eat a wonderful country meal at Shatley Springs, go by the cheese factory in Ashe County and finish with a visit to the Frescoes by Ben Long at two area Episcopal churches. From there, we soon head home. While much of this episode is about the trip, we do manage to discuss things while we run as well. If you like good food, art and/or both, then you will enjoy this episode. Ben Long is a world renowned Fresco artist from NC. He trained in Italy with a master artist and has since graced many buildings--churches and otherwise--with his realistic and beautiful art. Fresco is a form of art that is done on wet plaster. Due to the medium used, it requires a lot of patience--and technique. Check out the links below for a view of his art.

Also, follow the link to Shatley Springs. If you are even in the NC mountains, Shatley is a must stop. The food is great and the atmosphere rustic, yet comfortable. Listen in as I go to the spring and share information about its history and alleged healing qualities. Bring a few jugs if you come and plan to take away some of the purest water on planet earth.

We close things out with a visit to the cheese factory. Many of the cheeses and goodies in their store are made right on the premises, across the road to be exact.

The portrait above is of Long himself, while the one below is from one of the churches we visited. You can find more of his work at the websites linked below. So, while this is still a running podcast, remember that it is just as much a podcast about life that we happen to do while running. Slip on your running shoes, prepare your nose for great food and your eyes for beautiful art. You will enjoy the trip I believe. And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,

The 20 Minute Runner

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Links for this show

Shatley Springs homepage

Ben Long homepage

NC visitor page for Ben Long

Ashe County Cheese homepage

The opening and closing music is entitled "Point of No Return" and is from the album by the same name by Roger Subirana. Check it out at Jamendo.

The background music is entitled "Second Half" by John Williams. Check it out at Magnatune.

The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled "Clair de lune" by Debussy, played by Linda Holzer. Check it out at Music Alley.