Day 4 continued: Arrival in Boone

As we left the Hirsts, we stopped at the Mud Dabber's Pottery on the way back to Brevard. We met John and his assistants and Ken talked shop. Mud Dabber's offers classes (there was a raku class in progress) and sells a number of various potters' works on a percentage basis. We met a young potter named Jason (recently married) who had started at Mud Dabber's as an apprentice. John showed it around the studios, shops, glazing area and kiln rooms.
We left Brevard--there was a traffic backup on I-26 but once we headed east on I-40 the traffic diminished, the sky cleared and we were on our way. We left the Interstate at Morganton (home of Senator Sam Erwin) and headed toward Lenoir and Blowing Rock. We drove up into the mountains, through Blowing Rock and into Boone, arriving at the Flintlock Campground in Boone around 7 PM. Boone is a happening place this weekend since the Highland Games are taking place. We hear bagpipes at the campground and have sighted men in kilts in town! We drove to the university to check out the location of Ken's workshop and met Eric (the workshop organizer) and Mark Hewitt the potter who will be presenting tomorrow's workshop. Both seemed very personable and friendly. Mark was throwing some large shapes in preparation for his workshop. He makes very large wood-fired salt pots. Ken will give some thoughts about the workshop on tomorrow's post.
We checked out the campus, had dinner at a local pub and headed back to the campground. We have to get an early start in the morning; Ken's workshop starts at 8:30. I will see if I can register and check in with Dr. Considine.
Even though this campground advertises wireless Internet access, there is no access at the site; I was sitting in the campground office until the office closed. Now I am sitting on a bench outside the office. I will see if I can load the pictures and post this blog before my battery runs down.
I have photos of the girls (with Grammie and Grandma) and of Ken's visit to the pottery.