Meet the Richardson’s. Two and a half years ago on July 14, 2007  David and Carrie showed up at Ponder Cove to be married. We had such fun watching this couple say their “I DO’S” with love in their hearts as it was reflected in their obvious devotion to each other. This was a love affair of divine intervention for sure. Their relationship had begun in New Orleans, then a little thing called Katrina and a war in Iraq separated the pair. But as in all good love stories fate took hold and they found each other again. Even though they had to live in two separate cities for months they persevered and their bond stood the test of time and distance as we witnessed on their wedding day.

Now fast forward to this weekend when David and Carrie showed up to get a chill on here at the cove and to share with us the most amazing news. PONDER COVE has a baby. That’s right, they conceived on their wedding night and 9 months to the date gave birth to a divine little girl…no, they did not name her Ponderetta. Although David did confess if it had been a boy perhaps they would have named him Ponder.

So, when you ask why in the world do people want to be innkeepers just remember David and Carrie. That is reason enough for us.

Go to http://www.pondercove.com/petfriendly/ and scroll to the bottom and tell us you like us…”you really really do” and your FB profile pic is posted. We love bragging about all of our fans. hugs,m and the gang

What an amazing few days at the cove….. Love was definitely in the air. Not only did Gary and I celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary but our guests Don and Marcia returned to Ponder  Cove (the scene of the crime) to celebrate their first anniversary. But wait there is more. Each of these three couples said there “I DO’s” and as usual we were honored to be in attendance. Left to Right meet  Stephanie & Dominick, Greg and Debbie, and Ed & Jennifer. Congrats kids…we love ya!

Whitewater Rafting

Asheville is the envy of many cities with its beautiful mountains and proximity to great rafting locations such as our French Broad River. Outdoor magazine named Asheville the top whitewater destination in the U.S.

It’s not a coincidence that many rafting companies have chosen to make the region their home.

The French Broad River’s long, peaceful stretches can accommodate family raft rides, while its whitewater rapids are exciting for kayaks and canoe enthusiasts. The wide river winds through Pisgah National Forest mountainside, offering eight miles of small and large rapids, with occasional placid pools perfect for swimming FOR DOGS and HUMANS.

The Nantahala River is ideal for families and beginners. The river meanders through the beautiful Nantahala Gorge, and even the most inexperienced paddler will enjoy this beautiful river that is dam-controlled, making water releases regular and predictable.

Adventurous rafters can challenge the fast-moving Nolichucky River, located near Spruce Pine and Burnsville, N.C. Hemmed in by one of the steepest and most beautiful gorges in North Carolina, the river requires considerable maneuvering around rocks and boulders to get through its many rapids and pools as it runs through the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests.

“FRANKIE and JOANIE WERE LOVERS”

Have you ever wondered why in the heck anyone would own a B & B and let complete strangers into their home?  I wonder myself sometime but let me give you a really good example by introducing you to Joanie and Frank, first time visitors to Ponder Cove.

As the story was told….Frank and Joanie were high school sweethearts at the ages of 14 and 15.  Joanie’s family up and moved her to Pennsylvania from New York and let’s just say this romance was put on hold.

Time marched on. They married (not each other), had children, divorced and experienced wonderful careers.  But for Frank there was always an empty place in his life reserved for JOANIE, his first true love.

Through the years he was determined to reconnect. Now realize this was waaaaay before Facebook or Google. He searched phone records, organization records and school records. He talked to friends but no one had any news of Joanie. At one point he was even led astray with the devastating news that she had passed away. But Frank never gave up.

Magically, there was a reported Joanie sighting (yes, like Elvis) and with the exchange of phone numbers through friends the unimaginable happened. Joanie called Frank. Yep, this man had waited 60 years to hear that voice. I can only imagine the thrill.  It was just 6 months ago that Joanie stepped back into his life and took her place at his side.

For 4 glorious days we witnessed their devotion to each other as guests at Ponder Cove and it was an honor. So, the next time someone asks me why I am in the B & B business I have one answer, Frank and Joanie.

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Congrats to Amber and Tim, high school sweethearts and now husband and wife. It was a beautiful wedding ceremony for two beautiful people. We wish them all the luck in the world.

Hmmmmm…preferring to be referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Smith this mysterious couple said their ‘I-do’s’ here at the Cove yesterday. For some reason it was all very hush hush.  Was it a mere elopement in the true since of the word…hiding from family and friends or something much more covert? Will we ever know?

Never a dull moment here at Ponder Cove.

Oh my, can you imagine my shock when I came into the breakfast room to find two guests licking their plates. Must say something about my cooking.

We just said good bye to Bree, Courtney and McKena from the dog travel channel. We were lucky enough to show them around Ponder Cove and soon will be featured on their on-line channel. Of course, McKena had a doggy good time and we did too. They were a swell threesome and the best part…they knew how to  enjoy our mountains. They made their way to Hot Springs for a nice hike and into town for a couple of scrumptious vegetarian meals at Asheville’s finest…they agreed Rosseta’s kitchen was awesome. We had the time to gab over breakfast on everything from homeopathy to organic farming. Toooo much fun meeting like minded people here at the Cove.