The Traveling Trio Goes to Town

 Today was Mole, Ratty, and Toad's big day in town! Julia and I have been looking forward to this for a long time. First, we took them to Rocky's, a throw-back 1950's type diner.

One of our favorite spots in town, as many of you know, is Bracken Mountain Bakery. Oh, the sweets! The puffy pastry! The hot cocoa! Our three friends nearly drooled on the pastry cabinet. Those are croissants and cheese danishes down there.

The bakery has begun its holiday decorating, and our three friends wanted a photo under the tree. It rather reminded Mole of the Wild Wood, so I had to hurry and rescue him.

Our next fun stop was O.P. Taylor's Toy Store, a popular landmark in Brevard. Outside their front door, we found ... a CAR! Toad was so excited until he realized it was a police car. That brought back some bad memories of his felonious days with automobiles.

He soon recovered himself, however, when we entered the toy store and found a RACE TRACK! Oh my, was Toad thrilled. He leaped on the front car, and called disparaging remarks over his shoulder to Ratty and Mole.

Upstairs in the toy store, I found a book section, and lo-and-behold, there was a Winnie the Pooh Pop-Up Book! So adorable! Our three buddies had to play with Pooh and Christopher Robin for a bit. Tigger is being thrown into the air with a big sheet. Ratty wants a turn!

And then they had to play Pooh Sticks on the bridge and watch Eeyore float down the river. This made Ratty miss his own river, just a bit.

For those who don't know, Brevard is the town of White Squirrels. Literally and truly, we have many white squirrels here -- hundreds of them. They're not albino, they are just a different color, and some are pure white. Thus, this cute toy, with whom our friends wanted a photo.

Toad, every the risk-taker, leapt into the train before I could stop him ....

And when I stopped by the bank to make a transaction, Toad thought the bank tube was a space ship. Quick as a wink, they all jumped inside. They were dismayed when I refused to send them flying through darkness to an unsuspecting teller.

Our last stop was Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest, which is just outside of town. I protected the animals in a ziploc baggie, because the falls were really spraying out mist today.

We've had a lot of rain lately, and I've never seen the falls so large. Ratty said he prefers his peaceful river. Toad wanted to leap from the top, but I told him he was ridiculous.

This concludes our adventures with Ratty, Mole and Toad in Western North Carolina. I believe the traveling itinerary has been altered a bit, and they will be heading to California. We'll be sure to let you know! Check here, or at Pom Pom's blog, to find out where they arrive. Bon voyage, my dear friends! How we have loved having you visit with us!