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Asheville to Cherokee along the Blue Ridge Parkway with many stops along the way. Looking Glass Rock as seen from the parkway is always an incredible sight. Devils Courthouse as seen from the trailhead parking lot sure tempted me to take the hike. Being less than a week post arthroscopic surgery made me think better of it. Richland Balsam was rich in wildflowers, bees and butterflies. I could have spent all day watching them fluttering and flying among the blooms. Finally we arrived at Oconaluftee Visitor Center where a few elk wandered the old farm and homestead along with chickens and rabbits. It was a good day!