Close to the base of the Craggy Pinnacle Trail near Milepost 364 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a wizard reaches one long arm out to engage every single passerby — much like a snake oil salesman of a bygone era, much like a political marketeer, much like the TDS offers that spring up like mushrooms in your mailbox.
As with those examples, you’ll want to be careful about responding. Wizards change lives. And I’m certainly not suggesting that all wizards are bad, I’m sure they’re as varied as Presbyterians. What I am saying is that if you decide to cast your lot with a wizard it’s best to get off the beaten track, find one you have to search for — not one that’s searching for you.
SHARE
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
About Craig Bohanan
Asheville-based personal historian Craig Bohanan shares his perspective on daily life.
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.