FALL 2009 - FINAL BLOG (5)

Fall Trip 2009 #5

Come in! Visit our last blog!

AUUC
Aiken Unitarian Universalist Church always shows up in our blog. Sunday's presentation focused on the work of UUSC and other service groups. (As Canadians,in school during the 50s and 60s, we remember Dr. Lotta Hitchmanova and the UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee). There were ads on TV and collections of money in the classroom. We did things like that for the Red Cross, as well. (Hmmm.. I am reminded of regular fingernail and hand checks in the classroom... I digress.)
Shortly after the start of each service, the youth leave the main congregation to have their discussions in their own building. On this particular Sunday, I noticed that only half the crowd remained. We have never seen that in any other UU group. An amazing ratio of youth to adults in this fellowship.

BLUE LAWS - STATE FAIR
After lunch at church, you either go home or shop for groceries. The Blue Laws forbid any other stores from opening until 1:30. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the State Fair was allowed to open at 12. Now, we didn't go to the Western Carolina State Fair until after 5:00 because the display barns and shows don't start until then.
Cathy hurried me over to the stands where we watched the Steel Ball Motorcycle Show. She sat behind me and pummeled my back excitedly as she watched the leather-clad riders do amazing flips and turns off a greatly curved ramp. Upon landing they had to immediately brake - the field is short - you either brake or your head becomes firmly planted in a tree.
She was still pummeling my back when the two bikes were racing around together in the steel cage. I expressed my concern when the leather-shorted young woman stood in the cage while they zoomed around her. For showing such bravery, I wanted to go and get her autograph but Cathy wouldn't let me.
(I wonder if she wants to go back for the Demolition derby later this week?)
There were about six displays in each barn. One barn with school art, flower displays and baking. The other barn had bibles, pizza, bibles, and insurance salesmen.
The midway was excellent for a small town. The rides were well-spaced and the grounds were immaculate. I wanted to eat; I love midway corn dogs. Unfortunately, or in my dietitian's view, fortunately, we had eaten before the fair.

Western Carolina State Fair

There was the most amazing sunset. Streaks and clusters of pink and gray. People were actually stopping to watch the sunset! The twinkling lights of the midway rides and the illuminated circle of the ferris wheel made it all the more impressive.

JEN and the HARP
The Emersons from Texas welcomed us to the Pine Acres Campground when we first drove in. Through the week, I introduced 11 year old Jen to the autoharp.
This is the third harp in my collection, and the last. This one is diatonic, tuned to the key of C. I brought it to Jeff Dantzler in July. He lives in Harleyville, SC. It was a two hour drive down to Jeff's. Not far from Charleston, he lives at the end of a long country lane - a peaceful and quiet spot. Working in a concrete and steel barn or bunker, he crafts his version of autoharps: Unicoi. He also repairs and updates harps.
He wasn't sure if I was showing up with my grandson or wife on this visit. Our visits are fun. Jeff's wife has started teaching at the high school this year. It has been an epiphany for Jeff. He has discovered that teachers work later than 4pm each day and everyday of the week. (While we were talking the phone rang. One of his sons had a fever and needed to be picked up from school. H1N1 cautionary procedure. Turned out he didn't have it.) Everyone is always fascinated by "Canadian weather". We always have to explain, that where we live, is further south than a lot of the states. Jeff's cool weather clothing does not go beyond a light jacket. We explained that cold weather is not a big deal; you simply dress for it.
It was a good visit as always. We drove back the two hours stopping to take pictures of a very well decorated Halloween-house plus paying a visit to PW.

Sunrise at Pine Acres, Aiken, SC

THE PIG
We like visiting PW - Piggly Wiggly grocery store. There was weeping and wailing in this one. A woman was dragging two little boys around the store. One of them started to wail; of course, that set off the second. She certainly had more patience with them then I would have had. I smiled, gave her the thumbs up, and wished her well.

On our return, I let Jen experiment with the harp and then let her have it for 24 hours. When we left on Friday morning she gave us a Texas Longhorn mascot bear which now sits proudly on the seat in the truck. We presented the kids with Canadian flags and illuminated lapel pins. Six year old Champion was racing up and down the camp ground waving the flag. I asked if he knew what country the flag was from. He stopped; looked at it and responded: "Leaf country."

GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL CONCERT and HALLOWEEN
Thursday night was the concert by the Governor's School for the Arts. The Governor's School is a public and free residential high school for 11th grade and 12th grade students in the music arts. Those in the dance arts start in the 9th grade. This concert was put on by a large sampling of the music students. Excellent.

Campers go wild!

On Friday we moved over to River Bottom Farm in Swansea. It was time to get ready for Halloween and to start cleaning up the trailer for storage. By late evening the grounds were packed; all camp sites taken by families of ghosts and goblins in anticipation of the weekend.
The premiere event was a movie. It was followed by a campfire, marshmallow roast, and ghost stories. It was a gorgeous Fall evening. The moon was almost full with some clouds scudding across the sky. I tossed dust from the bones of Methuselah into the air to keep the stories from coming true. Sometimes, in the telling of a story, comes the growing. Tale telling was shared by Dana and myself along with other adults and children. I am convinced that story telling is much more enjoyable when it is carried by a voice with a touch of the southern accent.

The Head Witch at River Bottom

Saturday was filled with spooktacular activities including a human and dog costume contest. All this to led up to the highlight of Halloween Weekend: the Haunted House, or, as some call it: The Haunt.
This is always a superb and scary activity that the family spends weeks in preparing. A huge undertaking - nothing amateurish about this. Unfortunately, I was entering the haunt with a grandfather and his three tag-a-longs. On lining up the boys boasted of their goblin killing powers. There was no fear in their voices. These three boys were genuine ghost-busters! Well, that lasted until 3 seconds into the walk. The elderly lady rocked back and forth in her chair pleading "Help me, Help me!" The littlest boy grabbed the grandfather's hand; the oldest one screamed, "Don't scare me!" and grabbed my hand. The middle one didn't know what to do. I told him just to look straight ahead. The one I had, screamed, "Mommy, let me out of here!!" I now had to hug him and at the same time push the middle one. I have never been through a haunt so fast. We whizzed by escaped murders, witches, headless victims, piles of body parts, a corn field, mirrors, smoke and bugs, only to rush out the door to be met by Jason and his chainsaw. My charge dropped to the ground yelling, "I SURVIVED! I SURVIVED!" while grandfather kept thanking me and thanking me for being there. Neat, ay?

Will I win?

Just after 10 pm the matronly prison guard knocked on our door to discuss who would win the RV decorating contest. In the middle of that discussion, the old witch knocked on our door. That reminds me of one trip to Maine... but that is another story.

Cute as a pumpkin!

We're poor little lambs who have lost our way!

PACKING
Most of our packing was done when we headed to church Sunday morning. Pictures were taken of the congregation ( sans the large youth group; they were all up on the mountain in NC for a retreat) because it was AUUC's 10th Anniversary.

10th AUUC Anniversary
The youth were away on retreat

When we returned to the campground, the place was empty. All had packed and gone home.
We put things in the truck. There was no spare room left for any hitchhikers.
Monday morning we went through the normal routine. Drain the trailer water and replace with anti-freeze. Put out the canisters of de-humidifier chemicals. Spread the ant traps around. Lock it up. Hitch it up. Tow it over to the storage area. Unhitch. Say our goodbyes and head north.

DRIVING BACK
No leaves left on the trees all the way from North Carolina to Ontario. The oaks were stubborn. Their brown had a healthy touch of burgundy this year. They had a rich color with a sheen that I had not seen before.
As we came close to the first Virginia tunnel, I heard Cathy chuckle. She always does at this point when she sees the sign: YOU ARE ENTERING JEFFERSON FOREST. As we exit the tunnel, we are greeted by the sign: YOU ARE LEAVING JEFFERSON FOREST.
On our return trip, we were religious about observing our 250 mile (400K) driving limit. It makes for a more relaxed day. We have time to pause and look around. This usually translates into discovering bookstores.

We made it back home just in time for a snowfall. Why unpack the truck? It would be easy just to turn around and head back south.

As in all of our trips, it is the people we meet that make the trip: friendly fellow campers, gracious storekeepers, lively young people. Regardless of daily newscasts that bombard us with bad news, I can say for a fact, that 90% of the people out there are wonderful and kind. Turn off the TV and enjoy the real people.

Once again, thank you all for joining us.
Our next trip is scheduled to start in mid-February 2010.

I just couldn't resist!
In the King James Version of the Christian scriptures, Jesus rides on an ass. In the modern, Revised Standard Version translation, he rides in a blue Ford!
Cracks me up!

FALL TRIP #4

There were some cool days.

Fall Trip 2009 #4
From Georgia Into South Carolina

Weather
She was wearing a down filled coat and fur hat with ear flaps. He was wearing a shirt and shorts. The seasons are changing in Georgia. No one is quite sure what to wear.
I remember in North Carolina, last year, when it was impossible to buy mitts or toque during the first snowfall. Gloves were the only thing available. Not here in Georgia. Already the stores are filled with winter wear. What I can't buy are t-shirts!
I have put plastic on the screen door and tightened it up with the hair dryer. Now we can keep our door open and not feel the chilly mountain breeze.

Liar! Liar! Pants on fire! There was to be no rain today. I couldn't find the rain on the NOAA radar either. BUT... I washed the truck anyway. It was a disgrace.
Cathy stopped at Wal-Mart for craft supplies and I inhabited Ingles getting ready for spaghetti and meatballs tonight.
(Excellent meal especially accompanied by garlic bread and homemade meatballs.)

Dahlonega
There was a gold rush in Georgia! In Dahlonega ( dah-lon-e-ga) we visited the Gold Rush Museum. This area was the scene of the first gold rush in the U.S.
The museum still has some of its original brick walls which can be seen when the docent unlocks the special door. Why is this brick wall locked up? When you look at the brick you can see the sparkling flecks of gold. They were made of the tailings from the mines.
While viewing the photos from the turn of the century, I spotted one of a woman who was identical to our friendly waitress at Papa John's Pizza. I never did get back to her to ask if her ancestors were from Dahlonega.

The museum is in the town square surrounded by tourista shops and restaurants. An excellent place to visit but beware of the Gold Rush Weekend in October; this little town swells to over 250,000!

Downtown Square

This is our last day here. This morning will be our second visit to the Georgia Mtn.s UU church in Dahlonega. It is a small fellowship, meeting in a re-constructed gas station. Friendly and welcoming. We've even met fellow RVrs there. Their comment: "It is is way too Baptist around here to consider going anywhere else to church."
( The 'offertory' was a swinging version of In the Mood. Wow! The walls were shaking! The speaker was Gerald Robison from Atlanta. His presentation was about the superiority complex of U.S. citizens. A thoroughly enjoyable and soul searching presentation.)

Church banner: notice how it blends in with the wall painting

It is a very cool morning. Supposed to be even cooler tomorrow. We will finish packing this afternoon; fill up our water tank so I won't have to deal with frozen hoses in the morning and put up the awning. Since we are not driving far tomorrow we will be able to drive into town to the Huddle House for breakfast. ( A great repast in a newly refurbished HH.)

This is recharge day. All the gizmos are being recharged: PSP, DS, drill, and beard trimmer. The camera batteries are rechargeable but I have almost given up on them. Take two pictures, sneeze, and they are drained. I will try them once more.

Weirdness
In a previous blog I mentioned the strangeness of South Carolina: its railroad crossings and YIELD signs. I have another strange one; this time from Georgia.
I have proof that aliens have visited here. On the country road between Cleveland and Dalongega, there is a two mile stretch where the powers that be have installed a center turn lane. Sounds good? Well, there are turn arrows in the lane but there are no places to turn into. At least, not the kind of places I am used to. Ditches, guard rails, fields - on the other side ditches. Now, we have watched some drivers use thus lane as a passing lane. Not a good idea. Every so often in this turn lane, they have put up a group of posts. Sometimes those posts are hidden in the shadow of a tree.
Strange but true.

Dangling Death
We headed into Pendleton on Tuesday. While traveling down the back road I spotted a motorcyclist. He was flagging me down from the side of the road. I debated about stopping; I made the decision to stop and see if he needed help. He simply pointed twenty feet in front of my truck. The local power line was hanging down. I would have run right into it. He was phoning 911. The wires across the road were flailing and shooting sparks.

Pendleton, SC The Square

Pendleton is a small town on the outskirts of Clemson. It is historic. That means its shops are craft and antique repositories.
(We now have a sewing table on the back seat of the truck.)
We were directed to the Village Baker for lunch. Oh my! I had the toasted veggie melt accompanied by an 'on the house', dark chocolate covered macaroon! When we have that kind of lunch, it means we will have soup for supper.

Farmers' market on the way to Dahlongega

Lake Hartwell Camping and Cabins
We are settled on the side of a pine covered hill in Lake Hartwell Camping and Cabins. It is nice here under the tall pines. It is really on the lake. Good for fishing but it is catch and release - PCB warnings are posted.

Lake Hartwell Pics

Books and Strawberry Shortcake
On Wednesday, we headed to a bookstore in Anderson. Never made it. Lowes, Target, The Party Store, and Hobby Lobby hi-jacked us!
We made a second try on Friday and were successful in finding McDowell's Emporium New and Used books - Dedicated to the Care and Feeding of Bookworms Since 1988; what an absolute delight. We almost didn't find it because it is disguised as a small frame house. As soon as we walked in the younger McDowell wanted to know if we needed help.
" I have a long list but I've already checked your website and you don't seem to have them." I gave her my list and a smile, then wandered off into the stacks. In two minutes she was beside me handing the first bunch from my list. I asked her to marry me but she was already committed. Another three minutes and she was back again. Wow! That is all I can say! I have my Winter reading supply. ( www.mcdowellsemporium.com )

Lunchtime. We eventually found a parking spot outside of Mama Penn's Real Southern Cooking. Friday at lunch - really busy. We sat at the counter. Next to Cathy sat a very handsome, young gentleman - works for Verizon. She had already been told by the waitress that he would not bite. We eyed his piece of strawberry shortcake. Turned out that he orders it every Friday as a treat. After finishing our flounder and fries, we hemmed and hawed then ordered two shortcakes. The gentleman immediately spoke up and said, "I'll pay for them." Now that is truly Southern hospitality!!
( www.mamapenns.com )

I was called into Target after lunch; Cathy was called into Michaels. There was loud shouting as I walked down the main aisle in Target toward the computer accessories shelf. I continued to ignore the yelling until the lady walking toward me, pointed over my shoulder. I turned. There was a young man all excited and running toward me. Almost at the point of hyperventilation, he exclaimed that it was so good to see me again. Well, it turns out he thought I was someone that he had worked with. We sorted that out. We shook hands and I continued on my down the aisle. You know, when I think about it, I have never had a woman pursue down the asile. Hmm.. but that reminds of the time... Well, that's another story.

We drove to Wahalla on Thursday. A nice drive to the foothills on a sunny day. Gift stores and nothing much else but we did have delightful conversations with store owners. We had expected to visit with the Kudzu crafting lady but seems she doesn't open her store much anymore. A friend tells me that you have to email and phone ahead. There is always a possibility that the Kudzu has done her in.

Pine Acres and Aiken, SC
Saturday morning we packed and meandered down to Aiken, SC. Lovely drive on an almost empty four lane road. We pulled into our spot at Pine Acres and were immediately shaking hands with a family from Texas.
Long story there. If I get time, I'll share it.

Traveling to Aiken we passed a Baptist church; that can't be avoided. Cathy has calculated that there is one Baptist church for every three miles of road. If Baptists started collecting road tolls, we would all be poor. Anyway, their sign said: WHEN THE TRUMPET SOUNDS, WE'RE OUTTA' HERE. So, I thought, let me see if I could get a couple of trumpet players together and show up on the church lawn Sunday at 11:30. I advertised on Facebook but couldn't get any applicants. My friend Stephen, in Israel, said we should be using a shofar instead of a trumpet.

We set up, then bopped on down to BI-LO to gather our vegetables for our part of church lunch on Sunday. Thanks to the wonderful world of computers we can arrange things like that way ahead.

Fall Trip 2009 #3

In and Around Cleveland, Georgia

A craft store

Yonah Mountain, Cleveland, Georgia

Hiawassee, Georgia

Hiawassee Fall Festival

Fall Festival

Trees starting to change, Hiawassee

Stripping and A Fall Fair
I love the little inconsistencies that crop up now and then. We stopped at a gift store this morning. (a necessary activity on a rainy day even though I have a great dislike for these kinds of stores) This one was plastered with little scripture encouragements: Be Faithful, Say a Prayer, A Good Woman is Hard to Find. Right in the middle of all this heavenly wisdom was an old LP cover quietly sending out its message of love: Music to Strip By.

The Fall Festival at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee was just the size for us. All the paths between the permanent craft booths were paved. There was lots of music. The drive around the winding roads was just right on a Fall sunny day. The views of the changing leaves and the lakeside setting of Hiawassee were attractive.

You drive by an Airstream RV Park between Helen and Hiawassee. It is a creepy thing to see all those shiny, silver bullets lined up, row upon row. Definitely a segregated village.

Helen is a village of tackiness. Some where in their history they decided to change their village into something that resembles an Alpine settlement. You are hard pressed to find the Huddle House, Wendy's or the Family Dollar Store because, they as well, are incognito.

We did stop by a company that produces anything food that can be canned in jars. While a mother sat labeling bottles, the 3-year old daughter impressed us by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. She had no problem with the word "indivisible".

Memories
Those of you who have traveled with us for 9 years (yes, this is our ninth Fall trip) know that we started out using the computers in local libraries and colleges to send out our emails. Today we re-lived those days. It seems a fellow traveler or two in this campground is leaving their computer on 24/7. That blocks the rest of us from using the internet. Off we went to the library. I had forgotten how pleasant a place the library can be. While Cathy typed, I read magazines. Ahhh... the good old days. I always remember when the purple haired librarian in small town Tennessee refused us access and sent us to the university because they would "let just anyone use the computers".

And for those of you who are wondering: yes, we do walk through Wal-Mart on rainy days. Today I purchased another Mak 'n' Bacon microwave accessory (as seen on TV). I bought one two weeks ago and it is absolutely fabulous for nukeing bacon. All the fat drips off into a tray; there is no mess, and, bacon smell doesn't permeate the trailer. This means it is easier to invite vegetarians to our trailer - not that we go hunting for vegetarian friendships. I bought the extra one to bring home.

Our visit here in Yonah has been a damp one. I think we are averaging two days of sun per week. We put on our rain proof shells and head out: antique stores, Wal-Mart, Ingles, Wal-mart, Ingles, book store, Wal-Mart.

Wine? Cathy is happy with her discovery of the quality $3.99 stuff from over in Helen.

HEADING SOUTH – Fall 2009

WHERE BABIES COME FROM (Cabbage Patch Babies)





Part Three

It continues to amuse me when I see a YIELD sign at a railway intersection. I think this is peculiar to South Carolina. I am not sure to whom these signs are directed. More specifically, I am not sure of the mental ability of the persons to whom these signs are directed. Then again, this comes from a state whose governor tramps off for a week expecting no one to notice that he is gone.

The choice of sites was ours at Yonah Mountain Campground. As the week progressed we saw how fortunate we were as the spots filled up for the holiday weekend. A holiday that we prepared for by purchasing a frozen turkey breast. Of course, we have cranberries and stuffing to accompany the bird. However, as I write, there is the delicious smell of cooking stew wafting through the trailer. Tonight I'll mash some potatoes to grace the beef.

Our stay here at Cleveland/Helen has been one of relaxation; I seemed to have needed that.

The Nachoochee Antique store is haunted. No one told me that before I walked up to the third floor that happens to be the spirit's residence. Live and learn.
Across the road from spook central is the Nora Mill Granary. The grain is crushed by two French mill stones powered by the waters of the Chattahoochee River. This a great place to see the whole flour making process.
Before I forget, everyplace has it's friendly characters; they provide endless stories. The exception turned out to be the Yonah Bookstore across from our campground. Great store! Fantastic selection of used materials but I am afraid that the bare-footed collector of money just didn't have the spark of life. We'll visit again and see if she has been delivered out of zombie-zone.

In complete contrast, the smile on the young clerk at Papa's Pizza could melt anyone's heart and bring joy to the world. This was her first time on the til but she worked it out. Her demeanor brightens any dull day.

Cathy was buying a watch battery in Wal-Mart. She was waited on by two clerks: one an older immigrant from the Ukraine; the second, a twenty something Georgia homegrown. The young one notices Cathy's necklace. Cathy remarked that she bought it in Jerusalem. Young Miss says, "I hear that is a very beautiful place". Then looks at her companion and comments, "That's near the Ukraine, isn't it?". The older lady is appalled.
Cathy asks, "Do you know where Ontario is?"
"No."
"Canada?"
"No."
"Buffalo, NY?"
"Oh, I have heard of New York!. I had good marks in school but I never liked looking at maps."

On Saturday we went the hospital, The Cabbage Patch Baby Hospital. We visited the preemie ward, the nursery, the school and the actual cabbage patch where they are actually born. A group of young people were there from the Baptist Church. I suspect this was part of their sex-ed program.
That reminds me of last week when I heard some Methodists singing "There is a Balm in Gilead". The Baptists overheard and called Homeland Security.

Our neighbors, in a large motorhome, have let their site go to the dogs. The grandchildren and adults are all wearing red Georgia Bulldog shirts; the awning has the Bulldog logo. The outdoor TV is set to the Bulldog game and there is some oh-ing and ah-ing.
Another family, down the lane is out camping for the first time. The little ones are thoroughly enjoying it! Hot dogs and marshmallows of course. Their trailer is very small, Boler-like unit. We wished them all a great time.

There is a noticeable change in the trees. The sunset tonight went from gold to pink. Come to think of it, when home, I rarely see the sunset. By that time I am usually settled inside the house. Sad.

HEADING SOUTH FALL 2009

HEADING SOUTH – Fall 2009

Part One

The truck engine light went on three hours after leaving Aurora. Momentary panic, a curse then a pause; this happened three months ago.
The result of the previous event was a $700 bill for replacing spark plugs. “It could be your plugs or it could be your computer breaking down,” they said. Seven hundred dollars later, I know the answer.

“Put a piece of tape over the light if it bothers you,” said a car dealer in Kingston, “ and keep on driving.”

The drive to East Coast Resort in Parish, NY was wet and cold. Pulling the trailer out of storage on that damp field, made me sing the praises of 4-wheel drive. This 2-night stay was planned to allow us to enjoy the wonderful food at the resort café and to provide us with time to wander around Oswego.




We watched the Lake Ontario waves reach over the break wall that protects Oswego harbor. The day was sunny but cold as we strolled along the canal walk.

“ A light lunch? I have just the most wonderful place for you! The Port Bakery and Café has soups, paninibreadsandwiches,hot drinks,salads and desserts. Itisthemostwonderfulplaceand togetthereyou havetowalkbytheMoonCandyShop whichhasthemostdeliciousdarkchocolate. Evenbetteristheirsponge toffee!” This rapid-fire speech was delivered by Millie, the NYC transplant, who was in the River's End Bookstore. I felt like I was listening to MLK delivering his “I have a dream” oration.

People always make the place. We will return to Oswego - in warmer weather.
On the drive back to Parish the engine light went off. Smile.

Part Two

Our day travels are planned to be about 250 miles which works out to be about a five hour drive. There are occasions when that drive can seem like twenty-four hours long. Our drive to Gettysburg was going to be one of those extended journeys. We now are thinking about re-calculating our mileage and time. Seems I goofed someplace.
Anyway, we pulled into the Gettysburg Battlefield RV Resort – think about that name for a bit. We've been here before.

On Saturday, we drove, rather, meandered, through apple orchards to the National Apple Harvest Festival in Arendtville. A florescent vest directed us into a huge field for parking. “Ahh.. this reminds me of Florida,” remarked Cathy. She had remembered the occasion we attended a Civil War re-enactment. It was an overcast day as the troops were mustering for battle. (Once again we were parked in a damp field.) There the Blues facing the Grays. Muskets were firing and smoke rising as the mounted soldiers charged with swords raised. I was watching the sky; it was turning black. I suggested we head for the truck before the skies opened and everything would swallowed in a sea of mud. Good decision. Many didn't make it. It is hard to sing praises to Jesus when you are up to your axles in mud.


But, it was a nice day for the festival. The yellow school buses ran steadily all day bringing the field-parked to the fairgrounds. Crafts upon crafts; hay bales and pumpkins; apples and cattle; steam engines and bluegrass crooning; native dancing and a Gospel puppet show.


Part Three
We patronized the resort café early Sunday morning. Over looking the pool while eating eggs and bacon. The pool is massive: three thirty-foot long basins of water joined in the shape of a “Y”. Time to move on.

The day's drive was a tedious one. It meant driving the full breadth of Virginia. Have to fix my calculations.
Arrived at Fort Chiswell / Max Meadows mid-afternoon. We are attached to Fort Chiswell. It was here we rolled and totaled both truck and trailer two years ago. I feel like I left part of myself here. The residents treated us well. Some still remember the “Blessed Ones” - as they called us.
I dropped Cathy at the laundromat and went to fuel the truck. When I came back I found her in the Casa Mexicana having a coffee with Senora Owner. What about the laundry!

This is the second day for the Casa. Business is good. We came back for supper – quesadilla Mexican – tortillas grilled and stuffed with shrimp, peppers, onions and tomatoes, served with rice sour cream, and lettuce.
This the fourth in a chain operated by the Senora and her relatives. “We're Mexican. We have big families!”

We have now worked out the bugs in our trip planning system. We have added a day to our journey to Yonah Mountain. Monday we will only drive as far as Greenville, South Carolina. We will arrive at Yonah on our wedding anniversary!

Last Installment

A Rough Day

This Trip Coming to a Close

We drove down to Woodbine again for for the Friday night Bluegrass Opry.

Halfway through the concert, Dana and Michelle, South Dakota winter-break students, sat down beside us. They are staying with Dana's brother in Kingsville ( a one-horse town where the horse has died BUT they do have a Huddle House out by the I-95 Interstate).

They can't believe what they are witnessing. They've never seen 15 musicians rotating their way by the mike, singing bluegrass and gospel. I tell Michelle that this 'unplugged' night. Tomorrow night they play CW music with electronic back-up.

M and D sit in amazement as the ticket draw for the thirteen cakes and two bottles of Georgia Cane Sugar takes place. I didn't win any tonight; neither did I win the 50/50 draw.

There is some unique talent in the Woodbine Opry shows. The music relies heavily on the twangy gospel spectrum. Occasionally that can grate on the nerves but there are many laughs to ease the pain.

http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/

While Cathy changed our bedding for a different color, at Belk's, I visited the glass repair shop and made an appointment for 8 AM on Monday. To be there at 8 will be a challenge. Once again, I need a chip in the windshield fixed. I collect chips like some people collect stamps!

They did a great job. As soon as they were finished we had a delicious breakfast at the Subway stand in Wal Mart. How good can it get!

Sitting in a Rocking Chair on St. Simon's Island

Is there a better way to spend a day?

Today, Saturday, March 14, is the day of the great Georgia road side sale. It starts here on the Island and ranges along a highway well up into mid-Georgia. We have some things to sell.

Follow-up: The Island part had three tables – Blah! This was as disappointing as last year over in Brunswick. I hope it is better up state. We'll sell our stuff when we get home or at the campground.

Another follow-up: We didn't sell our stuff; instead we took it into the Brunswick UU for their garage sale (proceeds to the Salvation Army and Habitat).

Our Next Purchase?

Actually, taking a cruise is free.

Once again, I declare that we are not birders, however, they do supply some enjoyment.

Back, earlier in the trip, in the Savannah wildlife refuge, we spotted the Glossy Ibis. Beautiful iridescent feathers standing on a tree branch rather the marsh. This was good. The ground was covered with sun bathing gators.

Foam Puppies

Nature made Laughing Gulls to provide some humor in the long walks on the ocean's edge.

Those black headed Laughing Gulls were definitely in fine form the other day; I really think it is breeding season. This pair were singing and talking to each other and that included their cackling laugh. Along comes a regular gull; the Laughing Gull puffs up his feathers and heads right for the intruding bird before it lands.

The cute birds on the beach, and the smallest, are the Sanderlings. They scoot along so fast, in groups of ten or twenty, that you can't see their legs. They look like miniature hovercraft as they look for food by turning over pebbles. Cathy thinks they look like tiny Fred Flintstones making his car run with his feet.

I am finishing this entry while tucked away from the wind behind a sand dune on the beach. The wind is pushing the waves on to the sand at a good speed. An older couple are tossing food to the seagulls and watching the birds hang in the air to catch it.

Occasionally, I blow the sand from my keyboard then I check to make sure that the university student beside me isn't getting too much sun. It slipped my mind to tell her and her friends about the warmer beach at he south end. Maybe next time.

Our time here is drawing to an end. I am seafood-ed out! I don't want to see any fish or shrimp for at least a week!

We have met a lot of Ontario residents this year. This is different for us. Usually there are no Canadians in the spots we camp.

We have gone ahead and booked a spot here on Jekyll Island up until 2012. It is great.

Tonight we attended a concert. Friday will be the Bluegrass concert in Woodbine. Sunday will be the Blessing of the Fleet in Darien and then, a week from this Friday will be the Bluegrass night at the Rex Theater in Galax, VA. There is a book sale at the hospital in there some place. That will pretty well finish this trip.

Thank you for being with us. The blog entries are getting thinner, I know, but, I am just having such a darn good time in the sun!

Driftwood Beach

Hugs to you all,

Greg and Cathy

March 25, 2009

P.S. If you remember the university student, Kat, who befriended us last fall in Tennessee, keep her in your thoughts. Last week she did battle with an SUV and lost. Two broken ankles were the result. She will not be finishing this term at Auburn. For being a pretty active person, life has come to a grinding halt. Hugs to Kat!

University Students

Waiting for the Inevitable

The island is hosting a lot of university students for all of March. They are here to play in the Frisbee championships.
The young men and women, in their off times, can be found building sandcastles on edge of the surf and daring the waves to melt the walls of the fortresses; they can be found peddling around the island on the rental bikes and they can be found practicing their Frisbee throws and blocks along the beach. They are enjoyable to talk to.
One macho male, on a very cold day at the beginning of the month, said that his group wasn't chilly because they were from Wisconsin.
Before I left the beach, I went back to them and told them that there was a warmer beach. The bluish-tinged barefooted women, with their hoods pulled up and their arms folded over their chest, stuttered, ''Warmer? Where?''
I drew a map in the sand and they immediately told the men, ''That's where we're going tomorrow!''

The Colors of the Marsh

Windward

Receding Tide Reveals the Sandbar

Miles and Miles and Miles

Birds Have Cleaned Their Plate

Looking Toward Brunswick

Addicted to Spanish Moss

Spring Journey: Aurora to Georgia Part One

We have been quite tardy in getting out this mail,
But this can be explained – I can, I shall, I will.
It has to do with busy-ness, and bicycles, and trails,
Not to mention seafood, friends, and bookstores -
With tons of stuff for sale!

(I should never have purchased that Ogden Nash poetry book.)

Waiting for Inspiration

Leaving Aurora
Four minutes from the house we pass a runner. He is struggling with his breathing as he lumbers along the sidewalk pushing his 250 pound body to the limit. It is 23 degrees F (-5 C). He is wearing blue track pants and shoes - that is all that he is wearing.

We left the house at 10.30 wanting to get to Niagara Falls before a predicted storm arrived.
It took slightly longer to leave the house this time; we had some extra clean up because our neighbors are taking over our house while theirs is under renovation.

The last task for Cathy was to toss a carrot into the back yard for our winter tenant: Bugsy Wabbit.

Haven't seen a rabbit yet!

Our first major stop was at the Foster's Food and Fashion Shoppe in Fonthill, ON. For six hours we dined, conversed and viewed fashion. Katrina displayed her dance costumes, David shared winter plowing adventures while Clay and Melodie cooked pasta and veal parmigiana. A great evening with friends acquired on a camping adventure in North Bay, many, many years ago!

There were snow showers from Niagara Falls to Clarksburg, WV, however, there was no snow on the road and the visibility was great. At Erie, PA, they were under a winter warning so we gave up that planned stop.

Crossing the border was fun.
''What is your destination?''
''Brunswick, Georgia, and I know that you are familiar with it.''
Immediate double-take followed by all the normal questions then a big smile. ''How do you know that I am familiar with Brunswick?''
''Because that is where you received your security training.''
He laughed and wished us a great vacation.

Bridgeport, WV
We often meet itinerant workers: men who travel from state to state, working on gas pipe lines and power plant projects.
On the way out of the motel we met a worker coming in. His comment: “If I had to live here, I'd put a bullet in my head.” It was a cold, blustery day in Bridgeport, West Virginia. The wind was .... across the parking lot has we headed into the El Rincon Mexican Restaurant; this is our hangout in Bridgeport. We have feasted there a number of times. I went in to visit my friend Margarita.


A Commercial – Sort of - Pocketmail

Most of you know that we used a mini-pocket email gadget for many years of our travel. This device made it possible for us to type up our newsletters and send them over regular phone lines. As Wi-Fi became the standard for campgrounds and phone accessibility became limited, we switched to using the computer.

Pocketmail offered to buy back my unit but, on thinking this over, I decided that I could use it as a PDA; write my thoughts while stretched out on the couch or bed, then transfer the writing to the computer. Originally, there was a program to facilitate the transfer.
Computers have changed and there seemed to be a glitch in the program. I contacted Pocketmail and they told me they would be unable to help; they said I would have to contact the original makers of the software.
I hunted down Compulink; they replied that they were unfamiliar with the program and denied ownership. Excuse me! Their story changed when I sent them an image of the software disk and the software listing of the staff who had created the program. Their new story: “ We made it for Pocketmail; you will have to contact them for support.”
I suggested that both companies should find a third company to blame.
With some thinking and experimentation I discovered the solution. I let them know but I also refused to share it with them.

Third Night
We planned our third night on the road to be Mayberry, RFD. (Mt. Airy, NC). The truck was filthy but we hunted down a car wash and I was careful not to wash out the snow. I wanted to see how far I could carry the white Canadian Blessing.
At last we found downtown Mt. Airy. We had never been successful before. Tim and Jer remember Mt. Airy for Goober's restaurant.

We stayed a couple of days at River Bottom Farms before heading to Savannah, but, that is another story.