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!