...stretches for hundreds of miles atop the Blue Ridge Mountains. This segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway is in North Carolina just south of Virginia.
Less Common /
There are lots of Great Blue Herons but far fewer of the cousin, the Great White Egret. This one is setting off over the James River near Richmond.
Stage Left /
This is the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville best known, perhaps, as the one time home of the Grand Ole Opry, was built by Captain Ryman as a church following his dramatic conversion. It is also where scores of performers like Bob Dylan also shared their music. It is a great tour full of history.
First Light /
Over the Atlantic Ocean at Acadia National Park, Maine. Part of our family is there this week and we are wishing we were as well.
Water Lilly /
In a most unexpected corner of Raleigh, across the railroad tracks past the fair grounds is a garden with interesting paths, trees and a variety of special gardens like the Japanese, color, water, desert and contemplative. Just 10 minutes from our house and it took a year to discover.
Sweet /
Just outside of Archdale NC I came across a honey supply place. And they had hives, lots of hives. What was interesting are the jars. This time of year, at least in this location, there are not enough blossoms so they put jars of sugar water for the bees. Seems like cheating. And I wonder would you taste the difference? I think so.
At the Edge /
This is at the very peak of Otters Point and Otters Cove will begin to the right along Frenchman's Bay in Acadia National Park. Serene.
"I wait quietly before God" Psalm 62:1a
Waiting /
The train stops here twice each day on the way to and from Florida. Here is Southern Pines, NC a really cool little town.
Colonial National Historical Park Virginia /
The Colonial National Historical Park includes the Colonial Parkway that links Jamestown and Yorktown, NP sites and Colonial Williamsburg which is private. This shot is along the James River on one of the stops along the Parkway. This is a great place in the summer under the shade of these trees getting whatever breeze is there off the James. A wonderful place to read!
Curt and Jackie /
This photo was taken on Sunday at Curt's 90th birthday party - Jackie is nowhere close to that age. I could write about their service to our country, about the wonderful posse of children they raised well who are raising their families equally well into another generation, I could write of their pride of place and country and spend pages on their faith. Their service in a thousand ways to scores of people and churches is known only to the One who really matters. They are inspirational. I include them here because they re-started Cindy and me on the whole idea of camping when they sold us their Rialta. We used it for several trips to Florida, Maine, Montana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New York and ??? We learned a lot and now begin a new chapter with the Oliver travel trailer. Thanks, Curt and Jackie, for all you do and for all you mean to so many people across this world. Blessings and Happy Birthday, Curt.
Brown Thrasher /
A regular visitor to the Bayberry bushes at Tom's house.
Skirmish Line /
At the battle of Cowpens the American line was divided, in a brilliant plan by Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, into three lines. The first line were the skirmishers, and this photo is from their vantage point as the British advanced up the Green River Road. The militia sharpshooters were to fire twice and then retreat through the line behind them, manned by more militia, and reform with that line and fire once more. Then the whole second line was to retreat behind the third line, Howard's Continentals (who were not visible as the British approached by strategic placement behind a depression in the landscape) and protect the flanks of those troops. William Washington added another dimension to the plan with the addition of about 200 calvary troops.
American Art /
Jazz happens here, excellent classic jazz, steeped in history jazz with musicians who knew the best players and sat in with most of them. In New Orleans, go early if you want a seat because most people have to stand in the back. We were on the front bench. What a treat
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park /
Scattered in a line south of San Antonio are four missions dating from the 1600's. They remain active Catholic parishes. The grounds, visitor center and exteriors are managed by the National Park Service. They are small but very attractive.
"We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary." Hebrews 6:18b,19 NLT
SNAP /
This is the front door to the Lexington (NC) Candy Company. I parked on the street to do some research in Lexington and found myself right at the front door. Inside was an amazing assortment of sugar confections from fancy truffles to wrapped candy in a barrel. But what captured me was the front screen door. The satisfying "snap" of the spring laden door was exactly the same as the very local candy stores near my home in Pittsburgh. All of a sudden I was transported back a few (!) years. Neat.
160 Years Old /
This is the monument to the battle of Cowpens erected by the Washington Light Infantry in 1856 one of the earliest on any southern battlefield. It seems less impressive today but it was very meaningful to those who built it in 1856 and is typical of Revolutionary War monuments of the era.. It once had a golden eagle on the top but that was stolen by vandals. Encased in the base, made with sand from Fort Moultrie, were several relics, an account of the battle and roster of the Washington Light Infantry.
The small adjacent stone was laid years later. It reads: This Monument was erected by
The Washington Light Infantry
Of Charleston S.C.
L.M. Hatch. Capt
April. 1856
Cowpens Chapter D.A.R.
1936
More on the critical battle that paved the way to Yorktown next week.
How to Buy an Oliver, the Finale /
Off to Tennessee in Jim’s Sunday, rather, our truck to pick up the Oliver and do a break-in week. For us, not the trailer. We stayed in Murfreesboro and toured Stones River National Battlefield before we headed to Hohenwald. On the way, Cindy called Anita to confirm our arrival time and was asked, “What do you want for lunch?” We were a bit confused until she explained that she fixes lunch for folks picking up the Oliver. Not your average experience.
We met Scott, one of the owners - he wanted to know how we heard about their company. Anita talked with us each time we called for information and sold us the Oliver. Karen, another sales person, took time from her desk to make copies of a magazine article for me. After lunch and the completion of the paper work which involved the final transfer of unmarked hundred dollar bills in a large briefcase, we had a two hour bumper-to-bumper tour of our new trailer. Tommy did not miss a thing. Then he escorted us to a local campground – well after 5:00 quitting time – and showed us how to hook up the electric and water, start the fridge and put out the awning.
After a successful night - meaning we were not eaten by bears, it was back to Tommy at the factory for answers to a couple of additional questions. Then, and this is where the Oliver Company separates itself from the rest of the pack, Tommy didn’t think our hitch was quite right - not Oliver’s responsibility - yet he worked with us for two hours to improve it.
We then motored off to spend a few days touring Tennessee with some expert camping friends. At the end of the tour, we returned to the factory for a couple of adjustments, this time with Dustin who completed additional work on the hitch to improve towing and shared great info with us about his own towing experiences.
The Oliver works well, tows easily and is very comfortable. But, most important, it is supported by a great group of people who produce quality and service as well as travel trailers. As consumers, we have learned that the usual answer to any question is: “What? Are you kidding?” The people at Oliver say: “We would love to help you solve that.”
Waiting for our instructional tour.
Keyhole Arch /
Early morning in Arches National Park. We really enjoyed the park more than we expected. Nice hikes and amazing scenery. Just not enough time, would like to go back for a week.
Smile /
So what would you do with a few old unusable propane tanks? Not what I would have thought of, for sure. At the Guglhupf Bakery in Durham.
Window Falls /
Down a short trail from the parking lot atop Hanging Rock State Park. The trail was packed with people. Three buses of kids from the Governors School added to the congestion. And it was hot. I think the next time will be spring or fall.
