Day #224 – Asheville NC

 Gatlinburg TN

Today was not a work day for us, so we decided to get out of the campground for a while.  We started in Cherokee.  Because we’d gone there to gamble a while back, the casino had sent us some coupons.  We had coupons for a free lunch and “free” $5 for gambling.  Naturally, we went for the lunch.

The lunch was nice and we came out ahead on the gambling (OK, I came out ahead, but it was enough to make up for what Kelly lost.).  I used my winnings to buy us each a truffle at the casino’s chocolate shop.  Not really a big profit, but enough.  I found a slot machine I liked – Star Trek.  I liked listening to Mr. Sulu beam people aboard and all the other voices from the original Star Trek TV show.  The chairs for those two machines were different, too.  They had tall backs and were decorated with Star Trek designs.  The casino has found a way to suck in even the math geeks like me who sit there and think up not-so-random number functions.

We couldn’t decide what to do next.  We weren’t ready to go home, but it was too hot to visit the Cherokee village and too early for the drama, “Unto these Hills.”  So, we set off on the Blue Ridge Parkway (http://www.blueridgeparkway.org), headed towards Asheville.

The views were spectacular.  I saw a bald eagle, soaring over a mountain pass.  Our ears popped so many times we lost count.

Kelly decided we should aim for Linville Falls (http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/wncwaterfalls/linvillefalls.htm), in the Pisgah National Forest (http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc) in North Carolina.  As the crow flies, especially crows on the Interstate, it wasn’t far.  But for two little people on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with a top speed of 45 mph, it was very far.  Too far.  After miles and hours, we wore ourselves out and took the exit to Asheville, North Carolina (http://www.exploreasheville.com/index.aspx).

We’d heard this town was a great one to visit, and I’d done quite a bit of research a couple months ago, but couldn’t remember one useful name or address. So, we called Debbie and Linda and asked them for some real-time on-line assistance.  They gave us the names and addresses of a couple restaurants.  One was out of business and the other was closed for the day.  We drove along a main drag off the Interstate exit ramp and ended up in a Zen Japanese restaurant.  The food was good and we enjoyed the break.

On our way home, we watched the sun set and then watched as stars became visible in the night sky.  It was a long day with way too much driving, but it sure was nice to get out of the campground for a while.

In other news, my cracked tooth stopped hurting yesterday.  I was able to chew real food on that side of my mouth with no pain.  I’m not sure why it’s taken so long to settle down, but I’m hoping this is a good omen.

Day #150 – Road Trip to Cherokee NC

Gatlinburg TN

Today we drove over to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center (http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/mfm.htm), part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in North Carolina.  From there, we drove into the town of Cherokee, North Carolina (http://www.cherokee-nc.com/index.php). 

As soon as we crossed the national park boundary, we were visually assaulted by gift shops, whose names included words such as “teepee” and “wigwam” and “chief”.  Kelly remarked that she couldn’t figure out why Native Americans would make such a big fuss about the name of a sports team and then turn around and use even worse names for their gift shops.  We were disappointed to find the play, “Unto these Hills” would not start its season run until June and the outdoor re-enactment village would not open until early May.  The museum was open, but it was too late in the afternoon for us to give it a proper visit.

We opted to gamble.  We drove off to the casino and parked way far away in the free lot.  On the shuttle to the casino, we agreed to lose no more than $40 - $20 each.  I had very bad luck that day.  I lost half my money, just trying to figure out how to play one of the machines.  Kelly had different luck.  First, she won $130, then lost it before I could grab her winnings and stuff them safely in my pocket.  (She wants a new camera and that would have really helped).  Then, she won $78.  That one, I was able to grab.  We continued to lose our money, but started doing so more slowing and having a bit more fun at it.  I finally gave in and gave her the $78 back.  We ended up with a net loss of $20.

I really don’t like to gamble.  I think it’s incredibly boring.  I actually dosed off one night, in West Virginia, while she played a slot machine time and again.  If the games had some strategy to them, I might feel differently.  Also, I don’t get into a zone the way she does.  I can happily take my winnings and walk out –even if it’s a profit gained in the first five minutes.  Win or lose, she likes to play for at least an hour.  Luckily, she doesn’t like other forms of gambling, so I’m not especially worried about this personality quirk of hers.

We emerged from the casino to discover the HOGs were in town – the annual Thunder in the Smokies.  Harleys were roaring – quite literally – up and down the street.  There were packs of them and they made us both nervous.  We both have ridden motorcycles in our pasts and we are supportive of riders, but in large numbers, they made it difficult for us to drive safely.

On the way home, we got lost and ended up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The sunset was beautiful.  From there, we linked to the Newfound Gap Road and were home in a jiffy.

Day #2 - Our First Campground

Friday, November 27, 2009 – Day #2

Wytheville VA to Lexington SC

Came out of the motel to find snow on the trailer. Okay, so it was only a one-foot stripe across the front and barely an inch deep, but it WAS snow. Can’t wait to get south. Today we descend 3010 feet, from 3295 in Wytheville to 285 in Columbia, to the coastal plain. We are expecting to be white-knuckled for the next few hours.

Came through the mountains without any problems. It was a very gradual slope and the views were gorgeous. The North Carolina welcome center was one of the prettiest with lots of stone work outside and a wonderful mosaic of wildlife inside. At the South Carolina welcome center, we were greeted by Baptists bearing Little Debbie Cakes. Christmas Little Debbie Cakes and small vessels of Deer Park water bearing a label that said, “This water is free just as the love of Christ is a free gift to you. Blessing on your journey.” Actually it was quite kind and a welcome sentiment. Thank you.

Snacked in the truck on PB&J, jerky, Little Debbie cakes, and other various junk. Arrived in Lexington SC cranky. Wonder why. Knew we weren’t hungry so we set up the trailer at the Barnyard Campground. Joanne had advised us to always have a nourishing snack before attempting trailer set-up. Instead, we made a promise to each other to be kind and gentle, and we were.

Went to local Mexican restaurant (San Jose) famished and cranky. Scarrfed down copious amounts of chips, thus ensuring we could bring half our main courses home for the next day. This is a Good Thing because it was some of the best Mexican food we have eaten. We recommend the chicken ranchero and the pork carnitas.

After dinner, we drove down the main drag looking for some excitement. Found a Piggley Wiggley and a Wal-Mart. Didn’t go to either….yet.

We arrived back to our little home and were confronted by all our stuff. Just two days ago, we were so pleased and happy to have stowed all our belongings in this tiny space. Now, we can’t wait to pare down some more. It felt like towers leaning over to engulf us. Go figure.

We plugged in the electric heater and started to work on it. After the heater blew out (probably a short developed during travel), we turned on the furnace.  Sure were glad we filled the propane tanks and had warm sleeping bags.