In my mind I’m goin’ to Carolina…Can’t you see the sunshine? Can’t you just feel the moonshine?
After visiting the Georgia Guidestones (see Carved In Stone), I headed for North Carolina.
My penchant for quirky Airbnb accommodation was satisfied once more, this time in the form of a remodeled BlueBird school bus, circa 1983.
My lodging on wheels lacked for nothing, except sanitary conveniences, which were located about 30 feet yonder.
The outbuilding housing my amenities was rustic, but functional, clean and colorful.
The rain head in the shower was delightful and I would have lingered, had it not been for my arachnophobia. This was serious spider country, and I’m a city girl.
While Shelby was not exactly mountainous, as I would come to understand the term, my view was nevertheless unobstructed rolling hills.
My hosts lived within shouting distance, but except for a brief chat with Karen when I arrived, I was left to my own devices.
It was a good setup- I had my privacy but never felt isolated.
Send in the clowns… Meet Dixie and Darla, sisters who were abandoned last Christmas and left at my hosts’ doorstep.
These two half-grown pups were my evening’s entertainment. Along with some very nosy (and noisy) chickens.
Can’t say I wasn’t warned…
As the sky deepened with the approaching night, I settled into my adirondack-style chair for the show.
Without warning, this huge white cloud appeared.
Not a drop of rain, but suddenly this rainbow- lasting less than five minutes. That’s what I call a “God wink”…
It had been a full day of travel and I went to bed when the “porch lights” came on and the moon came out.
Overnight, there was thunder and lightning and cats and dogs rain. I had a front row seat in the back of the bus.
I awoke to bright sunshine and lots of “rooster yodeling”. (Click on pic below to hear it for yourself…)
For a minute, I thought the dogs were trained to bring coffee to the guests in the morning…
…but then she drank it, and I had to make my own pot.
I dawdled over my coffee, reading my morning devotional. I thought clouds were an appropriate topic for this morning…
I had not seen the inside of a school bus for more than 45 years, but it was like no time had passed.
I also had never sat in the driver’s seat. Not a bucket list item, but I can now check that box…
Apparently, leaving one’s mark on the bus was acceptable; perhaps even encouraged.
I am no artist, so I settled for signing the guest book instead.
Quickly loading my gear, I set out for points west, towards Asheville. My next airbnb was a log cabin in the mountains.
I decided to check out Grandfather Mountain, and then drive the Blue Ridge Parkway south to Asheville and Canton.
This Linnville intersection was about two miles from the entrance to Grandfather Mountain and four miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway access road.
I had never seen a Trump gear store. I went in to look around and ended up buying this T-shirt. Because He is, and he is…
Alan, the proprietor, told me his store had been open for 8 months and business was good.
At Grandfather Mountain, I found a reservation was required, due to this wretched Covid-19. I was advised to travel north on the BRP and visit the Linn Cove Viaduct.
The weather was not cooperating either. Probably due to elevation, but the wind picked up and it began to rain.
The scenic turn-offs were plentiful, with all sorts of hiking options.
When I finally got to the Linn Cove viaduct, it’s raining and the Visitor Center is closed. I have supplemented with 2 nearly identical internet photos.
Fighting discouragement, I decided to cut my losses and get to my lodging for the night. Tomorrow is another day.
That would be Mount Mitchell. At over 6600 feet, it’s the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi. Yes, I’m steering with my knee…
After a tedious half-hour of playing follow the leader down the side of this winding mountain road, civilization reappeared.
Another 40 minutes west on I-40, past a multitude of Asheville exits, and I exited at Canton, my destination.
We’re talking serious mountains here….
At the top of the driveway, at the top of the mountain, is this gorgeous log cabin.
It wasn’t a school bus, but hey, you take what you can get. Just kidding. It was balm to my soul and body… Praise God.
SO WHAT MAKES THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS BLUE?
Noted for having a bluish color when seen from a distance, it’s isoprene from the trees, released into the atmosphere, that contributes to the characteristic haze on the mountains and their distinctive color.
My hostess warned the morning fog could be dense and that I may want to wait a bit before setting out.
As I wound down the mountain, the vibrant greens and blues of my surroundings were ethereal- fog wasn’t a problem.
Felt like I was in Hidden Valley from the ranch dressing ad.
I had a 1:00 pm reservation at Grandfather Mountain and nearly a 2 hour drive. I wished I had planned better.
Look closely to see several cabins perched in these hills..
I made it to the entrance with just a few minutes to spare. As I headed up the mountain it began to rain lightly.
It was easy to spot the first-timers… we were all wearing looks of dazed relief.
I took a few minutes to look around, but the weather was worsening, so I made a quick video and headed for the bridge.
I was supplied with a mask, since I had not thought to bring my own, and I joined the mask-erade party…
The young ranger explains the high rise Sugar Top condominiums (background) to a guest. Two miles as the bird flies, it’s a 10 mile drive.
Sugar Top condominiums, projected to be 3-stories, turned into 10, prompting The Mountain Ridge Protection Act in 1983.
The weather was not improving as I took a few more pics and headed for my car.
As it began to rain heavily, I’m once again disappointed that my efforts to bring you beauty have been thwarted by Mother Nature.
This is where they shot part of the running scene in Forrest Gump. (Watch 3:58 to 4:04)
Continuing down Grandfather Mountain, a good-size deer crossed the road about 50 feet in front of me.
Only caught his/ her tail end by the time I got my I-Pad in position.
Heading back towards Asheville again, I felt worn out after two weeks on the road.
My plan was to hit a couple of places on the Blue Ridge Parkway tomorrow. Hopefully, the weather would cooperate.
Who remembers Smokey? (Only YOU can prevent forest fires!) He was such a manly bear with that hairy chest…
At the Food Lion grocery store, another rooster. I saw more of them on this trip than in my entire lifetime.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Isaias was bearing down on Florida and I had not prepared my home for such a storm. I left Asheville the next morning, and drove straight home to central Florida. I look forward to another trip, perhaps in the fall. Shalom and blessings, friends. MH
Beautiful pictures Marie! Love these mountains! Thank you♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thanks, Maria. I am planning to move to NC permanently…
Breathtaking! You have a way with words, pictures..coming from the depth of your soul!
Love you my friend!
I love you, too, my sweet friend. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Wow! Incredible beauty Marie!!! Such a joy to get to ” go along” with you!
Thanks Heather! So glad you enjoy my “where’s Waldo?” adventures.
Love the flower pics from North Carolina, all the beautiful scenery…..looks like Mullein is plentiful up there…
Is Mullein the tall stalk with yellow flowers? They were beautiful. Pictures did no justice to the beauty of this place…
Hello, Marie,
Love your writing, photos and sense of humor. Started reading your blog when you were in Israel (where I live). I did sign up but didn’t get notice of this post, so signed up again today.
Blessings!
Liked the pictures. Love the nc mountains! Use to go up that away every year with my mom and dad and two brothers, we heated chicken wrapped in tin foil on the big Ford engine and had a hot meal when we stopped for lunch.