Saturday, November 13, 2010
Great BBQ in Asheville
Friday, November 12, 2010
Graceland
Just some of the gold records that Elvis won, displayed in what once was a racquetball court he had added to the mansion. Elvis was also very philanthropic, and was awarded Outstanding Young Man of 197....something. I did not realize this about him.
He and his parents are buried on the estate.
Flowers are sent from all over the world, and they are all displayed, even the plastic ones, until they are too weather beaten. The Biltmore Estate
This home, the largest private residence in the United States, was built by George Vanderbilt, and opened to the family in 1895, three years before he brought his bride to live there with him. Now, what he did in 70,000 square feet, on 8000 acres all by himself, I can' t imagine. In fact, I can't imagine living here at all! It would cover 4 acres, were it stretched out. 42 bathrooms. Clem can't find me in our house in Portland! The couples only daughter, Cornelia, was born here, in a beautiful room. No photos allowed, I am afraid, so I can't share the inside with you. Take my word....amazing. Bowling alley, indoor pool, changing rooms for the guests to use the pool, since heavens, they could not be seen in swim attire in the house! My book group would have appreciated the library with his collection of 23,000 volumes. He was said to be the be "the best read man in the country." 
This photo was taken on the back veranda, looking over the Great Smoky Mountains. They are spectacular. We drove through them to get to Asheville yesterday , and I just kept marveling at how gorgeous they are. The gardens were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. We have just by luck arrived here just in time for the Candle Light Christmas celebration to begin at the mansion tonight, so have returned for a break, then will have dinner and head back. Our park is only three miles away, so very conveniently located.
Asheville, NC
Just a quick note this morning to keep me on track, then we need to get going on a busy day of sight seeing. We passed signs for Dollywood. I decided that, once again, I would not make a trip, but since we passed it, I would have gone to see it. But we were making time. Maybe next trip! Also decided to pass on an old plantation in Nashville....I may have mentioned that. Things are beginning to blur! haha!
We reached Asheville pretty early, and got parked and plugged in while it was still light. We took a walk around the RV park, then Bob and Judy arrived. They had driven from Apex, near Raleigh, to meet us, and spend a few days with us. We met them when we lived in Acton, Ma, and they returned from living in Germany to live next door to us. They have been fast friends ever since. I think we may now have tied them in number of places we have lived, though they also lived in Europe and Japan, where the Air Force took them. It will be fun to spend time with them while we explore Asheville.
This has not been a culinary excursion, as we are seeing sights and making time across the country. But we did eat out last night at a local hot spot. Called the Tupelo Honey Cafe, we had to wait, but it was worth it, with very creative cuisine. I had Southern Stroganoff on goat cheese grits with cilantro sauce and sour cream. Pretty tasty! And instead of the ubiquitous bread basket, they brought biscuits! I LOVE biscuits! (Pat....I have not forgotten you said you make really good ones, and you should make me some! You SHOULD! :-) )
Ok...I need to get ready for our day. The Biltmore Estate is on the agenda for today.
Have a good day!
We reached Asheville pretty early, and got parked and plugged in while it was still light. We took a walk around the RV park, then Bob and Judy arrived. They had driven from Apex, near Raleigh, to meet us, and spend a few days with us. We met them when we lived in Acton, Ma, and they returned from living in Germany to live next door to us. They have been fast friends ever since. I think we may now have tied them in number of places we have lived, though they also lived in Europe and Japan, where the Air Force took them. It will be fun to spend time with them while we explore Asheville.
This has not been a culinary excursion, as we are seeing sights and making time across the country. But we did eat out last night at a local hot spot. Called the Tupelo Honey Cafe, we had to wait, but it was worth it, with very creative cuisine. I had Southern Stroganoff on goat cheese grits with cilantro sauce and sour cream. Pretty tasty! And instead of the ubiquitous bread basket, they brought biscuits! I LOVE biscuits! (Pat....I have not forgotten you said you make really good ones, and you should make me some! You SHOULD! :-) )
Ok...I need to get ready for our day. The Biltmore Estate is on the agenda for today.
Have a good day!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Stuff and such......
This is seriously cool. I am working on line while riding shot gun! Clem's new Droid......DDRRRROOOIIIIDDDDD!!!.........serving as my hot spot. How I love this technology!
And one of the things I love about RVing, is being able to hit the ladies room without having to wait for miles for the driver to finally agree to stop!
Day 10 on the road, and I looked around as we got underway to find both kitties sitting just behind me and staring at me! Loki, who has been hiding under the covers for driving time, actually walked around and checked things out, and sat on the couch with me for a bit. Last night just before we pulled in, he had come out and sat on the couch, and shocked us. They are both back in their places now, under the drivers seat, and under the covers. But they are definitely much more relaxed. Little do they know they have another transition to make! Clem said he figures they are thinking this is their life now!
We have traveled 3200 miles. Had we taken the route across Mt Hood and into Idaho, and diagonally across the country, we would just about be there. A bit longer this way, but less chance of snow, and has afforded the visits to Santa Fe, etc. Looking forward to a couple of days in Asheville, where we will meet up with Bob and Judy. Although I don't think we will know how to act staying in one place that long!
Note at top of blog....have added a couple pages you can access.
And one of the things I love about RVing, is being able to hit the ladies room without having to wait for miles for the driver to finally agree to stop!
Day 10 on the road, and I looked around as we got underway to find both kitties sitting just behind me and staring at me! Loki, who has been hiding under the covers for driving time, actually walked around and checked things out, and sat on the couch with me for a bit. Last night just before we pulled in, he had come out and sat on the couch, and shocked us. They are both back in their places now, under the drivers seat, and under the covers. But they are definitely much more relaxed. Little do they know they have another transition to make! Clem said he figures they are thinking this is their life now!
We have traveled 3200 miles. Had we taken the route across Mt Hood and into Idaho, and diagonally across the country, we would just about be there. A bit longer this way, but less chance of snow, and has afforded the visits to Santa Fe, etc. Looking forward to a couple of days in Asheville, where we will meet up with Bob and Judy. Although I don't think we will know how to act staying in one place that long!
Note at top of blog....have added a couple pages you can access.
Grand Canyon Caverns
Click on this photo to be taken to an album of more. Just a few to give you an idea of what it was like.
Nashville
Just passed Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch and Famous Country Cookin' Restaurant! Still lots of trees but they are now pretty bare. Climbing a bit, and sure that will increase as we get into the Smoky Mountains. That is sure to slow our progress into Asheville. We are skipping the Grand Old Opry, which is now the Grand NEW Opry since flood and reconstruction. Tempted to stop at an old plantation, but think we want to spend several days in Asheville.
And the city of Nashville! Big! Dont know why I am always surprised by that. Just doesn't seem to go with country!
A big thank you to all the Veteran's out there. We do appreciate what you do and have done.
Carol
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Arkansas
We stayed just west of the border last night in a lovely, quiet RV park, with lots of trees. We sat at the picnic table and sipped wine under that stars. So dark....they really stand out! Arkansas is beautiful! Rolling hills covered with deciduous trees. They are about finished, but still lovely, and we could only imagine how beautiful they must have been a week or so ago. Arkansas is called the Nature State, and it sure is. 52 state parks, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and hiking trails.....I would love to return and experience those. And there is the Trail of Golf, so Clem could be entertained while I am on the trails!
These states also have the Civil War trail, and the Trail of Tears, and I would love to see those as well.
We figured Bill and Hillary were in NY , so we didn't stop! Made time, and got into Memphis TN by 2pm, in time to tour Graceland. We were both happy we did that, though we probably never would have, had we not been driving through. Oh , and it was pretty neat to drive over the Mississippi River! Clem and I both spelled it out as we crossed it!
We are in town of Jackson TN tonight. Surprised to find the RV park so full, given what we have been experiencing. This time of year, pretty quiet. (that is really great for the tourist attractions!) We were told that an RV club is arriving this weekend, and some have already arrived. They have a dart target hung on a tree, and the folks next door have Christmas lights and a little tree flashing in front of their coach! Pretty cute! Another has a string of paper lanterns......now you KNOW if we buy a coach, I will have some of THOSE!! haha!
These states also have the Civil War trail, and the Trail of Tears, and I would love to see those as well.
We figured Bill and Hillary were in NY , so we didn't stop! Made time, and got into Memphis TN by 2pm, in time to tour Graceland. We were both happy we did that, though we probably never would have, had we not been driving through. Oh , and it was pretty neat to drive over the Mississippi River! Clem and I both spelled it out as we crossed it!
We are in town of Jackson TN tonight. Surprised to find the RV park so full, given what we have been experiencing. This time of year, pretty quiet. (that is really great for the tourist attractions!) We were told that an RV club is arriving this weekend, and some have already arrived. They have a dart target hung on a tree, and the folks next door have Christmas lights and a little tree flashing in front of their coach! Pretty cute! Another has a string of paper lanterns......now you KNOW if we buy a coach, I will have some of THOSE!! haha!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Ooooooooooo....klahoma....
And the wind DOES come sweeping down the plain!! It is WHIPPING down the plain today! And the waving wheat? Well it is cut and baled for winter, but does smell sweet.
Ok, enough of that!
Ok, enough of that!
We stopped in Clinton, named for judge Clinton Irwin , rather than the famous Bill you may have been thinking about. The Museum had artifacts signs and memorabilia and a film with actual footage of building and traveling the old rt. A very worthwhile stop. I never realized the significance of the road. Ok contains more drivable miles than any other state. We once again passed several towns, but did see a building that was replicated in the movie Cars. And many towns take bittersweet pride in the Grapes of Wrath connection.
Home to 65 Native Indian tribes even today , it was the last refuge of the Kiowa, Apache, Comanche, and other tribes before the land was taken away from them during the land rushes.
The road turns northeast at the end of the state going through a mining town called Commerce, which is the boyhood home of Mickey Mantle. The main drag there has been named for him. Which reminds me, we passed a huge sign on the highway in Elk City that said "Hime of Suzanne Powell, Miss America 1981."
When we left Oklahoma City we left the "Mother Road," as she follows rt 44 toward Kansas. We will miss her!
I am blogging on my cell as we head to our next stop for the night.
Carol
Sent from my iPhone
Morning at the OK Koral!
We are apparently at lower elevations, as our sleep number bed had collapsed a bit when we went to sleep last night! Had to reinflate a bit. Had been at 7000 feet the last night we spent in Santa Fe.
While we were sipping wine under the stars last night, Clem said he was not sure he could spend a month in the RV. But this morning he was looking at RV's for sale, and checking out which vehicles could be towed. Very interesting!
Setting out for our next adventure!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Texas
The photo from this afternoon was sent via my cell when we stopped at a rest area for a picnic lunch. Flat, flat, flat!! I saw a tree at one point, and said, look.....a tree DOES grow in Texas! We are driving across what is called the panhandle, and have stopped tonight at an RV park about 80 miles from the Oklahoma border. Grassy and flat, and very different from other parks we have been in. There were cows grazing just across the field as we got here just after sunset.
My "Travel Manager"....or is he the CEO......finally allowed a stop at a grocery store today! I believe it was only because I could run in there while he gassed up! Thank you, Mr. Kroger, for making a complex with gas, groceries, and drug store....oh....and WINE!! Needed some more of that, too! Our one stop of the day was at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo. A row of 10 caddilacs were buried nose down in the ground, their fins pointing in the air. They are often restored for movies or photos, but unfortunately at this time, are basically graffiti. And the idiots who contributed to this, left their paint cans lying all over the ground. You know I would love to come back and paint them! And pick up all the cans!
2400 miles and one week in, and we have been doing really well. Our one problem is that I want to stop and see everything, and "the manager" is trying to keep us on schedule. Now, I am thankful for his skill in doing this, truly! But I am sure I need to do the trip again!! We didn't get to see the pueblos, and the Rte 66 stops call to me, and we just don't have the time. Especially for things that are off the route too far. The only other sights we saw today were ones visible from the road. A water tower that leaned like the Tower or Pisa...no joke! (I was driving, so no photo!) And a 19 story high stainless steel cross that weighs nearly three tons. These are in the town of Groom, population 587. We also spotted an entire ghost town along the road...church and all. I won't even get into the stops we might have made...like Tucumcari, the town that's "two blocks wide, and two miles long", and the town that is the midpoint of the road, and the Buddy Holly and Clovis...........oh yeah....I wasn't going to get into it! Tomorrow we stop in Clinton, OK, for what is supposed to be the best Rte 66 Museum. Some of the "museums" turn out to be souvenir shops, but this is supposed to be authentic. I was very sad this evening to see that we then leave the old road, as it takes off north toward Chicago after Oklahoma. It has been fun reading about the sights, even if we didn't have time to see all of them on this trip.
My "Travel Manager"....or is he the CEO......finally allowed a stop at a grocery store today! I believe it was only because I could run in there while he gassed up! Thank you, Mr. Kroger, for making a complex with gas, groceries, and drug store....oh....and WINE!! Needed some more of that, too! Our one stop of the day was at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo. A row of 10 caddilacs were buried nose down in the ground, their fins pointing in the air. They are often restored for movies or photos, but unfortunately at this time, are basically graffiti. And the idiots who contributed to this, left their paint cans lying all over the ground. You know I would love to come back and paint them! And pick up all the cans!
2400 miles and one week in, and we have been doing really well. Our one problem is that I want to stop and see everything, and "the manager" is trying to keep us on schedule. Now, I am thankful for his skill in doing this, truly! But I am sure I need to do the trip again!! We didn't get to see the pueblos, and the Rte 66 stops call to me, and we just don't have the time. Especially for things that are off the route too far. The only other sights we saw today were ones visible from the road. A water tower that leaned like the Tower or Pisa...no joke! (I was driving, so no photo!) And a 19 story high stainless steel cross that weighs nearly three tons. These are in the town of Groom, population 587. We also spotted an entire ghost town along the road...church and all. I won't even get into the stops we might have made...like Tucumcari, the town that's "two blocks wide, and two miles long", and the town that is the midpoint of the road, and the Buddy Holly and Clovis...........oh yeah....I wasn't going to get into it! Tomorrow we stop in Clinton, OK, for what is supposed to be the best Rte 66 Museum. Some of the "museums" turn out to be souvenir shops, but this is supposed to be authentic. I was very sad this evening to see that we then leave the old road, as it takes off north toward Chicago after Oklahoma. It has been fun reading about the sights, even if we didn't have time to see all of them on this trip.
I meant to mention that I am enjoying the comments that you leave, and hope you realize that I am responding to them on the blog. So if you have not already done so, go back to where you left a comment to see mine. I get your comments emailed to me, so I know you have left one, as I get the email on my phone. I do enjoy getting them, so thank you!
Texas
The photo from this afternoon was sent via my cell when we stopped at a rest area for a picnic lunch. Flat, flat, flat!! I saw a tree at one point, and said, look.....a tree DOES grow in Texas! We are driving across what is called the panhandle, and have stopped tonight at an RV park about 80 miles from
Spectacular Day in Santa Fe
Can't tell you how stunning it was yesterday! I had to wonder if this is what the weather is always like on a nice day. Crystal clear , blazingly blue sky, and a quality to the light and air that was surreal. One has to wonder if that is what brought Georgia Okeefe here to live. And the many artists who also call this place home. The city is full of art and galleries. We won't make it to Taos, but guess that is true of that area as well.
I was able to put another check on my bucket list yesterday! We visited the Georgia OKeefe gallery. Very interesting to see her work for real, and to see many photos of her working in her gallery or walking in the desert and collecting subject matter. Ansel Adams took many photos of her which were on display.
We took a bus into town after a leisurely morning.....nice for a change! ......as we stayed in a park close to town, and right near a bus stop. That worked out very well. No driving or parking required, which was a very good thing. We were met with the sound of hundreds of motorcycles arriving and gathering. There were police and an army truck and a few soldiers, and we were not sure what was going on. It was the annual gathering for the ride for Toys for Tots. About 600 finally gathered all around the square, with toys strapped to the back of their bikes. Pretty neat, I must say. Despite my tough exterior, some of you know I am really a softy at heart, and it chokes me up a bit again as I write about it. It is a very cool thing that they do, and it was neat to witness it.
My characters of the day were two guys dressed for all the world like old time lawmen, directing the bikes into the square. I stopped to chat with them, and they told me they had been doing this for 26 years, but no, they did not own bikes "yet", themselves. I will post their photo for sure!
Cindy and David had visited here a while back, and they recommended a restaurant, so after a bit of looking at shops on the square, we made our way there for brunch. Cafe Pasqual. Write it down! If you are here, you should definitely go! Fantastic food, and popular with the locals.....always a good sign. We had to wait a bit, but it was worth it. Thank you, David!!
A very old city, Santa Fe is celebrating 400 years. We visited the Governors Mansion museum, which was an adobe building, and , though reconstructed, they have put in areas of lucite where you can see through to the old construction of 4 ft thick walls. Loretta Chapel is another landmark, which is best known for the legend about its "miraculous staircase." The chapel, a lovely gothic creation , had been built with no way to access the choir loft. A mysterious carpenter appeared to build the circular staircase in answer to the Sisters Novena, then vanished without pay when it was finished. Some other lovely churches, and interesting southwest architecture.....I may have to try to paint some when we get to Florida!
We have spent two nights in one place, which was nice and relaxing, and I think we needed it. But we are setting off early today, and going to try to make time. though, I do have one quick stop I want to make in Amarillo..................
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sedona
Good Morning!
Kitties have had their breakfast and I am sipping on a cup of pumpkin spice coffee, sitting at table in my PJ's. Rather a typical morning! I was thinking how much fun it is to have you all along for the ride! And hoping I am not boring you! I guess you can always get out! haha!
Clem and I went for a stroll last night, and met one of our "neighbors,"walking his little Yorkie. Of course, I had to say hello....to the yorkie! (Always a good ice breaker, however.) The man is from Texas, where he owns a home and business in Corpus Cristi, and a second home in northern Texas. They are in a new RV, their second, and spending a week here, as they do every year. He was giving us some pointers about Santa Fe, and chatting about RV life, and he said, buy in Oregon....no sales tax. He spent $200,000 on his latest, and "could have saved a chunk of change, " had he bought in Oregon. They drive a 37 foot "pusher"....see I am getting the lingo down! That means, it is diesel powered, and the engine is in the rear. More power, less noise. More expensive by about $50,000. So, he STILL owns a VERY nice "coach." (No longer called a rig.) They love the life. He said he loves having their own stuff along with them. And friend Linda , proud owner of her own RV, has told me she enjoys always having her own bed along!
Well, hope everyone has a lovely day.....and remembered to change their clocks!
Another interesting thing: We crossed a time zone, which should have been in Arizona, except they don't practice day light savings (very smart people! How do I get that passed in MY state?) So, our watches were off by an hour. But the time changed! So I didn't have to change my watch! Simple people are easily amused they say! Have a good one!
Clem and I went for a stroll last night, and met one of our "neighbors,"walking his little Yorkie. Of course, I had to say hello....to the yorkie! (Always a good ice breaker, however.) The man is from Texas, where he owns a home and business in Corpus Cristi, and a second home in northern Texas. They are in a new RV, their second, and spending a week here, as they do every year. He was giving us some pointers about Santa Fe, and chatting about RV life, and he said, buy in Oregon....no sales tax. He spent $200,000 on his latest, and "could have saved a chunk of change, " had he bought in Oregon. They drive a 37 foot "pusher"....see I am getting the lingo down! That means, it is diesel powered, and the engine is in the rear. More power, less noise. More expensive by about $50,000. So, he STILL owns a VERY nice "coach." (No longer called a rig.) They love the life. He said he loves having their own stuff along with them. And friend Linda , proud owner of her own RV, has told me she enjoys always having her own bed along!
Well, hope everyone has a lovely day.....and remembered to change their clocks!
Another interesting thing: We crossed a time zone, which should have been in Arizona, except they don't practice day light savings (very smart people! How do I get that passed in MY state?) So, our watches were off by an hour. But the time changed! So I didn't have to change my watch! Simple people are easily amused they say! Have a good one!
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