Have you heard? There's a herd!

Hey all:

We went to a place called Lake View Drive to do a hike (called the Gold Mine Loop trail = 2.0 miles). On the way, we saw a big herd of elk on the side of the road. Mercy me! There were at least 8 babies this time. Cool! Then we saw them again yesterday evening. I sent a pic to LH. They were just right outside the truck. There are helpers from the rangers who make sure the elk don't get too far to the people. They use wooden blocks and clap them together. The noise startles them to move.

Aren't they gorgeous? And they just had no problem with people. Hard to believe they were re-introduced in 2000 and they've grown tremendously. Whoop whoop!

Then, on our hike, G spotted this lovely creature. I didn't see it because I was too busy watching where I was planting my feet (no telling when a tree root will trip you up). I missed seeing it, but I heard him. Cool!

We took a hike this morning on the Oconaluftee River Trail (3 miles roundtrip) then visited the mountain farm village that's on site. It amazes me how they used to live, using the land for survival. Amazing! 

Anyway, just chillin' today. We might figure out something else to do. I never get over the smells here. The way the water feels when you get close, the different wood smells, the wet earth after the rain, even the steam off the hot roadway. I know a lot of you are roasting at home (98 +); here, we are expected to be at 88. I know, tough, right? Somebody's gotta do it.  Ya'll come back!

Updates and Musings

Hi all!

We found our wifi hotspot:  McDonald's! Love you guys!! Fastest wifi in town! So we are outside the McDonalds in Cherokee using their wifi and "lovin' it!"

As promised, I have some pictures for you. The elk were taken a few days ago. We went there last evening to check out the action. They had been out all day. AND they have babies!  Four of them! They were laying down in the field being watched by mama. It was really cool!

 these guys are twins

                   

one of the 4 babies

how many do you see?

 one of the ladies

 bachelor party

 big man on campus

 resident turkeys (no, not the tourists!)

Thanks for checking in. We are enjoying ourselves, just the sights and sounds of the Smokies. Ya'll come back!

Hello from the Smokies!

Hi all!

We've been here since Sunday morning, and what a great trip it's been so far. Our digs are close to the woods, and if I could bottle the smells for you, I would. There is the crisp, refreshing coolness of the Oconaluftee River; the cedar and oak smells; firewood, and wet fresh earth. It has been raining for about 10 minute showers here, and it just gets everything clean again.

When we drove through to our site, we saw some elk. G took pictures of the girl elk we saw. Later that evening, we came back to the field and saw 5 young males and the big buck come out of the woods to graze. It was spectacular! The ladies joined them today, and they are in the living museum that's attached to the Welcome Center.

We went on the nature trail hike around the campsite (the first half was up; thankfully the second half was down). And we visited the Mingus Mill. If you would like to revisit that area, go to my previous post in the July, 2013 posts.

Today we are going to Cades Cove (towards Tennessee), just to see what it's like in the 3 years since we were here last. We are wearing our new hiking boots that we got in Michigan last year and will test them out.

Internet and phone service are very spotty here, so posts will be after a few days. Nothing like going "off the grid." Ya'll come back!

PS:  Will post pictures later; the connection is weak now. C ya!

Another day, another drink

Hi all!

Yesterday we did the squad car tour around historic Mount Airy. It was a 1964 Galaxie 500. Nice ride! Even the King was impressed!

The ride is 30 minutes, and you pay cash or check, no CCs accepted. These people are so nice, they will stop by the ATM on your tour! You pick up the tour at Wally's Service Station. Next to that is the Mayberry Court House, along with the jail. We got there just before a load of tourists came in.

Then we went to the Andy Griffith Museum to look around and meet the famous TV star, Betty Lynn (aka "Thelma Lou", Barney's girlfriend). We had to pay $6 a piece, wear a bright pink bracelet to tour the museum (a big garage of Andy Griffith memorabilia). Turns out the line ended right at her spot! She signs autographs from 12:30-3:30 on Fridays once a month. She will be 90 next month. They all love her and treat her well. BTW, it's another $10 for the photograph. So we stood in line x20 minutes, took our picture, and left to go eat lunch. 

 

These people were the first in line; they'd been waiting since 8:30. CRAZY!

Then we headed back to Old North State and decided to try the beers instead of the wine. This is a delicious amber ale from Duck Rabbit. I wonder if they named it after the book? Didn't care; yum!

After a lovely pint (or two) we went to Opie's Candy Shop. I found jelly nougats and Black Jack Taffy (licorice). Wow! Here is a pic of the lemon drops for Queen Bee (you know who you are!).

We picked up some Mary Janes, Bit O' Honey, jelly nougats, and Black Jack taffy. You can put as much as you want in the paper bags (it's all $5.99/pound). What a sweet way to end the day!

Well, folks, tomorrow we head out to Cherokee (Smokemont) in the Smoky Mountains National Park. We will lose our accommodations and will be "off the grid." No cell service, radio, or TV. Whaattt? Well, that's the way it's supposed to be! Keep up with us, and ya'll come back!

Mount Airy meets Mayberry

Hello to all!

We are enjoying the wonderful world of Mayberry come to life in Mount Airy, NC. This is a really pretty town, and of course, would probably not be here if it weren't for the Andy Griffith show.

When you walk down Main Street, it reminds you of going back to Mayberry. In fact, they modeled the streets of Mayberry just like his home town. It's really quaint and nostalgic.

So when you come here, you have to go to Snappy Lunch. Andy ate here as a kid, and the iconic pork chop sandwich is good. On the sandwich is cole slaw, chili, pickles, and sauce, and of course, a huge pork chop pattie. They clean up after you, too! But, they are only open from 6A to 1:45. We'll save you a seat!

                                                  

Before we ate lunch, we visited the Old North State Winery and Brewery. You just walk right in, step up to the bar, and do your tastings. We settled on a delicious red and bought a bottle. They buy their grapes from several other places around Winston Salem and Yadkin Valley, then process them in the basement. Fish Hippie is their main brand. If you follow G's post, you will see that he said it was aged in the bed of a rusty Chevy. 

Yesterday we visited several other wineries, but I have to say that Shelton Vineyards is my favorite so far. We found a really good Sauvignon blanc (delicious!) and a Malbec. We bought both those bottles, but not before we shared a drink on the patio. AND we got to keep the glasses!

 the King 

Today we are planning on riding around in the squad car (touristy, I know) but they take you all around the area, including the world's largest granite quarry (still harvesting today). We will do that and then the Andy Griffith Museum. Thelma Lou is gonna be there. The King wants her autograph!

Ya'll come back!