Ch-Ch-Changes...

We have returned from our voyeuristic travels as "Leaf Peepers". Got a lot of leaf shots, and color changes, and even preserved some leaves in my planner. In spite of an issue or two along the way, it was fantastic!! On the way out we found a tasty hole in the wall in Meridian called Maria's on our way to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We found a Buc-ees in Leeds AL!!.  Up and on the way to Tennessee's first state park (Harrison Bay, 1937) which we had stayed at before for the total solar eclipse. We made our way to Chatanooga early the next morning to see Rock City & Lookout Mountain. After a night there we headed to Cumberland Gap, Kentucky, where we saw some historic sites, hiked to the Tri-State point, and made it to Pinnacle Overlook in time for sunset. The park rangers at Wilderness Road Campground went above and beyond, lemme tell ya. Gave us some pointers on places to see, and delivered firewood to our site. 

A couple of nights there and we were on the move again, this time to Ray's in Hico, West Virginia. We actually spotted a bald eagle on our drive to the New River Gorge area. While we were in that area, we visited Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, the New River Gorge Bridge, and Hawks Nest State Park. The next day we drove to Heritage Farm Museum & Village. It was actually a bit of a drive from where we were but it was worth it. It is a recreated 19th-century Appalachian village that includes museums, animal exhibits, and artisans. On the way back we suffered some automobile issues so made a pitstop at Firestone. They gave us a once-over and said we would make it to Shenandoah (our next-day destination) so we continued back to the campsite. On our way, we visited Kanawha & Cathedral Falls. Back to pre-pack camp and get ready for an early departure. 

We made it up to Shenandoah...it took a while due to the vehicular malfunction, but we took it slow and arrived safely. On the way, I made an appointment to drop the truck off for repairs and pick up a rental car. Had to download an app to rent from a private individual because there were no rental cars within a 75-mile radius. NO JOKE!  Thanks to the rental car, we managed to meet a few friends for lunch at the Old 33 Beer & Burger Grill in Elkton who I had only "seen" online in my art group... that was fabulous! On the way back to camp that evening, I saw a mountain lion! The next morning we saw the moon set as we drove to drop off our truck for repair. We went to Big Meadows and several of the overlooks off of Skyline Drive. We visited Skyline Caverns to see the rare anthodites (a relatively rare mineral formation found only in 4 known caves). And we saw the Hunter's Moon rise ...full and orange. 

We saw some beautiful scenes where the moon had been setting that morning so we rose early the next day to get some more cool shots. We picked up the (now running on all 8 cylinders) truck and then went to return the rental car, see Natural Bridge, and have some terrific food, paired perfectly with local Virginia craft beer at Capital Ale House in Harrisonburg, VA. After 4 nights in Shenandoah NP, we begin the turn for home. 

There were a few choices for our trip home. In the end, she found a rustic campground (banjos could ALMOST be heard in the pines, I swear) on top of Blue Bear Mountain near Boone, NC. Why Boone? Well, we loved it the last time we were there but did not really get to see much of the town itself. And Practical Magic has opened a brick & mortar there. The only other is in Wilmington, NC. Or online. And so we spent 2 nights there, seeing the sights, the art museum, Mast General candy store, Boone Bagelry, and revisited Booneshine Brewery. So much fun! 

The next morning, we continued the drive home. An unexpected surprise was when we realized we had come down through Franklin, NC.... home of the gem shows I try to catch every year. And we were only 12 miles north of Rockhound Ridge when we figured it out. So we made a 30-minute stop and picked up a few things before getting back on the road to Don Carter SP just NE of Atlanta, GA. Gorgeous park, well maintained, with lots of wildlife. We did not even unhitch. Just enjoyed the hawk, the orb weaver spiders, and lit a small fire before retiring for the night. 

As we were headed out the next morning, we saw a red fox carrying a meal back to her kits. That was really cool. However, at some point during our travels over the less-than-smooth road, our rear camera wire got pinched and we lost rear vision. 20 minutes on the side of the road with a knife and black electrical tape and we were back on our way. Teamwork!! We made it back safe and sound. 

So, I think that was MS, AL, GA, TN, KY, VA, WV, & NC...8  states! Now back to the real world... I have my preop tomorrow and surgery is scheduled for Thursday.