September 29, 2014 – This “blog” thing is still new to me so I’m still in the learning mode. I try to change it up now and then with new pictures and colors. If anyone has any suggestions please let me hav’em.
Today we went for a walk. There is an old railroad bed converted into a trail system. 57 miles (we didn’t go that far) of flat walking, biking and horseback riding. Along the way we found chestnuts littering the ground. Picked up 3 or 4 pounds. I’ll hope to roast them soon. We hit the road again tomorrow heading to Corbin, Kentucky to a Jayco dealer for some minor warranty repairs.
September 27, 2014 – What a disappointment. The band that played in the Rex Theater was horrible. They just didn’t sound like they were in beat with each other. And the banjo player had one note, twang, twang, twang……………… also he couldn’t carry a tune in a 55 gallon barrel. The fiddle player kept hitting a sour string. And the bass player was, well he was standing there moving his hands like he was trying. We left after 15 minutes. And this was streamed live on radio. We decided not to go back for the Friday night band.
But the day was not all lost. We did get clean clothes.
September 26, 2014 – We did go to the jam session last night. It was very interesting. Mostly folk music from 14 musicians. The people here are the most interesting thing of all. Friendly and most willing to engage in conversation. They know if someone is new and want to know all about us. I’ve enclosed a couple of pictures of the New River and dam where there was a textile mill that closed in 1989. And a picture of our camp site. Now we need to find a Laundromat. This evening we go to the Rex Theater in Galax.
September 25, 2014 – Yesterday we went on a road trip to Independence, Va. Not much there except a courthouse that was built in 1908. Decided to go to Galax, Va. And walk the main street. Again, there was not much open. Apparently during World War 2 they had what the town folk called a victory gardens. All the businesses would close on Wednesday afternoons to go home and tend to their gardens. That tradition is still carried on by some. It was still interesting. Rex Theater in Galax ( www.rextheatergalax.com ) has bluegrass music on Friday and Saturday evenings. On Fridays there is a web cast from the Rex Theater on www.blueridgecountry98.com. We hope to be there. Tonight we are going to a jam session at the Fries recreation center.
September 23, 2014 – On the road at Fries New River RV Park (www.friesnewriverrv.com). Arrived around 1pm. One of the nicer parks we have setup in. Only problem is AT&T cell dos not work. Time to start exploring.
September 20, 2014 – We did go to the bluegrass concert in Mt. Airy. There were two bands that played and one of these bands was the one playing Thursday on the sidewalk. Both were very good.
September 22, 2014 – Yesterday we went to Pilot Mountain State Park. One road to the top of a viewing area of Pilot Knob. We then drove completely around Pilot Knob taking a few pictures. Tomorrow we leave for Fries, VA.
September 18, 2014 – Road Trip. Went through Pinnacle, NC (nothing there) to King, NC. Found a interesting looking restaurant called Dario’s. It’s like a McDonalds. Did take a picture of it along with flour made at King Milling Co.
You don’t see either of these every day. Went on down the road to Tobaccoville and Rural Hall.
Returned to Mt. Airy and the Earle Theater ( www.theEarle.org ) to listen to a two hour nonstop bluegrass/gospel jam session. It was very enjoyable. When we left the theater at 9pm, we were drawn to music and a crowd up the street. Here going on was anther jam session. We hung around for another 45 minutes. These late hours are beginning to get to me. We will return Saturday evening for an actual Bluegrass concert. Also included are pictures of downtown Mt. Airy, model T Ford at the museum and music jam session.
September 17, 2014 – Road Trip. Went into Pilot Mountain and walked the main street. Not much was open. Seems economic times has taken it’s toll on the village. Only a few shops open. Went on to Mt. Airy, NC. Much bigger and busier. Walked main street and visited the local museum. We were unaware that Mt. Airy is the hometown of Andy Griffith. In fact the TV show Mayberry was based on several of the local places. Snappy Lunch, Floyds barber shop, Wally’s service station, Mayberry courthouse just to name a few. Mt. Airy is also home to the largest open face granite mine. Country singer Donna Fargo was another celebrity born in Mt. Airy. We will be returning for a concert in the historical Earle Theater.
September 16, 2014 – On the road at Greystone RV Park, http://www.greystonervpark.com, in Pinnacle, NC. It was about a 4 hour trip on I-40 and I-77. We have a great view of Pilot Knob right from the trailer. It’s in Pilot Mt. State Park. We will have to make a day trip there to look around. Right now, this RV Park is neat and clean and so far everything works except cable TV. There is none. There are some black clouds rolling in and thunderstorms are expected. Tomorrow we start exploring the area.
September 5, 2014 – Went to Weaverville, NC today. Had a terrific lunch at a place called “The Glass Onion”. Food was outstanding. I had a flounder sandwich with a blueberry crumb with homemade ice cream. Judy had mussels with spicy sausage over angel hair pasta and an almond cake with a raspberry sauce. After lunch we walked the street visiting a few shops. Then onto Lowes and Walmart.
September 7, 2014 – Went on a driving tour of downtown Asheville, NC. There are numerous places to eat and small shops. Drove into the Biltmore estate but decided to leave and return on a later trip through the area. We did get to see a 4 minute film on the history of the estate.
September 9, 2014 – Yesterday we went on a road trip to Cherokee, NC. We visited the Cherokee Indian museum and several souvenir stores. The museum was very interesting and the souvenir stores was typical “made in China”. Our return trip was on the Blueridge Parkway. See the pictures. The views are amazing when the clouds clear out or when we were above them. We also went through seven tunnels.
I highly recommend this drive but only if you are not in a hurry. The speed limit is 45 mph and with the numerous “scenic overlooks”, you will need plenty of time. The parkway stretches 469 miles from Cherokee, NC to Waynesboro, VA but we got off just north of Asheville.
September 10, 2014 – Another road trip but this time we went north up state route 19 to Spruce Pine, NC. There was nothing of interest to us. Just hills and woods. We made the return trip on the Blueridge parkway to Weaverville and Walmart. We did find a small store that sold Amish made goods and bought some eggs. Then back to the RV Park.
September 11, 2014 – Road trip to Black Mountain, NC today. A small village that has numerous small shops and places to eat. The picture of the eagle is in Black Mountain.
Black Mountain EagleBlack Mountain Bear
We stopped and had pizza, a cupcake and finally ice cream. Then on to the main reason for coming to Black Mountain. It’s called “The Whitehorse Black Mountain”. http://www.whitehorseblackmountain.com
Here almost every evening there are musicians playing. Tonight was The Resonant Rogues. We very much enjoyed the music. It was mostly a mix of folk, Turkish, German style.
We did have a great conversation with a couple from the area. Come to find out they at one time lived in New York around Ithaca. They knew where Unadilla was. Never did get their names but we enjoyed the conversation very much. Maybe since I gave them our traveling card, they will e-mail us.
September 12, 2014 – Road trip to WNC Nature Center (www.wncnaturecenter.com) which is actually the Asheville zoo. We did get to ride a huge turtle. Judy did fall off the back so had to ride on the head. She said it was going to fast!
The largest animal was black bears. No exotic animals.
ronandjudystraveladventure.wordpress.com 