Travels from VA to IN

Some posters might suggest that because it has been some time since we have posted could mean we can’t properly articulate our experiences (Kay ;)). So allow us to set the record straight.

We left VA and headed in to the PA where we landed south of the Pocono’s at a very nice campground in Pine Grove (the pictures are in order) on way to visit my Grandparents in upstate New York. The next day we arrived in Saugerties NY in the Catskills with three specific goals. Italian Deli sandwich on a NY hard roll…..CHECK, A wonderful visit with my Grandparents….CHECK, and a NY cheese Pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms…CHECK. We wish we had more time to visit every one but we needed to get to IN and ultimately out through the Rockies before the potential for snow.

And then the rains came, and I mean came hard. When we disconnected I was standing in a foot of water hooking up the hitch, where was Missy you ask...ohhh she was supervising Amy on their long journey under the umbrella from the camper to the truck. Travel the following day to Geneva on the lake (Erie) was intense at times but when we arrived it was sunny and 74. We are now in Elkhart and will be here until next Fri, we hope to have a great visit with friends and family. Ohh and I intend to take some money from Gary to offset my losses in FL.

Natural Bridge VA

Natural Bridge VA, (another place Missy picked,hmmm) was another very cool display of nature. About a two mile trail walks you past natural bridge through ancient Indian lands and to a waterfall. It was really cool to see, didn’t know it was one of the seven natural wonders of the world, but if you’re ever close it is worth popping in to. The hidden river, a subterranean river, and the cave they mined bat poop to make saltpeter/ gun powder during the civil war were both interesting to read about. Very cool to have been able to see it and really cool to be able to visit with my brother during the trip.

Blue Ridge Parkway

After leaving Asheville Missy thought we should take the Blue Ridge Pkwy north. The parkway is the longest national scenic route in the US and while a bit intense at times it was just a gorgeous drive. The entire parkway is over 400 miles and we were able to get through 300 over a two day period. The start of the trip took us on a detour about two miles in and when we reentered the parkway it felt like boot camp for the rookie rvers. We, with little exaggeration, scaled the Appalachian Mountains at an angle I can’t explain while making 80 degree turns and praying that the suicide logging trucks, doing mach 2 coming down the mountain took mercy on us. Since that part, and once I pried my hands from the steering wheel, it was a piece of cake but you know the thing about first impressions.

On the parkway there are many scenic pull offs to take pictures and we might have stopped at half and at times stood in awe of the landscape. There were many deer (one you can see in the picture) turkey, hawks (one flew in to the truck) and Missy even saw a bear. She was very excited and got a picture although it is hard to make out. All in all a fun drive.

Golf at Grove Park Inn

On Wednesday we spent the morning at a beautiful golf course that is over 100 years old at the Grove Park Inn and Spa. Jess played with a very nice man named Doug from Florida. While I won't critique their game or give out scores, I will tell you they definately got their money's worth. Once again we had wonderful weather and were able to get some good pictures. The houses on one side of the course were part of the historic Asheville tour.

Biltmore Estates Asheville NC

We were trying to think of one word to describe this estate and words like excessive, breathtaking, egotistical and peaceful were on our list. The simple fact is that this home, the largest in the US at 175,000 square ft and 255 rooms can't be fully described and since you can't take pictures inside the house it will be difficult to paint a picture of our experience. It is however a must see for anyone getting close to this area. In total we spent 14.5 hours and were told that we saw 75% of the home although, we saw many doors that were unopened. This was originally intended to be a self sufficient farm and originally at 125,000 acres it was able to accomplish that today only 8,000 remain but still a pretty big chunk of land.

We took several tours including the roof top tour and the behind the scenes, both were amazing and the self guided, head set tour was remarkably informative. This modest mountain home is 6 stories from the subbasement to the servant quarters. It's most amazing room was the main dining room at 75 feet long and 45 wide with over 70 ft ceilings, three of the 65 fire places and a table that seats 80. I should also mention how cool it was to see the inner workings of this place and how they accomplished the proper pampering of the owners before all the modern conveniences, just amazing. Ohh and with the cost of fuel today it is noteworthy to mention that the oil boiler (they had coal too) used 6000 gal's per hour to heat the joint to 65.

The gardens, as you will see are just top notch and worth a few hours plus the weather here was flat perfect during our visit cool evenings, warm days. The winery was also fun but I am certain that Missy might have over stayed her welcome, if you know what I mean ;).

Heading north on Thursday

Port Saint Lucie

We have been in Port Saint Lucie visiting my parents for a week and a half. We plan to head out on Monday and finish up in Atlanta. Our visit has been a lot of fun including a side trip to the keys (separate post) couple of great rounds of golf , including my normal pay out of money currently standing at $16.00 for this trip, a fishing trip (pictured my first saltwater catch, 12 lbs Benita tuna) and just some great time with friends. My folks are planning to take a couple side trips with us as we continue our journey.

Fiesta Key

How beautiful!

While visiting my folks in Port St Lucie we decided to take a side trip to the keys. The campground was one they had been to before and it lived up to their glowing reviews. The camp ground was on it's own island about half way between key largo and key west. During our couple of days we drove the entire length of the keys and in some places if you look left you see the Atlantic ocean and look right to see the gulf of Mexico or Florida bay the only thing separating them is the road. The picture of the captains bridge is Earnest Hemingway's actual boat located in a bass pro shop north of where we were camping. One thing that struck us was the difference between the tourist location of Key West and the rustic feel of the remainder of the keys. We spend some time at Bahia Honda state park which we plan to return too at some point. Food was great, location was amazing, water was clear, the sea life was mesmerizing and the company was super.