ROAD TRIP

            Last week, Ron & I went on the road to enjoy a change of scenery. Although we wore face masks at every restroom, store, and hotels we went into, we felt a sense of freedom. The first stop was an overnight stay in a downtown Hilton in Athens, GA.  The next day, we moved on to the mountains of Jefferson, NC where Ron's sister, June, and her hubby, Chuck, had rented a house on the New River.  The combination of camaraderie and fresh air were an awesome respite from our current COVID stay-safe-at-home way of life. 
     

          The guys fished and kayaked the river the three days we were there. Floating downstream in their kayaks was slow and didn't require much paddling.  This allowed them time to absorb the sounds, enjoy the serenity, and fish all the nooks and crannies.  They were rewarded with enough bass and trout to feed us all.  YUM!

          While the men were on the river, June and I explored attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  There are so many unique sights along the way.   Our first destination was Linville Falls.  Linville Falls drops into the 12-mile long Linville Gorge with cliffs towering above the river. When we arrived at the visitor center to begin the hike to the Falls, we quickly realized we were not the only ones looking for an outside getaway.  The parking lot and trails were jampacked. Fortunately, most of us adventurers were cautious and wore masks.  The upper trail to
the Falls was closed due to maintenance so we followed the trail to the lower overlook.

The mountain laurels colored our short hike. 


           On our way back down the Blue Ridge Parkway, we stopped for a short hike and picnic lunch at Cascade Falls in the E.B. Jeffries Park, about 5 miles east of Boone.  
The lush greenery and views were unique on the trail to the top of the Falls. The path was a bit rocky and rooty but very doable. We relished the earthy smell, similar to what you experience after rainfall as we walked the trail. 

         






           We heard the soothing sound of the rushing water long before we reached it.  Is there anyone who isn't in awe of the natural, God made waterfalls phenomena? 

          During our stay, the four of us did after-dinner rides each evening along one-lane gravel roads to see if we could spot deer, rabbits, and other wildlife before they tucked in for the night.  As we rode past dilapidated, unoccupied dwellings along the way I found myself conjuring up images and stories about the people who used to live in them. 

          Time to go home came too soon but in the spirit of our mission, we continued to explore.  We meandered through the scenic back roads of  North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia all the way back to Tallahassee.  We've resumed our COVID-19 routine with one exception.  Now we have new memories and photos to reflect on as we perform our projects and daily activities.  We are already pondering our next road trip.