Carolina Hills

This is a time lapse video of the hills across from our cabin while vacationing in North Carolina. The video was taken over 10 hours which is condensed into 2 minutes.

Asheville Wrap Up

The last day of our vacation we decided to run into Asheville and do a little last minute shopping and eating. We ended up going to Jack of the Wood. They seemed busy but I would have to say the service there had a lot to be desired. It only took us 2 hours to get out of there. The food was good but I would have to say that I don't need to return. After the disappointing eating experience we jumped in the car and made or way to the Blue Ridge Parkway and drove a short way up the parkway and stopped at a couple of scenic view areas. After that we needed to shag butt back to the cabin as we were having company in the form of Ragged's family. Before long our guests were showing up and with 4 children and several adults talking, chatting and sometimes screaming the evening was certainly entertaining and the food was fantastic. After our guests left, Needles, Cynical and I had a last dip in the hot tub. We watched TV until late and finally went to bed. This morning we got up dark and early. I wanted to be on the road by 7am local time...that's 6 am central. We all worked like well oiled machines to pack everything we owned into every nook and cranny and then slipped down the steep driveway one last time and locked the gate behind. Ahead of us we had 500 miles of twisting and winding roads. The first few hours went without a hitch until we hit Nashville, TN. We experienced game day traffic and it took us 45 minutes to travel and mere mile and a half. After the delay we ended up getting to O'town to drop off our traveling companions around 2pm and then after a quick goodbye we were on the road home. We got home just a little before 4pm. I think for the vacation we had a total of 25 hours on the road and well over 1500 miles. I am tired and ready for bed so I think I will leave it there. We had a great time.

Asheville Last Day

Vacation is coming to an end with today being our last full day before heading back early in the morning. I guess I should catch up from where I left off. Last Wed. was a stay at the cabin and do nothing kinda day. We literally stayed at the cabin and relaxed and napped and soaked in the hot tub. Thursday morning we got up early to spend the day in Asheville. We stopped in at a book store awaiting for some of the shops to open and then made it to Earth Guild where we found out that Bill Clinton was going to be in town speaking just a few blocks from where we were standing. We had about an hour to waste so we went to Mayfels to eat and then on to where Mr. Clinton was to speak. We got right in and got a ticket to the limited area just behind the press. We got up very close, I would guess about 60 to 70 yards from the podium and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally about an hour and a half late Bill showed up. Of course of all the days to leave my 300mm zoom lens at home. I had my 55mm lens and it just had to do. I got some pics and I am glad I got to see and hear him speak. He is the first president I ever got to see live. After we listened to his speech we made our way to the craft show at the Civic Center. There was a lot of very neat had made expensive things. Anywhere from pottery to blown glass, wood work, paintings and materials arts. After wandering through we were feeling tired and ready to grab something to eat and make our way back to the cabin. After Ragged talked with her family it was decided we would split up and they would go to see her family and Needles and I went back to the cabin. After a nice soak in the hot tub we were all relaxed and ready for the next day. Before long Cynical and Ragged was dropped off and we all sat and discussed the days events. It was fairly late before we retired for bed. The next day we got up earlier than I would have liked. The ladies had plans to go to SAFF. A fiber festival that is held yearly here. We drove down and dropped them off and made our way back to the cabin. We had plans to pick them up around 6pm so a little after 5pm we left to be on our way. We got caught up in a little traffic on our way so the usually 40 minute trip took a little longer. We picked up the weary gals and their fibery purchases. We then made our way to Chili's for supper and then on to Target to pick up a few odds and ends. We made it back to the cabin well after dark and settled in to relax. Today we are still deciding on what to do our last day. Do we get out and about or stay and relax. I guess only time will tell.

Asheville cont.

Monday we explored the town of Weaverville and stopped and ate at a local bakery. It was called the Well Bred Bakery and the food was great and the dessert was amazing. After eating we did some grocery shopping and on the way back to the cabin stopped in at some scenic areas. We wasn't at the cabin long until it was time to head back to Asheville to meet up with Ragged family for a late supper. The food was fantastic and the conversation even more so. Their home was very eclectic with splashes of vivid colors which makes me think about repainting every room in my own house. The cozy living room with a small wood burning stove in the corner gave a welcoming warmth to the home and loved the coffee table which was an old converted pinball machine. Everywhere you look there was interesting things to excite the eye and ponder. Before long it was time to head back to hour cabin in the hills and say good night to our wonderful hosts. The evening ended with a very late dip in the hot tub and a little TV watching. The next morning we didn't get an early jump on things as we leisurely prepared for a day in Asheville. We started at the All Souls Crescent area. We stopped at a yarn shop for the gals and then wandered in and out of the shops until hunger diverted us to a local Mexican place called the Neo Cantina. The food was good and a lot of it. Of course I was able to finish off everything but the black beans. While filling our stomachs we made plans for what we wanted to do with the rest of the day and week. We opted to do the Biltmore home tour. We followed the GPS to the gaits and went into the place to get tickets. The audio tour was the best option for us so we drove the 5 miles to the entrance to the home and the beginning of our tour. We were given our headsets and instructed on how to use them. We followed our numbered map and pressed the corresponding number of the room into our headset and began hearing the narrator tell us about the home and all its many luxuries. After the home tour was done we walked out to the southern terrace and down to the gardens and Conservatory. Since we got a late start a lot of the people and school kids had already left and the lighting in the garden was less harsh than in mid day. We left the home and returned to the car for another 5 mile drive back to the Antler Village and Winery. There we signed up and started the winery tour and ended up with a tasting. When we finished the tour it was dark and we were hungry so we decided to find a place to eat in downtown Asheville. Upon deciding on a place we found that finding a parking spot to be very frustrating but after about a dozen wrong turns and a few broken laws we finally made it to a parking garage close by. We decided to eat at a local noodle house called Doc Chey's. After a short wait we were seated and enjoying the food. It was too much so we all had to take home dogie bags which is unusual for me to say the least. We got home last night at a round 10pm local time and Needles and I took another dip in the hot tub to soak the soar muscles from all the walking the day demanded. It was a nice way to end the day.

Ashville N.C. Vacation 2010

We arrived at our cabin after running into Asheville for a late lunch and a little grocery shopping. We didn't get a lot since we didn't have a lot of room to put it the car still packed with luggage. We followed the GPS's directions and the hill just before you get to the turn off is a decent grade. I could definitely tell the car was laboring to get up the hill with 4 people with luggage, the groceries and such. When we turned off onto our road we snaked our way back along the twisty turning roads and before long we were at the locked gait to our cabin. After unlocking the gait and crossing the bridge we had a pretty steep drive way to go up to get to the cabin. I put my foot into the accelerator and with very little spinning made it up to the back of the cabin. The inside of the cabin was very warm, open and accommodating. We then lugged in all of our luggage and groceries. After deciding on bedrooms we then settled in to do a little relaxing after the seven hour drive. We finished off the evening with a late dip into the hot tub out on the deck. The water was nice and warm and after a nice long soak we decided to get out. The only problem it that it was 50 degrees outside and when we got out of the water the coolness nearly took our breath. We watched some TV and before long it was time to go to bed. The next day we had plans to go to LEAF (Lake Edens Art Festival). After we checked in we took a bus into the camp grounds. We walked through all the tents with hand-made items of all sorts and health type items. There was live music and food booths of all nationalities and preference. I got a drink called Buchi fire and it was very spicy. I believe it contained quite a bit of ginger. I guess it is a drink fermented but not alcoholic. Imagine very spicy apple cider without the sweet. For lunch I had a chicken pita that was very good. I think Needles had a mushroom and garlic crepe. We shared a lemonade and later on enjoyed a funnel cake for dessert. We watched part of a play and then watched contra dancing (think square dancing) and then some live music. By then it was starting to get dark so we wandered on into downtown Asheville to a neat lace to eat. The Early Girl Diner was a place we enjoyed the last time we were in Asheville. With the heavy Sunday crowd you could tell they had been busy as the floors were somewhat slippery from the deep fryer grease in the air. The food was warm and good. When we finished we headed out and on our way back to the cabin. When we arrived I don' t think I was in the cabin a minute before I changed and slipped out onto the deck and into the hot tub for another relaxing soak. The day to an end we went to bed still warm from the hot tub. This morning was a morning to sleep in. After getting up and a nice breakfast prepared by Cynical, Cynical and I did a quick hike up a over grown trail behind the cabin. It appears to be an old logging road that has long since grown up. We walked up the hill until we were well above the top of the cabin and could see a little ways across the valley we are nesselled in. We hiked back to the cabin for a morning dip in the hot tub and then settled in the living room to relax and enjoy the morning with no plans. I think we will be getting out this evening to do a little more grocery shopping and visiting with Ragged's family.

Boston Whale Watching 2010

Cape Neddick Lighthouse

New England Vacation 2010

Friday May 21st Needles and I headed North to Indianapolis to stay at Microtel. The cost of the room for the night and a weeks worth of parking was cheaper than just parking for a week at the airport parking. When we got settled in we walked over to the restaurant Kazablanka. The food was good and before long we were going to bed in anticipation of the flight the next morning. The next morning we went down for a continental breakfast and our shuttle ride to the airport. Check in at the Indianapolis airport was smooth as glass and we ended up with an hour and a half to burn. We waited until one hour until the flight before heading through security. After getting the full body scan we wandered through the gates and was amazed when we spied a vending machine. This wasn't your ordinary venting machine. This one dispensed make up and not your Walmart cheap stuff as explained to me by Needles. We made it to our gate and waited until time to board. The plane arrived and we settled into our seats. The flight was smooth and the next stop was Beantown. Flying into Logan Aiport was neat to see Boston Harbor pass under the plane. Seeing the boats and the small islands off the coast made the destination more concrete and not just a dream or a destination made up in a story. We grabbed our checked luggage and made our way to the taxi stand. Taxis were there waiting and after we loaded in we were in route to the Bulfinch Hotel. The room was nice and spacious with a huge comfy bed dominating the room and dark stained furniture. The tiled shower was inviting but we were hoping to get some food and then do the Ghost and Graveyard trolley tour. We ended up eating at Boston Beer Works and then I knew we needed to call and get reservations for the tour but when I called I got a automated services. The chances of getting into the tour schedule for that night wasn't looking to good. Before long I got a phone call and it was the G&G trolley tour calling to see if I could make it for the 9pm tour. We said sure and hot footed it the mile down to Atlantic and to the G&G trolley stop. We waited about 15 minutes until our tour was going to start. We sat on the trolley and enjoyed as the people putting on the tour sneeked around the trolley and scared the crap out of passengers that weren't paying attention. I do know that before the tour was underway we did loose a couple of passengers that I guess didn't take to being scared. They just got up and walked off down the sidewalk. The tour started and as we made our way through the streets of Boston where we were treated to tales of the macabre. We did visit two burying grounds one being The Grainary and Copp's Hill. The Grainary holds the bodies of Ben Franklin's parents, Paul Revere, and John Hancock. We drove by the first hotel in the United States, The Omni Parker Hotel. This hotel is also known to be one of the most haunted. We also drove down Charles street and the room of Mary Sullivan the disputed last victim of The Boston Strangler. We also visited Boston Common which was the first public park in the United States. This area was used for grazing of livestock and also public executions. They explained the art and skill in execution by hanging and some of the more grotesque details in the act. Also the fade of paying off grave diggers to bury people who paid the price over other peoples graves and have their names also etched into the already used tombstone. When the tour concluded it was around 10:30pm so it was time to head back to the hotel. End of Day One.
The next morning we had a Whale Watching Cruise scheduled so we again walked the mile to the New England Aquarium and checked in for our cruise. The cruise personnel informed us of the sea conditions and also taking motion sickness medication might be needed. They said that the boat would rise and fall 2 to 3 feet every 8 seconds and that the temperature was about 10 degrees cooler than land temp. With the boat moving about 30 to 40 mph that makes the temps feel more like 20 to 30 degrees cooler than land temps. We boarded the catamaran and was under way. After we made it out of the harbor the speed of the boat increased and the fog that seemed to surround us made me think that this trip maybe a waist of time. About the time we got to the whales feeding area the fog started to clear and the sun started to shine and within just a few minutes our first whale was spotted just off the front of the boat. We made our way in that direction and drifted into a parallel direction of the whales movement. We got to spend about 45 minutes in the area with the whales and in no time it was time to head back. We did get to see a couple of humpback whales and from a photo of one of the tails or flukes they determined one of them was a whale they named Pallet. The trip back was quicker and we sat on the second deck out of the wind and sun. On our way back into the harbor we passed by a couple of lighthouses, Long Island and Grave's. We also passed by sailboats moving through the harbor. After we docked we finished looking around the aquarium. We got to see the penguins and various types of fish, rays, sharks and jelly fish in the tanks. We also watched some of the seal training exercises. At the end of the day we decided to eat at the aquarium's dining center. When we sat down we still could feel the movement of the boat swimming in our ears. It took a few hours for this weird sensation to pass. We made our way make to the hotel and settled in for the night. I developed a serious craving for Chinese food and it didn't take much convincing to make Needles agree. I think it went something like this. ME- "I'm craving Chinese." NEEDLES-"YES!" We did a little Internet search for the closest Chinese restaurant and then decided on delivery. The food was excellent and there was way too much of it. We ended up eating about half of it and since we didn't have a refrigerator in the room, ended up throwing the rest of it away. End of Day Two.
Day three was trolley tour day. We walked to stop number four which was Boston Garden. After a short wait we boarded our trolley. The driver's name was Buck and he was great. The information about the city was entertaining and witty with some comedic flare. He even broke into song at times and was very friendly with the people on the tour. We got to go by many historical places and the architecture of some of the building was amazing. A lot of the churches were very ornate in detail. We got to see the original Cheers, the Old State House and the site of the Boston Massacre. The Old North Church and site of Paul Revere's one if by land two if by sea. As mentioned before we went by the Boston Gardens and also Fenway Park. We got to visit the Destroyer class ship Cassin Young and USS Constitution. We also walked to the site and Memorial of Bunker Hill and Paul Revere's House. We ended the day around 5pm because that's when the trolley tour ended and also we had been on the go a lot the last few days and decided to relax the rest of the evening. When we got back to the hotel we showered to wash off the day. We decided on room service from the Flat Iron Tapas Grill and was that ever the right decision. I had the Cajun Ribs and Needles had the Beef Tips and it was excellent. That was the perfect end of day three.

Day four was our last day in Boston and since we couldn't check into our B&B in Salem until 3pm we decided to have our luggage stored at the hotel and finish a few things in Boston. We walked to Boston Museum of Science and looked over the interesting displays. We also did a Dinosaurs 3D movie which was interesting. When we left the Museum we caught the trolley to do some souvenir shopping and then catch the orange trolley line into the South of Boston. This is where the Boston tea party happened but unfortunately the ship is having some renovation work and wasn't there. We did get to go by the Old South Train Station and several interesting buildings. When we got back it was time to pick up our luggage at the hotel and head to North Station and then to Salem. After several stops we were in Salem and a phone call to the B&B we soon had transportation to the Morning Glory B&B. After we got settled in we decided to grab some supper. It was still early for the restaurants to open so we grabbed a cold beverage from Captain Dusty's to hold us over. It was Mexican night at In a Pig's Eye so we ordered and enjoyed our food. When we returned back to the B&B I noticed that the road beside the place was a dead end terminating at Salem Sound. There was a bench that you could set and watch the harbor traffic. Also just down the wharf there was a light house Derby Wharf Light. We sat and enjoyed the scenery until it got late. End of Day Four.Day Five started after our breakfast at the B&B. We soon found out that we had an hour before things started to wake up in town. We walked down the street to the Friendship and old style recreation of a sailboat and on into town and to the trolley stop. We grabbed a couple of tickets and passed the time in the souvenir shop until the first trolley arrived. We hopped aboard and was under way stopping at several sites in town and then moving on to Winter Island and the site of Old Fort Pickering. We drove by Willow Park and Dead Horse Beach and was told the interesting story of how Dead Horse Beach got its name. We then went through the high rent district and got to see some of the homes that were some of the first in New England Design. Door windows and coffin doors and also a house that had a front stair case for the boys and another for the girls so when they wore petticoats the boys wouldn't be able to look up their skirts. We got to tour the Burying Point and see the grave site of the man the build the House of Seven Gables. Also the grave of The Hanging Judge Hawthorne of the Witch Trials and a gentleman that came over on the Mayflower. Lunch time found us close to Red's, a local restaurant that makes just about anything would would want to eat. It was very good and for a spooky note while we were there eating the power went out and was out for several seconds. After lunch we visited several of the museums a yarn shop and some of the quirky souvenir shops. It was getting close to 5 pm and the museums were getting ready to close so we decided to head back to the B&B and relax the rest of the evening. We ate supper at The Witch's Brew and the Brew Steak was amazing. When we got back the skies looked cloudy and dark and with in a few minutes the rain started to come down. The wind kicked up and dropped the unseasonably warm temps down by 15 degrees. That night we were able to sleep with the windows open and the sound of bells on the buoys in the harbor ringing. A few cracks of thunder the air as the storm moved though the area. End of Day Five.

Day Six was to be our last day in Salem. We packed up our luggage and stowed it in the hallway until our rental car was to be delivered for the 3rd part of our trip. We walked over to the house of Seven Gables and walked the tour, we then stopped by Ole Pepper Candy Shop, the oldest candy shop in the United States. On into town we waited on the opening of Count Orlock's and also to do some souvenir shopping. A quick stop at a coffee shop and it was time for lunch so we stopped in at Derby Deli for our last meal in Salem before heading North. After lunch we walked to the B&B and gathered our luggage awaiting the rental car. We enjoyed the garden seating area and all too soon it was time to leave Salem for the next leg of the trip. We were driven to Beverly, MA. We dropped off the Enterprise guys and did some quick paperwork and were on our way to Kittery, Maine. We drove through New Hampshire and into Maine. Just over the Bridge we came into Kittery and made the right to get to our next B&B. The Ocean's Edge B&B was a cozy home just at the edge of an inlet. When arrived we settled in and walked around the area to get a lay of the land. We decided to go into town foe Supper so a trip to Robert's Maine Grill. After supper we went back to the B&B and relaxed the rest of the evening. End of Day Six.

Day Seven was a day of exploration. I had a couple of things I wanted to see but most of the day kinda fell just the way it did by pure happenstance. We started the day at Fort McClary and looking over the fort and the grounds. We could also see Portsmouth Harbor light and Whale Back lighthouse. We then moved on North up the coast and into York and Cape Neddick. Nubble lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouse on the East coast. We sat and watched the waves crash on the rocks and the wildlife moving through the water between the main land and the island the lighthouse is on. We visited the local souvenir shop and then stumbled upon Brown's Old Fashion Ice Cream Shop. The ice cream was excellent and we then kept moving North to Ogunquit. We stopped and walked to The Marginal Walkway which is a walkway along the coast with breathtaking views of the surrounding beach and rocky coast. It was amazing and I think it was then when Needles and I fell in love with Maine. We loved the small town feel and the small quirky shops that line the streets. The pet friendly atmosphere and the general friendliness and easy going personalities. It just seemed the air was a lot easier to breath in Maine. Needles wanted to visit a local yarn shop so we headed back toward Kittery and to the yarn shop. We got back to the B&B and made plans for supper. We made it to Warren's Lobster House. The food was good and with our last meals from Kittery in our bellies it was time to go back to the B&B for our last night on Maine. End Day Seven.Day Eight was a travel day. It started early with driving South from Kittery, Maine to Beverly, Mass. We then turned in the rental car and walked the .2 mile to the train station heading to Boston's North Station. At North Station we grabbed a taxi to get to Logan Airport and catch our first flight. First part of the flight delivered us to Atlanta, Ga. We had a lay over of about an hour before our final flight to Indianapolis, Indiana. When we arrived in Indy we called the Microtel for our shuttle back to the hotel and our parked car. When we got back to the car we had the three hour drive home. We arrived home around 7pm. When we got home we were exhausted but since the A/C was turned off it was too hot to be able to get a quick nap so while the A/C cooled down the house we cleaned up the kitty hair the cats left all over the house. We watched a little TV and made a few phone calls but ultimately ended up going to bed around 10pm. It was a fantastic trip and I wish it didn't end but I am also glad to be home.