THE CROOKED ROADS .. OUR LAST DAY

May 21, 2012

We are so enjoying our stay here.  It is so peaceful and the weather is devine.  Yesterday Geoff and Linda came over and spent the afternoon with us catching up.  They were the managers at Cascade Lake for the last two summers.  We had a great time talking about everything.  Amazing how you never run out of things to share with good friends.

Today is our last day before we head off to Bourbon tasting.  We realize how much we value Western North Carolina and are going to miss spending our summer here this year.  Moonshine Creek has been a great place to stay.  Everyone is very, very friendly and you can’t beat the location and ambience.

  

Billy has become a “road warrior”.  For a very long time he had to be coached into the back seat of the car and even at that, we had to lift his rump up into the seat.  This morning as I was sitting on the couch, I asked Billy in passing…half expecting an answer “You going for a ride with us?”  His eyes got wide, his ears perked up and he started dancing around the MH.  Within seconds he was barking at me to get going, let’s get going.   Going for a ride!!!!!   Didn’t take him long to hop into the backseat of the car.

We decided to head over to Lake Junaluska and check out the area.  

Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center started in 1908 when a commission, the Southern Assembly, Inc. purchased 1200 acres in Richland Valley NC and began construction on a dam and auditorium.  By the end of 1912 the Dam and auditorium were near completion.  It is named after Mount Junaluska in honor of Chief Junaluska, a Native American Chief who lived in the Cherokee area.  After enduring the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma with fellow Cherokees in 1838, Chief Junaluska returned to NC after learning some of the Cherokees had remained. 

The lake is approximately 200 acres and is surrounded by a walking path. 

There are several inns, homes for rent and conference centers.  

In addition there are tennis courts, swimming pools and recreation areas.  It is a beautiful place in a beautiful setting.  

I can imagine coming on a retreat here and feeling renewed at the end of my stay.

From  here we drove through Maggie Valley and then hopped onto the Blue Ridge Parkway back to Waynesville.  It was a clear day and you could see for miles and miles and miles and miles.  

Billy enjoyed getting out of the car and running around the scenic areas.  He hardly looked up …. His nose was pinned to the grass.  So many new smells everywhere.

NOTE THE TONGUE HANGING OUT!!  HE'D RUN HIS LEGS OFF!!!

BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN LAUREL

RIDE THE CROCKED ROAD!

Came down into Waynesville and walked the historic street.

MOUNTAIN MUSIC!

  The clouds were coming in and the wind was starting to kick up.  Our mission was two-fold.  One … get to the Doggy Bakery to pick up some wholesome snacks for our four-legged guy and two …. Get some ice cream for us two legged guys!

GOT BILLY 1/4 LB OF THE PEANUT BUTTER BONES.  HE LOVES THOSES.  THEY ARE HOME BAKED WITH INGREDIENTS FROM THE GROCERY STORE - NO FILLERS.  NOTHING BUT THE BEST FOR OUR BILLY!

I LOVE IT WHEN STORES LEAVE OUT WATER BOWLS FOR DOGS.

Mission accomplished and we headed for the car, just as the rain broke through.

This evening we’ll get packed up and get ready to roll in the morning.  Dave’s already scoped out a spot for us to hook up the dolly and load up the car.  OH JOY!  CAN’T WAIT!

LIFE IS GOOD!