Finally taking a road triip ...

[quietdynamics]

It has been ages..

Leaving from New Jersey to West Virginia to go to a Blue Grass Festival.
Driving into thunderstorms but, we are going anyway.
After all past challenges.. what is a a storm?

Then hop over to parts of Tenn.. loop over to North Carolina hit some places and then head back up at a leisurely pace.

We are thinking around a week or so.

So excited to finally be able to see the Blue Ridge Mountains.

[Carolina]

Oh QD, on the road again!

I love road trips, actually.  Especially the kind that have no pressure to BE anywhere in particular.

The Blue Ridge Mountains, aka Appalachians, aka Smokey Mountains, AKA a million other things as they wind their way up the East Coast, are beautiful in any weather at any season.

There used to be an NPR radio program (may still be for all I know) called Mountain Stage, that featured all those wonderful performers.  We even saw a live performance in Boston. 

Have a wonderful time, relax and remember:  When you want to have fun you shouldn't TRY to do all the things you WANT to do, because they you will miss the joy of what you are doing.

Hugs,  Elaine

[A66eyroad]

Oh what fun! I hope you have a fun and safe trip, and that if you're anywhere near Chattanooga you'll message me!

[slccom]

The only way we got to "see" the Smoky Mountains was to buy slides. They aren't called the "smoky" mountains for no reason! I hope you have better luck! And have a great time.

Sharon

[Joe S.]

I think it's GREAT that you are taking a trip. Mine starts July 1.

[Carolina]

Ah Joe, as I recall you are doing a major road trip, with camping and cooking out and the whole amazing thing!

You have more adventure in you than I do, sir!

Have fun!

Keep us posted.

Hugs,  Elaine

[Mexgal]

Glad to hear you are going on a rode trip.  My DH and I did that trip in April.  Loved it!
Enjoy!
Sallie

[wildforwater]

I'm so excited for you!!  Enjoy!

Maria

[Tivia]

Have a great and safe trip You will be close to my neck of the woods. Im by the boothill of Missouri...yay earthquake country.

[quietdynamics]

So nice to be alone with DH.. no interruptions, watching the clock.
Decided to have fun with daughter who recently moved to Colorado .. drove there and was sending road 'selfies" .. so we did the same..lol

Left NJ @ around 10 and arrived in Summerville, WV around 7:30 after some meandering.

Had to see Summerville Lake before we turned in for the night.
pic is off the net.

Some history about the Lake.

Most people think of Black Gold as oil, but in West Virginia it is - and always has been - coal. A large portion of the 5974 acre Summersville Lake Wildlife Management Area is comprised of the reclaimed land from a defunct strip mine. There are several old, overgrown mining roads/trails to explore.

[imghttp://www.wvpottery.com/handmadepottery/sunrise-overlook.jpg][/img]

Hope you enjoy ~.~   

Been so long since I've been in a car for more than an hour..
Found it was best to make a "foot rest" to raise legs. Thank goodness for Neurontin and Systane eyedrops (for the AC).  Life through chemistry is my motto.

Blue Grass Festival Today. DH thinks 2-10pm?  That is a lot of dedication.

[P.Trish]

This (and you) are so inspiring! I have been thinking about a road trip for too long; time to take action.

love the photos and the history

Trish

[Sleepy In Seattle]

That sounds wonderful - especially the music - enjoy!!!! My extended family is from all around those areas - spend a lot of time there growing up. Enjoy some good Carolina BBQ for me! 

[quietdynamics]

DH did do the full day of the concert 2-10pm.
I did 5-10pm.
One group was from Nova Scotia a trip I have been planning in my head for years.. maybe on day.
I got to say hello to some people.

Friday, we drove over the 3rd tallest bridge in country. Glad we stopped at the visitors center otherwise we would not have seen anything. Bridge sides and height.. viewing non-existent.. so no photos.
New River Gorge Bridge, TN


Then stopped to see Douglas Lake
[imghttp://www.pioneertradingpost.com/images/douglas-lake.jpg][/img]
Photo shows more than we saw..lol

I needed to get to a room and crash.. so when we finally did I crashed for bit more than 3 hrs. and woke at almost 8pm.  Unasked, DH brought back a large Gatorade for me. Guess, my sagging is apparent. But, 11 or so hrs. sleeps seems to have helped. And today is a new day.

Having Gatorade instead of the usual AM coffee..lol.

Ok .. have a great day.

[P.Trish]

I am really enjoying your updates and photos!
Trish

[angeldancer]

Please keep the pictures coming.  They are really nice.  Whenever I get on I am going to make sure I see your updates.