2012

It’s a new year.  I spent two and a half months of it in Arkansas, finishing off my winter stay.  So, it is back on the road in a different vehicle.

I have given up two chances to sit quietly for the summer.  I decided I do not have to be committed to anyone at this time.  So, my days and months ahead will still be up in the air.  I will take each day and week as it comes and see where it takes me.

This Van and myself are tip toeing through time for now.  It is nice to have the extra room and not have to put up a tent for my shorter stays.  Only time will tell just how we make out in our travels this year.

Smokey Mountains National Park–Cataloochee, North Carolina

 

A day at Cataloochee, North Carolina with family.

		Cataloochee, North Carolina VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

Fun in our spare time in North Carolina

 

Have been helping Bill clear some trees that were close to his Mother’s house here in North Carolina.  We had twelve trees to take down, have been dropping one a day and cleaning up.  Finished all but a little clean up today.

		Tree clearing in N.C. VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

We have had a few afternoons to look for arrow heads down in a field recently plowed.

And a few pics from Asheville, nothing like hitting the streets with your pet pig.

		Asheville, N.C. VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

A few Pics

 

From the WonderWorks building in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to Red Bud trees in Crabtree, North Carolina and a stream in Pisgah National Forest and the Redmond Mine along Fines Creek.

		Travel Pics VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

A rock formation in Crabtree, North Carolina

		Crabtree, North Carolina VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

March 26, 2012–Todays Journey

 

I stayed at Amicalola Falls State Park Campground for a couple nights.  It was the only campground around with electricity, at least non-private campground.  All the Forest Service campgrounds with electricity don’t open till mid April.

First few pictures are above the falls where the campgrounds are.  The first picture of the falls is the top of the falls.

		Amicalola Falls campground VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The ride down hill from the campground and top of the Falls

 

 

The lower falls is a nice hike, spring is beautiful here.

		Lower Amicalola Falls VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

It is worth every step up to the base of the falls.

Amicalola Falls

 

Some views of Chattahoochee National Forest

		Chattahoochee National Forest VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

On to Fort Mountain, elevation over 2800 feet.

		Overlook on Fort Mountain Georgia VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

My March Travels

 

I left Arkansas about two weeks ago.  Spent a couple days meandering through Tennessee.

I have stayed at a few locations since.

Cherokee National Forest

Rose Creek Campground

Smokey Mountain National Park

Chattahoochee National Forest

Amicalola Falls State Park

I will be hitting the road this morning.  Which way I go I suppose I won’t know till I get down to the road.  Maybe East, West or North.

This is a video crossing the Mississippi River going east into Memphis.  You better have your sea legs on if you decide to watch.  I need to find a better way to drive this van and take pictures.

I-40 going East

 

A few pictures from the campground, early morning North Carolina.

		Early Morning Rose Creek Campground VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

Some from the road going through Smokey Mountain National Park.

		Along the Road VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

Chattahoochee National Forest, De Soto Falls, Georgia.  The snake was the bridge watchmen on the center pier of the walk bridge.

		De Soto Falls VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

Early Morning Creature in North Carolina

Morning Walk

Sunrise crossing over the Nantahala National Forest.

A New Day

And Up Out Of The Ashes She Rises

 

 

Well, it is difficult to believe it has only been eight days since the loss of my Explorer.  Time heals all, and up out of the ashes the Phoenix rises.  Can’t say I have gotten a new vehicle because this one is 27 years old.   A 1985 Chevy Custom Van, it doesn’t appear to be in to bad of a shape.  Next week I will be doing some fluid and filter changes and maybe plugs and wires.  Just had experience doing that just a couple weeks ago on the explorer, didn’t expect I would have to do it again for awhile.  But this old girl has been setting in a barn for a few years  and I suppose could use a bit of a brush up before I take her on the road.

So, here she is in all her glory, hopefully glad to be back in service.

		1985 Chevy Van VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

February Flowers bring March Tornados