Days 567 - 577
I did it again. Perhaps I need to set a reminder in my phone so I'll at least get in here every other day instead of letting so many days go by. After Pine Mountain, we headed up to Cloudland Canyon State Park (still in GA). We finally got out of tornado weather but after the second day, it got COLD! We had a little warmer weather again toward the end. But, while there... First off, this park is fantastic... at least our spot was ... we were right on the edge so we had a lot of space (and deer in the morning because we were right next to the woods). In the park, there are some phenomenal waterfalls that you can hike down to, right in the park. By hike down... it truly is a strenuous hike... we only counted the stairs on the way back up and we got to 700 something. That didn't include the two offshoots down and back up from the two main falls, and of course didn't count all the hills and rocks in the trail (or the extra climbing we did off trail). We played in a freezing pool above the trail... crossed a giant log (once I was in the middle with the water rushing under, I wondered "what am I doing?" But I made it across, and back.) We walked barefoot where a stream crossed the trail. We saw many wildflowers - and unfortunately, a lot of trash. I just don't get why people litter... and the plastic bags of dog poop thrown aside 🤦♀️ Don't even get me started. From there, we were close to Lookout Mountain... so we went to Rock City (very amusement park-esque but still really cool) and another day we did Ruby Falls. THAT was spectacular. It is the tallest underground waterfall so you walk - with a tour group - through the caves. It is an "active" cave - meaning it actively grows and changes with the stalagmites and stalactites. It was very very beautiful. We weren't too far from the Jack Daniel's Distillery so we had to go. What a cool place! We did their "Angel's Share Tour" and got to taste 5 of their whiskeys. I'm not a whiskey drinker but 3 of the 5 were quite tasty. One burned. 🤣 The drive from Cloudland to Lynchburg TN was absolutely beautiful. Then it was time to move again. This time to Amicolala State Park. We found a really cool little town with a fairly new brewery in Talking Rock. We got to enjoy live music and conversation with a peculiar old fellow nicknamed "Doc." He wanted to buy us a beer (again not a beer drinker but their Belgian Style Wheat was good... and when we tried to turn him down he hit Jordan with his cane.) Thankfully their Belgian had run out so I was spared the gut bomb of a second beer. Jordan tried their Hazy, their ipa, the Belgian I ordered and a Red and said they were all delicious. Amicalola falls are beautiful but... extremely poplar. We found World Famous Fried Pies on our way out of Georgia. SO good! Stop by B.J. Reece Orchards if you're in the area! Definitely worth it (we may have purchased more than we needed)! Amicolala State Park was a relatively quiet campground... we enjoyed the space but getting to it was a bit rough. First, we arrived on Saturday afternoon... the state park kiosk was set up for two lanes, however they only had one open... and it was not a straight shot so it was a tight squeeze fitting our home through. The young lady working said "you'll have to check in at the visitor's center, just keep left." 1. If you go to this state park with your rv...the ONLY space to park to check in at the visitor's center is... on the right... BEFORE the parking spaces. If you miss it, you're out of luck. At least we were because EVERY single parking space was full and people were EVERYWHERE (Easter weekend... poor planning on our part) so we ended up driving to the end of the park (saw the falls) and turned around. 2. This was a very busy park. 3. The drive up to the campground is up a 25% grade. No joke. Seriously taxed my brand new truck. 4. The campground driveway is steep as well so prepare for backing into a spot on a hill, on a curve... with a narrow road. All in all, we still enjoyed our stay and had no real issues. Then, on day 576, we moved again... north near Ashville, NC to be in the Great Smoky Mountains... and to be near an airport because I am currently on my way to Idaho for a spiritual retreat with Melissa Walsh and many other phenomenal women. We drove up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cowee overlook and watched a magnificent sunset our first night. On day 577, we went to find Sliding Rock. Crazy busy but quite invigorating (the water was cold) we slid 60 ft down the rock to a pool below. Jordan did it twice... it was too cold for me to do it more than once. A little further south we found another little water fall (we had to hike about a mile in ... wearing our flip flops 🤣). But it was well worth it... you could walk around the falls or walk right underneath.) We, of course, had to walk under it. SO cold but, again, so worth it. The biggest falls - Looking Glass Falls - were overly crowded so we did the National Lampoons style and snapped a few pictures then were on our way. It was a lovely day but I was beat by the time we got home. The twisty mountain roads are my favorite to drive but they take extra attention and wear me out. Now, on day 578, I am sitting on a plane as I write this. Heading to that retreat... and missing Jordan's birthday. I feel terrible leaving him alone on his birthday but he guaranteed that it was no big deal. I think it's a big deal because he's a big deal in my life. But, when you get the chance to go to a retreat with one of your spiritual mentors, you have to do it. At least I'll get to see my mom, daughter... and maybe my sister today. Retreat begins tomorrow! I'm really looking forward to it! Take time to recharge and reset! It is always worth it!
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AuthorI had a dream that I was traveling all over the world. In less than 6 months, I sold almost everything I own...bought a Toy Hauler (the "garage" is my art studio) and am now living wherever, whenever...just me, my art, and my cats. Archives
October 2021
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