The Gypsy Caravan 2023

Thursday, June 30, 2016

North Carolina Beckons!

One of the best things about our trip South to the trade show is combining the work with a pleasure visit to Rick's dad and stepmom's home in North Carolina after the show has concluded. They live atop Sugar Mountain and the view is fabulous, the air thin, cool and clear. In the valley, the warmth wraps around you gently with less humidity than at the shore.


So, after the show we hustled out of Myrtle Beach and hit the road, arriving in time for a late dinner. The following day was Father's Day and the first Rick and his dad had been together since he was a little boy. We celebrated by going to a winery.



I didn't realize this but this region of NC has very good wine -- the climate in the valley is temperate and the winters not too cold.


Unlike here in Michigan where I've yet to had a red wine I'd get more than once, the reds at Linville Falls winery were as good as the whites!


Rick hit the road on his bike to meet us there, his clothes packed in a bag in the car so he could change! No one wants to sip wine with a cyclist who has been doing hills until they change or dry off. Big hills! He actually beat us there!


It was a perfect day, sunny and warm -- but not too warm. Rick rode his bike there and Dick, Kathy and I met up with him and some of their friends for a delightful afternoon.


Well, delightful until Rick locked the keys in the car while he was getting his changing clothes and putting away his bike. Let's just say that in some cars, coat hangers still work!


In the next post I'll take you to a quaint general store and on a walk along the Watauga River -- definitely a beautiful spot!


Meanwhile, I'll leave you with a lovely sunset. Yes, it really looked that way!

22 comments:

  1. sounds like you had a great time, except for the keys. now the keys are part of the story. in my van, a coat hanger does not work. so glad you are enjoying your summer.

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  2. These photos are so stunning! As you know, I did not enjoy living in Charlotte, but I did LOVE the time I spent in the mountainous areas of North Carolina. It's so beautiful! That vineyard area is stunning. I did a hike in the Linville Falls area when I was living in Charlotte and it was so beautiful. I wish I would have known about that vineyard!

    I would love to get back to that region of NC. It's so beautiful and there is so much hiking to do. We debated going to Asheville for our fall trip but are opting to go to Bend, OR instead. But I know I will bring Phil to the mountains of NC eventually! I'm glad you had a great visit and that Rick was able to spend Father's day with his dad!

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  3. Such a nice time in a beautiful area.

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  4. The USA is so full of beautiful spots that aren't on the usual tourist itinerary! Thanks for making us aware of this one.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  5. What a nice day you had with family, Jeanie. It looks like such a beautiful setting, and I love that sunset. This is a cute picture of you and husband. I am getting to know that you take wonderful pictures.

    ~Sheri

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  6. Ah, car keys in car. Now why does that sound familiar?

    Looks like you had a wonderful time.

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  7. Dear Jeanie,
    What a beautiful sight this is. Such a breathtaking view from Sugar mountain. Everything is so green.. You and Rick make such a good team.. Love the sunset too..
    blessings,
    Penny

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  8. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time, except perhaps for getting the keys locked into the car! I manage to cycle around here as it is very flat, I wouldn't be able to do hills any more.Enjoy the good wine, views and company. Hugs, Valerie

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  9. That Father's Day visit must have been extra special for both Rick and his father. How wonderful that the timing was perfect for the visit. I can tell you were having fum, even if there was a bit of a mishap along the way.

    The views are spectacular, and I loved all the photos you shared. That must be a magical place/area to visit. I can truthfully say, I've only driven through the area, but never stopped for any length of time at all. So glad to see your photos.

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  10. omigoodness, i've seen some hanger action in my day. i don't think it would work on the car we have now.

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  11. Rick must be so fit from all that cycling. No lazy bones there.

    We used to go to wineries. It's fun. They are usually in beautiful settings. Glad your trip was nice.

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  12. Oh Jeanie, What a great pic of you and Rick enjoying the scenery, family and the wine! I'm sure the keys mishap was only a blip for this trip! Great pics Jeanie…….
    Safe travels and wishing you a happy 4th of July..

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  13. You've been on a road a lot thus far and summer has only begun! Enjoy your travels.

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  14. Wow- gorgeous views. I have never been to the "hills" in North Carolina but those mountains are sure beautiful. How exciting for Rick to spend Father's Day with his dad after all those years. It is always a good thing to be able to connect and spend time with family that lives far away. Can't wait to see some more photos. Hugs-Erika

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  15. Sounds wonderful!

    Well, other than the bit where Rick locked the keys in the car...

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  16. Yup, that's NC:)
    Looks like the winery was fun....the locked car door not so much.
    So glad you enjoyed your trip.

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  17. What a beautiful respite from daily activities. So glad you enjoyed it and found a good red wine too. Hope you brought some of it home with you.

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  18. Ah, yes. The keys locked in the car. Now that I've got one of those keys that requires being punched to open and lock doors, I've never locked them in the car. Still, I keep my AAA membership. They're good for when I lock them in the trunk. :)

    Sugar Mountain -- what a name. It certainly looks like it was a sweet visit!

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  19. And now, the last page of June has been turned, with a new chapter called JOOOOOOOLI!

    Let's make more fun, Jeanie! What a sunset...let's call it June.

    HUGS TO YOU!

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  20. Travel, sights, family, friends . . .
    And some wine . . .
    Can it get any better . . .

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  21. What a lovely Father's Day you all had!
    oxo

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