Yesterday was my first birthday as a retiree. I had an errand to do with my brother that went awry. So, it turned out that he was aggravated but I saw this as an opportunity to have a fun day with Peter. We wandered back up 9w to West Point Visitors center and museum which happens to be one of Peter’s favorite places. 

There I saw the flags that represent the Aplha and Omega of the revolutionary war. I hope that Peter soon feels the freedom of his diseases & can start a fresh healthy life. 

After I dropped him home, I stopped at one of my favorite trails…the Long Path with its turquoise blazes. The wild flowers were blooming and the streams were babbling as the chipmunks squeaked in alarm. Life is a long path and I am going to take pleasure in the surprises along the way. I will enjoy the good and learn from the challenges. 

Thank you universe for awareness of your beauty.  

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The beauty of the Smokies is irresistible.  It was wildflower time and the streams were rushing with full force. Thankfully were could drive through this motor trail as I was feeling a bit weary!

The Vanderbilt’s wanted to build a home that was more than a home. Hence, THE Biltmore. The location is exquisite and the artwork and decor is exquisite.  There was a special exhibit of period costumes from movies.  The gardens are simple and elegant.But what charmed me most, was the man eating his ice cream cone while he sat at the grand entrance.  Our day ended in the fun city of Asheville with its many different restaurants and bars including a coffee shop in a bus and a bicycle bar!

I was stricken with a strep and a virus while on my Smokies Adventure with Angela.  Also, I was plagued with very slow wifi in our lodgings despite how beautiful and modern they were. So, my posts were few.

Let me try to put up the first couple of days for you. We hit Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park first and had dinner at the Skylands Lodge. Wish we could have stayed there on the way home but things worked out the way they were supposed to work out for us. We were driving in the clouds for a while….felt like heaven in Virginia.

The first day in Tennessee we went up to Newfound Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road. Then we headed to Clingmans Dome where you can see the trees have been killed by a disease. The night ended with Dolly’s Stampede Dinner and Show.

  I saw four bears in the wild today! Feeling the aches of strep continues but the beauty of this area keeps me plugging on.