Sensational Smokies

I cannot come to the east coast without stopping in the Smokies. It is one of my all time favorite places. Yesterday, I had a special mission of adventure that was on my bucket list. Route 129 through the smokies is the most infamous motorcycle route on the east coast. And, I just happened to have my scooter with me ;) To qualify as a motorcycle route worthy of mapping, it must be scenic and twisty. This one sure qualified ;)

So off we went to the ride the "Tail of the Dragon"



The bikers were out in full force. I think Luckenbach has got them beat though ;)





I wasn't as bad as it looks. The speed limit was only 30 miles per hour, but with some of those switchbacks, you couldn't even go that fast. But is was a fun and gorgeous ride!





There were canopies of trees to ride under



And mountain lakes to view



11 miles wasn't enough, so I rode some back roads for a couple of hours and came back down over the "Tail" to my rig for a grand total of 636 turns in 22 miles ;)



It was an awesome, awesome day! After being in that fresh air all day, I was hungry. Rumor had it that Paula Deen had a buffet in the Harrah's casino in Cherokee. And lo and behold, it was true! That same great fried chicken graced the buffet ;) And, I still had to wait an hour for seating here too! But it was worth it :)

This morning, I headed back through the Smokey Mountain National Forest from Cherokee to Gatlinburg enroute north. It was a gorgeous 64 degree morning with sights to behold :)



Drove along under more spendid canopies of trees and the mountain laurel was in full bloom along the crystal, clear trout streams :)





And the views of the mountains were just breathtaking :)





Tonight, I am nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Tomorrow, it is off to Pennsylvania. There are some special people there I need to go hug :)

North Carolina GTG

Tuesday we left SC northbound. We had a couple of RV Sisters to go hug near Asheville on our way to TN.

Marge and Wilma were workamping in Fletcher and loved it so much, they left TX and moved here. I can see why. It is gorgeous!

Marge is our founding Mother of the Texas Ramblin Roses Chapter of RVW. We now boast about 150 members. That group has been a blessing for me. I have met so many wonderful RV sisters. When we get together each month, it's like old home week :) Not to mention the good food! We have some great cooks ;) hahaha!!!

We went to a wonderful Asian buffet and had a lovely visit, followed by a tour of Asheville. Thank you Marge and Wilma. Sure was great to see you again :)

Here we are. Marge Wilma and Karen with their gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background from their beautiful home.



Marge, Me and Wilma



Speakin of sisters. Karen and I will be traveling our separate ways tomorrow. We had an awesome time traveling this leg together. I don't normally like to caravan, but she's a great one to do it with. She'll be spending time in TN with family and I'm going to go immerse myself in the Smokies!

Thank you Karen for a memorable trip! See ya back in TX in the Fall :)

Happy 4th of July!

Sunday, we had a day of rest to regroup. Then Monday took a drive down to Port Royal and Parris Islands to watch some fireworks. The islands are separated by the Port Royal Sound, so you can see across to the other from each side.



Boats in the Sound between them hung out in the water to enjoy the displays.



Both Islands had their own displays. Parris Island went first followed by Port Royal. They were beautiful displays with patriotic music playing in the background. I'll share some with you :)

Beautiful Beaches

Today, it was off to Uncle Bubba's Oyster House for lunch. He just happens to be Paula Deen's brother.



The restaurant is beautifully landscaped with tropical flora among the pines. Complete with a fountain.



a fish pond



and water lilies



He's also a great guy. He donates the oyster shells back to the Oyster Reef Project to help restore the shores of Tybee Island.



And the oysters are to die for! Check out these char-grilled oysters on the half shell, smothered in butter, garlic and parmesan cheese!



Followed by a plate of fried oysters! And yes, I wore my shirt. hahaha!!!

After lunch we went to dip in our toes in the Atlantic :) Hilton Head Island Beach is a popular east coast beach destination. Along the way, we ran across these triple STOP signs. Must really want us to stop huh? lol



Had a little trouble finding a place to park at the beach. We had to go to several parking areas before we found one.



There is a nice shower house available to get the sand off afterwards.



The boardwalk to get to the beach







And finally, some nice mats down to into the sand. The beaches are graced with a nice, soft white sand. Unlike the rocky beaches in the north. They are restored every 7 to 10 years to prevent erosion.



It is patrolled by a lifeguard




There were beachgoers as far as you could see. And the water was as warm as bathwater.

Majestic Live Oaks

We stopped by the Frampton Plantation House, which is now a visitor's center. A gorgeous old mansion with an impressive live oak gracing the grounds.








Karen looks like a midget standing beside this trunk. LOL



We took a ride into Beaufort. Another beautiful little old town with a marina

Charming Charleston

Headed into Charleston, SC to enjoy yet another beautiful old city. This time, we toured the historic district on horse drawn carriage.



Meet my new friend Jake, a belgian draft horse who escorted us through the city :)



Our tour guide was dressed in conferderate garb and narrated the history of the city.



There were cobblestone streets...



hallowed steeples...








and stately mansions.

















No day is complete without some good food! ;) Off to Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co.



I opted for the crab stuffed shrimp covered with Monterey jack cheese. And it was an excellent choice!



Karen chose the cajun boiled shrimp. All good! And all gone! :)