Sarah and Brian's North Carolina Trip 2022

                                          Cute old cabin in Banner Elk, NC-- at the foot of Beech Mountain. Photo by Mac.   Brian and I had to pivot today-- as our plans were changed when we drove to Valle Crucis Conference Center only to see that it is CLOSED on Sundays.  He suggested that we explore the small village of Banner Elk-- located at the foot of Beech Mountain-- since we were already " down the mountain".   It ended up being a wonderful little outing. We parked the truck at a public parking lot and walked the main drag. Not much is open on a Sunday morning in Appalachian North Carolina, but we found a quaint and family-owned coffee shop. We ordered some coffee { Brian , wo had NOT eaten breakfast before we set out for the morning-- ordered a scone with the coffee.                        ...

                      Its always a good morning when a dog is involved. Photo by Mac.      I woke up to another amazing Beech Mountain sunrise. The Boston Celtics lost their playoff game, but they still have a chance. Brian and I hung out with the family as we ate our breakfast and sipped our morning coffee.  Maple, the dog, offered herself to anyone missing their furry family member at home.              One of the many historic buildings in Blowing Rock, NC. Photo by Mac.  Brian and I were on the road to Blowing Rock, NC. Our GPS took us on a wild backroad trip that included a long dirt road that led to a beautiful part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our truck's lower half looks like we ran through a " mudding" event back in Western Pennsylvania, but we will not bother to wash it until we are back at sea level.  Blowing Rock is a charming little town that sit 4...

                                        View from across the Mile High Swinging Bridge on top of Grandfather Mountain, NC Photo by Mac.  Brian and I-- unable to find Linville Falls, pivoted and visited Grandfather Mountain today. Last year was Brian's first trip to this famous natural wonder.  We got there at 8 A.m.-- at opening and THOUGHT we would start the day with a crossing of The Mile High Swinging Bridge.                                              A selfie of us on the summit early today. It was WINDY, and my hair blew everywhere.  I made my first attempt to cross the bridge in the morning, but the wind brought back some memories of past storms that I would rather not relive, so we drove to the animal preserve further down the mountain. We trained to c...

                                              Dressy family shot of the Southern McCarrens Photo by Val   It was a busy day.  Brian and I joined my brother, is wife and my parents for a 50th anniversary party.                                                      Brian and me {with St C} all dressed up .  Our cousin, Jessi & her dog arrived this evening. It is nice to have a dog in the house, since I am so accustomed to a dog's presence in the house.  Beech Mountain, the village, is the highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi River.    Tomorrow--- Linville Falls!  ~Mac

                                                    Me at the campus of Appalachian State University, in Boone, NC. Photo by Brian  Brian and I waited until the fog lifted to drive into nearby Boone, North Carolina. We ate brunch at a quaint little eatery that specialized in bagels.  Anne-Lynne & St C joined us and posed for a photo.                                        Anne-Lynne and St C pose with the Boone Bagels Breakfast menu. Photo by Mac     After breakfast we enjoyed a nice walk around campus and bought some Appalachian State " swag"  Boone is an old town, with new & old architecture. We were struck by the beauty of an old church situated among the more modern campus buildings on King Street.      ...

                                         Anne-Lynne and St Christopher wake up the mountain. Photo by Mac.     The Celtics won their second playoff game, so people were up late last evening. But since I grew up watching the Celtics, I am happy that they won.    It is really foggy this morning, the fog has not lifted yet and the chill is invigorating.  Fog always occurs in the morning here, and it is a perfect place to give thanks to God for bringing us safely to Beech Mountain again.  Today Brian and I are doing an urban hike in nearby Boone.  This evening is a 50 th  anniversary party for some friends, so we'll return and change into our " dressy" clothes.   I'll get some photos of our Boone adventures.  ~Mac

                                            Pinecone Manor House Photo by Mac  We had some good family time this afternoon. Our Pennsylvania family arrived this afternoon, and we all had some visiting time. Supper was delicious, Mom brough her specialty-- vegan lentil vegetable soup. Brian and I are going to Boon early tomorrow-- the 50th wedding anniversary party starts at 4 pm, so we will make an early urban hiking day in Boone.                                  Family in the Great Room, as seen from the second-floor landing.                                    Brian and I took at walk around our neighborhood after supper Here are some wildflowers that we saw blooming along the mountain road....

                                              We made it!  Photo By Mom  We made it! It was a harrowing all-day drive in the rain, but we made it safely to Beech Mountain. Brian & I are REALLY tired, so we are taking this afternoon to chill at Pinecone Manor. The view from our deck is a mazing. Check it out!                                            Three States. Photo by Mac.                                             Literally, we are ' in the clouds." Photos by Mac.                                  I am REALLY tired, so I will post more later or tomor...

                                      Brian and my nephew zoned out in front of the TV. Atlanta GA. 2022 Photo                                          by Mac.  We had a great time with our young nephew and niece today. Brian, bless his wonderful soul, played some billiards games with the kids {I don't play AT ALL} We listened to songs from Hamilton : The Musical  and it turns out that Nephew is a BIG fan of that musical.  Niece and I did some coloring--- she's really talented with visual art and we colored out of a " grown up" coloring book that I bought her for Christmas.   There is a hockey game on for Brian tonight, so I am figuring out what I want to do now that the kids are in bed.   We are not leaving early tomorrow, so I might write again...

                                                      Anne-Lynne & St C in the truck on our way to Nc. Stopping in                                              Atlanta overnight.  We arrived in Atlanta safe & sound.  This morning we dropped off the dog at the borders and started on our way to the first stop, my brother's house in Atlanta. We arrived here at 1300 {Eastern time}. I took a dip in the pool with my nephew. It was cool, but after 6 hours in the truck, I was glad to be able to stretch my legs in weightlessness.  Anne-Lynne hanging out poolside with St Chris.  The pool was cooler than I'd anticipated, and since I'd gotten some mosquito bites, Brian & I drove down the road to CVS for over-the-counter a...

                                                     " Prince Harry" our dog.   I got the dog's bag packed. When we are out of town, Harry goes to the boarders' -- who is also our veterinarian.  Every other dog I've loved HATED going to boarding and/ or the vet, but our silly Harry Hound LOVES going there.  The assistants spoil him with affection & treats & he gets the run of the big fenced-in yard each day-- weather permitting of course.   I packed his food, his blanket and at least one tennis ball.  There is a bedtime crate that is " his" when he stays at camp. thankfully, our canine child does well with both people & other dogs, so he enjoys his " camp" experience. Plus, he knows that Mom & Dad will return to take him home.  The last time we boarded him, he was reluctant to leave-- he gave Dr E--...

                                                    Anne-Lynne has the correct idea.   It is Sunday afternoon. The Celtics are on TV {playing for the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP-- Yee-haw} this evening. We had a wonderful Pentecost celebration at church this morning, and so far, the rain as stayed away.   Vacation,{ and the fast from social media that will happen concurrently} cannot come soon enough for me.    Already I am weary of the Florida summer humidity, and I am starting to lose track of the days of the week due to the summer slowdown of activities. While I am leaning into the idea of sabbatical , I will honestly tell you that it is hard to stay in slow-down mode without wanting to curl up with my favorite University of West Florida stadium blanket and hibernate.  I think the upcoming trip back to the North Carolina mounta...

                                        A deer. Beech Mountain, NC 2021 Photo by Mac  I am BEYOND ready for a media break. Today has been shitty & this sabbatical will be so much more rest-full once I get up to our NC " cabin" {Really, y'all should SEE this place-- wow} and totally unplug from the rest of humanity's debauchery.  Here is a link to the " cabin" that my parents rented for us this year. The place is beautifully constructed and decorated-- but for me the VIEW is what calls my soul to a much-needed renewing.  Pinecone Manor In a few days, Brian & I will be among some of my favorite humans in one of Creation's most beautiful places. {yes, I know the Rockies & the Alps are majestic, but for me NOTHING is as awe-inspiring as the Appalachian Highlands in Western North Carolina.   Some of my best memories from childhood are centered in explo...

                                          Selfie of Brian and me at last evenings free outdoor community concert.   Trip preparations start in earnest today. Brian went to the pharmacy to pick up one of his prescriptions that was due for a refill, & I did two loads of " trip laundry.  Since we are driving halfway, stopping at my brother's house in Atlanta over Tuesday night { our rental starts on WEDNESDAY, so we get a break if we leave early on Tuesday]    I'm hoping that these will be the final two laundry loads I must do before our departure.    We still need to pack our toiletries & computer bags--- those will be the last bags filled.    Brian and I will each carry a backpack with our personal items... including rain gear, my Book of Common Prayer ,  some writing utensils, and my journal. I'm choosing to NOT carry a purse,...

                                      This is not a very good photo but meet " Anne-Lynne" She's a hand-made " raggedy Ann" rag doll who joined the family last December. Her creator is a local woman who makes ADORABLE rag dolls of all genders and colors & cute accessories for them.  She is named for my Grandma Anne & also a dear friend. Both women died during the Pandemic. She travels with us. North Carolina will be her first sojourn out of Florida.                                    This is " Chris", the travel ambassador who gets to travel on several trips per year with parishioners of our church.  He is not thrilled about sharing the travel duty with a rag doll, but he will adjust. Chris went to Beech Mountain last year with us & is looking forward to te trip a...

                                            Morning Fog on Beech Mountain. July 2021 Photo By Mac Brian and I are taking a much-needed  break in the North Carolina Mountains. Beech Mountain is a sacred place for me for many reasons, and it is my hope and prayer that people will follow our journey here.  We leave on Tuesday of next week.  Yes, Brian and I already packed our clothes and most of the other things we'll need for our week in the Carolina High Country. During that time I am taking a total break from social media.... so I'll use this blog as the platform to share our adventures.   Why the total temporary break from social media during this time?  The answer is quite simple: I discovered during my parish's Womens' Retreat this past April that even a two-day break from social media  refreshed my pandemic-weary soul. One of the BIG lesson...