Thursday morning, and we're at Lake Powhatan in Pisgah National Forest, just outside Asheville.

Tuesday afternoon the rain stopped after lunch, and while it remained cloudy and damp, we were able to hike to Stone Mountain Falls.  Ranger seemed quite happy to get out of the RV and move a bit.

Yesterday we packed up and drove approximately 150 miles to Asheville.  We parked the RV at the Visitors Center (where there was a good farmers' market at which I got apples, veggies, and muffins for breakfast).  From there, we boarded one of the "red trolleys" which provide a tour of the city with commentary.  One can hop on or off at various stops to shop, browse around, try out one of the restaurants, or visit a museum.  But we rode the whole loop, learning about the sites from a tour guide who spoke for an hour and a half, spouting all sorts of facts and figures along with corny jokes, while driving a large trolley through the narrow streets of the downtown area and dodging traffic.  Well worth the time and money for seeing the sights of Asheville!

We're camping for two nights here, and I rather wish we had planned for more time.  The National Forest has lots of hiking trails and our site is good.  Today we plan to spend the day at the Biltmore. How can one visit Asheville without touring "America's Largest House"?  We were told that one can spend two full days touring the estate, but we'll make do with just one day before heading up the Blue Ridge Parkway tomorrow.

Tuesday morning, and it is still rainy.  We spent the whole day inside yesterday as a steady rain fell.  Actually we got out a few times when the rain diminished to a drizzle, to get Ranger moving a bit, and each time the rain picked up while we were away from the RV.  The day was spent reading and relaxing, not a bad thing for a vacation, though I would like to see a bit more of this state park.

Today's forecast is for the chance of rain (now 70%) to gradually drop, so we may be able to get out for a hike or walk in the afternoon.  It is definitely warmer today, and right now it's very foggy.

Sunday we awoke to the sun....finally.  With only a 92 mile drive to our next stop, we spent the morning walking on the Little Mountain Falls trail, giving Ranger a chance to expend some of his considerable energy.  We left Fairy Stone SP in early afternoon for a drive that was mostly on winding two-lane roads.  We crossed into North Carolina and drove through Mt. Airy, NC, which is the home of the Andy Griffiths Museum.  Local businesses' names tended to reference Mayberry and its characters.

We arrived at Stone Mountain State Park around 4:30.  The park is relatively new and the camping area is in an open field, though they did leave patches of tall grasses and wildflowers as barriers between sites.  The area with electric hookups has only 8 campers, so we have plenty of privacy.  Although the forecast is for much rain over the next two days, the evening was pleasant enough to grill dinner and sit out at a fire.  We even got to see an almost full moon rising before the clouds moved in.

Sometime during the night, the rain started, and from the weather report, it will continue through the day and night, with the chance of rain dropping to only 70% tomorrow.  Fortunately we are dry and snug in our RV, and we have plenty of snacks and reading matter.  I was able to get Ranger out for a long walk early in the day, before the heavier rain set in, and the park is very nice----well-kept with many hiking trails, which will have to be left for a drier day.

Along Lakeshore Trail in Fairy Stone State Park, VA.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Our night’s sleep was interrupted by a BIG storm which soaked the outside rugs, firewood, and even the chairs which were under the awning.  Poor Ranger, afraid as he is of storms, spent time huddled in the tiny bathroom area, pressed up against the toilet.  This morning, the rain let up, but we have had a day of overcast skies and cool temperatures.

After sleeping late and having a big breakfast, we were able to get in a short hike, 2.5 or 3 miles, in between rain showers.  We headed down toward the lake and picked up a trail that led to the dam at the end of the lake.  The leaves are just starting to change color and there were lots of bright yellows, along with some red dogwood or sumac.  Ranger was full of energy and enthusiastic about finally getting out of the RV. 

We planned to meet up with a woman up the road who wanted to go to the 3:00 program at the visitor’s center; however, the rain picked up again and we have spent the past hours relaxing inside, reading.  So nice not to be tent camping when conditions are like this!  

Starting our trip

Friday, Sept. 28, 2012

Our annual fall camping trip began somewhat badly.  We left home in mid-morning for what should have been a fairly easy 4.5-5 hour drive to Fairy Stone State park.  On Route 360 in Chesterfield, all traffic stopped, and we were told that the road would be closed for about an hour.  An alternate route was suggested; that turned out to be a narrow road with overhanging limbs, one of which whacked the top of the RV hard, leaving scratches.  Back on our way, we watched the clouds gather and by Danville we were in pouring rain.  Fortunately, it did not last too long, and we arrived at the state park around 4:00.  A friendly campground host provided a hiking map and some suggestions of trails we might like. 

We had light rain showers throughout the evening, but with enough stops between that we were able to enjoy a campfire.  

Next trip:  The mountains! We'll be heading for the western parts of Virginia and North Carolina, starting on Sept. 28.  First stop is Fairy Stone State Park.

Starting to get the lists ready and packing done....and trying to get ahead on stuff at work in order to be gone for a week.