Asheville, NC; Jordan Lake, NC; Eagles Concert

We arrived in North Carolina about a week ago.  Great to be near family again as we wait for the arrival of our granddaughter (Cheryl and Darren are both doing fine).  We will be here until the end of November or so; it feels good to stay put for a while.

Jordan Lake State Park

Arriving at Jordan Lake State Park near Apex, NC, (just outside of Raleigh, NC) we had our pick of several campgrounds positioned around this large sprawling lake.  Some of the park's campgrounds start closing down at the end of October here, but they keep at least one campground open all year.  We picked "Poplar Point" campground since it is RV friendly and has water and electric hookups.  It was a little busy on the weekend, but cleared out a lot by Monday.  We've had some beautiful days here; October is a great month to be in NC! 

Poplar Point Campground - Jordan Lake State Park

We will stay here for about 10 days and then move to a private RV park a little southeast of Raleigh where we will be able to stay through the month of November.  (Note:  North Carolina State Parks have a policy that you can only stay in the same park a maximum of 14 days in a 30 day period.)  An interesting dilemma we had is finding an acceptable park in the area where we could stay for longer than the 14 days the State Parks allow.  We didn't think it would be that difficult, but this area proved to be a little bit of a challenge.  We preferred to stay in one spot if possible, fairly close to Cheryl and Darren, and have full hookups.  (Maybe a lot to ask for!)  We finally found something that will work, just kept digging around and making phone calls.

Smoky Mountains - Blue Ridge Parkway

On our way to the Raleigh area, we stopped in Asheville, NC for a couple of days.  Asheville is known for its' location in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, the grand Biltmore Estate, and other attractions.  We opted for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Marion, NC.   The Blue Ridge Parkway is part of the National Parks system and is referred to as "America's Favorite Drive".  Mount Mitchell (in Mount Mitchell State Park) along this section of the Parkway, is the highest summit east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet.  (Very limited camping available here.)

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles from Virginia to Tennessee, connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is closed to commercial vehicles. With sharp curves and low tunnels, the Parkway is generally not suited for large RV's, so the short section we drove was in the car.  You can pick up the Parkway in many locations and drive as little or as much of it as you want.


There is a Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center in Asheville with driving and hiking maps available. The scenic drive provides a slower pace, with lots of overlook areas to pull off on, points of interest, and hiking opportunities.  A beautiful and interesting drive since one minute you can be in complete sunshine and the next in the low clouds that make the mountains "smoky".
 

Greensboro Coliseum

Shifting gears a little; we were very excited when the timing of our NC arrival worked out for us to go to the Eagles Concert in Greensboro on the 17th.  It seemed only fitting since the blog name is a tribute to our favorite band; one of their hits being "Life in the Fast Lane" (which they played as their final song before encores).  The Greensboro Coliseum is only a little over an hour from Jordan Lake.

Deacon Frey - new "Eagle"

T.B.Schmit, V.Gill, D.Henley, D.Frey, J.Walsh, S.Smith

You'll have to indulge me while I get a little carried away writing about the concert. As you may know, after band leader and co-founder, Glenn Frey,  passed away last year, the band's future was uncertain; but with the addition of Glenn's son, Deacon Frey, and country artist Vince Gill, they are able to put on quite a show.  Along with long time Eagles, Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmit and Joe Walsh, they played all the old favorites and left the sold out Greensboro Coliseum (mostly baby boomer) crowd very happy.  The "Hotel California" encore was terrific as they are getting ready to release a 40th anniversary edition of the Hotel California album in November.

"Tequila Sunrise"

The older members of the band are about to turn 70, if you can believe that.  We loved the concert and enjoyed talking to other "baby boomers" seated around us. 

"Already Gone"

"Already Gone" performed by the Eagles is another favorite.  Maybe a little wisdom in the lyric?:

    "so often times it happens that we live our lives in chains; and we never even know we have the key"


Everyone has different life passions and dreams; remember to consider the possibilities.

"Work Station" - Jordan Lake

Back to Jordan Lake; we had our first dinner guests over since leaving Michigan.  Cheryl, Darren, and Darren's parents, Sharon and Sylvan stopped over on a beautiful evening for hot dogs on the fire and s'mores.   We got to show them the motorhome and enjoyed stories and laughs around the fire.

We have logged over 5,000 miles since leaving Michigan in early September and have enjoyed every one.  It will feel good to spend the next month or so here in NC.  Posts may be a little less frequent, but still plan on passing along experiences and information on the RV lifestyle.  

Waco, TX (Magnolia Market & Bakery) & Hot Springs National Park, AR

Magnolia Market Silos

Waco TX - The drive to Waco turned into a little bit of an adventure due to the congested and construction riddled Fort Worth area on I-35W.  Between narrowing lanes and multiple road interchanges, we both had to be on our toes.  I think it would be difficult to maneuver the Motorhome through an area like this alone.  I tried to alert Jim to upcoming lane changes and exits, while looking down at the construction barriers that seemed too close for comfort; but we made it with no problem.  It turned out to be very warm here, in the 90's, so that was a little shock to the system after the Colorado Fall temperatures.

We arrived in Waco late in the afternoon and found the small RV park we were staying at about seven miles out of town.  When driving through part of Waco, we were reminded that it is the home of Baylor University.  Our route took us through the heart of the this very nice campus starting with the large football stadium located right off I-35.  We found a Texas BBQ place, Rudy's, to have dinner; very good food!

Bridge and River Walk - Brazos River

Bronze Cattle Drive sculptures in Park

Since we had several days here, we checked out the downtown area and everything "Magnolia". The Brazos River runs through Waco and there are several bridges that cross the water, including the historic Waco Suspension Bridge built in 1870, currently used as a pedestrian bridge.

Waco Suspension Bridge

Indian Springs Park and the Riverwalk create a nice setting along the river where they were setting up for a weekend festival. There is a bronze sculpture group in the park made up of 3 horseback riders and 25 longhorn cattle, honoring the Texas cattle drive history.   There is plenty of free parking, as well as the free "Silo District Trolley" to help people get around several blocks of shopping and dining.  Very easy to walk around, but lots of one-way streets to maneuver if you are driving.  We got some helpful tips from our daughter Beth, who visited Waco earlier this year.

Magnolia Market

Magnolia Market and Bakery at The Silos

The highlight was spending time checking out Magnolia Market and Bakery at the Silos, owned by the HGTV Fixer Upper couple Chip and Joanna Gaines.  I was beginning to wonder if it would live up to the hype, but I really liked the concept and how it was done.  If you like Joanna's style, it is clearly evident all around in the attention to detail everything has been given.  The Market has everything from home decor items to T-shirt to bags and purses and more.  There is a separate Garden Shop and garden area, as well as the large courtyard with a play area and lots of picnic table seating.

Magnolia Bakery

The Bakery, located in a separate building, usually has a line out the door but is worth the wait. Specializing in cupcakes and pastries, we ordered a couple of cinnamon rolls (and a few other goodies) and walked out to the courtyard area to sit and enjoy.  The cupcake purchase we saved for later.  All were delicious; my favorite being the Pumpkin Spice cupcake with cream cheese frosting.

Cupcake boxes - in shape of Silo!

Courtyard & Food Truck Area (Alico Bldg in background)

There are food trucks lining two sides of the courtyard area that would have made choosing just one for lunch difficult.  Our lunch timing didn't work out this time, but I probably would have gone for one of the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches from Cheddar Box or something from the Hot Dog House.

It seems "The Silos" venture in downtown Waco has spurred other redevelopment in the area.  It's really nice to see part of an older city coming back to life.  You have to give the Gaines' some credit for that in my opinion.

Trains run through town near Silos

Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast

We also visited Harp studios, owned by Clint Harp who makes a lot of furniture for Fixer Upper, and then we drove to McGregor, TX (about 15 miles from Waco) to see the B&B "Magnolia House" featured on episode of Fixer Upper.

Camp site outside of Hot Springs, AR

After leaving Waco, we headed northeast and spent a night in Texarkana, TX on the TX/AR border.  The next day we drove to Hot Springs, AR.  Located just south of the Ozark Mountain range, in the Ouachita Mountains (pronounced Washita), we found a very nice camp site that we enjoyed for a couple of days.

Fordyce Bathhouse - Hot Springs Park Visitor Center

"Needles Shower"

Bathing room and Steam Box

Hot Springs National Park - I knew very little about this Park and the Hot Springs, Arkansas area, but with it's National Parks designation, I was curious to check it out.  It turns out to be a pretty good history lesson and a little different than most of the other National Parks we have visited.  The main mission of Hot Springs National Park is to preserve numerous bathhouses that were built in the very early 1900's to take advantage of the natural hot springs water flowing out of the mountain at an average temperature of 143 degrees.  The bathhouses, and therefore part of the National Park, are actually located right in the City of Hot Springs along the Magnolia tree lined Central Avenue.  Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the Park's visitor center and is set up for self-guided tours.  There are separate areas for men and women and explanations of how the more affluent came here for healing and pampering.  There are a couple of the historic buildings being operated as modern day bathhouses/spas using the mineral water from Hot Springs Mountain.

Quapaw Baths - operating bathhouse/spa

The hot springs water is high in minerals and thought to have medicinal and beauty benefits.  Touring the preserved Fordyce Bathhouse made me realize it was the "spa" of that period.  There are also several old hotels in the town that used the water of the hot springs to lure guests.

Most of the flowing hot springs have been capped now for collection and distribution through underground piping; there are a view that are still visible.  The water is captured and used by the City and Parks Service.  There are several places where there are "cold" springs where people can go and fill containers for their own personal use.

Walkway to Grand Promenade area

Hot Springs Cascade

Hot Springs Mountain is directly behind the Bathhouses and from the half-mile brick "Grand Promenade"walkway you can see an example of the sandstone cliffs and hot springs cascade.

Mountain Tower

City of Hot Springs from Tower

There are several hiking trails around Hot Springs Mountain that start from the Promenade area. The most popular trail leads to the Mountain Tower.  It looks a little out of place sticking way above the tree tops, but it was a pretty nice view from the top.  When going to the top, you can take the elevator or the stairs.  (I have to confess, we took the elevator.)

I-40 over Mississippi River-Memphis

 Continuing our travel east, we crossed over the Mississippi River  at the AR/TN border coming into Memphis.

Mousetail Landing State Park camp site

Mousetail Landing State Park -  About 150 miles east of Memphis, near Linden, TN, off the beaten path, we found this park along the Tennessee River and decided to stay a night.  Nice, quiet park where we were one of 3 or 4 campers there for the night.  At first I thought it may have been a mistake when the entrance to the park and drive to the camp site turned out to be a winding/curvy road with some big hills.  It's still an adjustment for me to get used to the size of our vehicle on some of these roads.  Thank goodness Jim handles it fine and we get to take advantage of some out of the way places. Once we were settled, we had time for a rigorous hike down to the river to catch the sunset (coming back uphill was the rigorous part).

Mousetail Landing State Park -Tennessee River at sunset

Jim looking out over River

Colorado Springs Area, including Pike Peaks

Pikes Peak Cog Railway at the summit

Lots to see and do in the Colorado Springs area.  It’s feeling more like Fall as we wrap up our time in Colorado.  We stayed at a park just south of Colorado Springs, in Fountain, Colorado. Nice park with full hook ups.  We have noticed the crowds at the parks are dwindling as the weather turns cooler.  Just like other areas of the State, there seems to be a lot of growth here, including new shopping centers and housing.  Like Denver, Colorado Springs is situated at the base of the Rockies and is home of the Air Force Academy and Olympic Training Center complex, both offering tours.

Sign posted in train boarding area

Pikes Peak has to be the main attraction here as the snow covered peak can be seen for miles.  When we were here in 1976 we actually drove the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit.  

 This time we took the Pikes Peak Cog Railway out of neighboring Manitou Springs.  A very enjoyable 3+ hour round trip that included about 40 minutes at the summit. Learning our lesson from 41 years ago when we drove to the summit in shorts and t-shirts; we dressed warmer and had extra clothes with us.  Even though it was 70 degrees in Colorado Spring on Sunday, it was 22 degrees (13 wind chill) at the top.

Quick picture at the Summit

View from Summit - Colorado Springs

Mountain Lake view from trail

There is a small gift shop at the summit with a snack bar and restrooms.  The vistas are pretty spectacular, but we could not stay outside long due to the temperature and high winds.  Views from the train were also breathtaking.  The train travels the 8.9 mile trip at a slow climb, sometimes at a 25% grade.  Starting at an elevation of 6,500 feet at the Manitou Springs station, it takes over an hour to reach the 14,115' summit.  Prior to departing the station, they offer oxygen cans for sale, in case you might need it for the trip.  We skipped this purchase and did not have any problem.  

Once the train was above the tree line, we started seeing snow.  There was a good amount at the summit; however, the wind was blowing it around pretty good.  There was some wildlife along the way, including ram sheep and deer.  In some spots the Aspens were hanging on with some color.  There were views of mountain lakes and the City of Colorado Springs in the far background.  The train runs year round and they use snow removal equipment on the tracks to keep it open as much as possible.  There are times they cannot run all the way to the summit if there is too much snow.

"Siamese Twins"

Garden of the Gods Park features unique red rock formations that seem to randomly crop up out of the earth.  Owned by the City of Colorado Springs this no fee park includes a 6.2 mile drive through the park, along with numerous walking and hiking trails.  There are names for all the different rock formations and sometimes you have to use your imagination a little to see how the name fits; other times it’s obvious. 

Road next to "Balanced Rock"

Key Hole in Siamese Twin Rock - View of Pikes Peak

"Balanced Rock"

Most of the red rock formations can be seen while driving through the Park or with a short walk, while a few others require a longer hike.  We enjoyed a morning of hiking here (nothing too strenuous) and ate lunch at the Trading Post café.  There is a very nice visitors center across the street from the main entrance of the Park.

If you look closely, Pike Peak can be seen through the “keyhole” in the rock I am sitting beside. 

Royal Gorge Bridge and Gondola

Royal Gorge is in Canon City, about an hour southwest of Colorado Springs.  It is more of a “tourist attraction” than other areas we visited.  We were here in 1976 also, however, it has been expanded to include gondola rides and zip lining across the gorge, a bungee swing, and an amphitheater for summer concerts, and more.  The bridge is a pedestrian bridge and there is a pretty hefty per person fee to even step foot on the bridge.   

Royal Gorge - Arkansas River

 While the gorge and bridge are quite a marvel (900 ft above the Arkansas River), it feels a little too “touristy” or commercialized for me. As you can see the pictures, the gondola ride could be quite an experience not to mention zip lining if you are brave and don't mind the fees.  We did not partake in any of the activities, but did have a nice picnic lunch at one of the picnic areas overlooking the gorge.  One interesting note is that in 2013 a wildfire destroyed the buildings, but caused only minor damage to the bridge.  They quickly rebuilt and added even more entertainment options; including the new gondola ride.

On our way back to Colorado Springs, just outside of Canon City, we found a very interesting road. Skyline Drive is a one-way road built right on the ridge of the mountain.  The road eventually wound around to downtown Canon City.  With drop offs on each side I had to admit to having sweaty palms a few times. Even with the overcast, it was a pretty nice view.

Skyline Drive Canon City

Views from Skyline Drive

Silver Cascade Falls Trail

We wanted to check out Cheyenne Mountain since it was directly west of our camp site and we saw several signs for a park.  We found two parks: Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a recreation area with some camping available, but mostly hiking and bike trails.  North Cheyenne Canyon Park, owned by the City of Colorado Springs, has a nice drive through the canyon and numerous hiking trails.  We did a short hike around Helen Hunt Falls (no, not the actress, a Colorado author), and Silver Cascade Falls.  A short, steep hike with several bridges over the falls.

Helen Hunt Falls

Silver Cascade Falls

I read later that there is a warming in this area for mountain lions and black bear being more active this time of year leading up to winter hibernation.  Probably should have checked this out BEFORE the hike, although I believe the warning applies more to the back country trails. The trail we were on was near a visitors center and roads.  Generally, we tend to shy away from trails with wild life warnings.

If you couldn't tell yet, we really love Colorado.  (Although Michigan will always be our first love!)  Colorado has so much to offer.  In previous trips we visited other areas to be considered when coming here: including Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction; Mesa Verde National Park; ski towns of Aspen, Vail and Winter Park; Durango, and the Silverton to Ouray - "Million Dollar Highway".

Leaving Colorado, we decided to head southeast through Oklahoma into Texas.  A visit to Waco, TX and HGTV Fixer Upper Magnolia Silos and Market is next.  From there we are hoping to head back northeast to Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas.