Barr's Fiddle Shop

We stopped by Barr's Fiddle Shop in Galax, Virginia. That's me with Stevie Barr, the owner. He's a really cool guy. He "got" me right away because his wife works with autistic children. Dad bought a mandolin from him and he gave me a free dish of ice cream.

Blue Ridge Parkway

We drove a 60 mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway on a beautiful morning. It sure was spectacular. Up close, the mountains are very green. When you look at them from far away, through the haze, they're blue.

Look Homeward, Angel

Well, we're not quite headed home yet but we did stop by the Thomas Wolfe House in Asheville, North Carolina where the author grew up. This a nice medium-sized city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains with coffee shops, bookstores, and everything else a long distance traveler needs.

I'm Only Sleeping

"Please don't wake me, no don't shake me
Leave me where I am
I'm only sleeping"

If you think I'm getting out of this comfy hotel bed anytime soon, you're crazy.

The Appalachian Trail

We camped for two nights in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and did some hiking. My dad says that in South Carolina if you say you're planning to hike the Appalachian Trail, what you really mean to say is that you're going to hang out with your mistress in Argentina. I have no idea what he's talking about, but we really did hike a section of the Appalachian Trail... really.

Lookout For That Mountain!

O.K., I know the post title is a bad pun... just indulge me, please.

We stayed with my step-aunt, Mary Beth Conklin, at her home in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. She served us a very nice dinner. I'm not much of a green salad guy but I ate many slices of ham. The next day we toured the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga which was awesome. It's the largest fresh water aquarium in the country. Mary Beth owns the local Learning Express store, so we went to check it out. Guess who walked in to shop while we were there? It was Usher, the famous singer. There was much excitement and snapping of selfies among the staff and customers.

Thanks for your hospitality, Mary Beth.

Shiloh National Military Park

We visited both the Corinth and Shiloh sections of the park, in Mississippi and Tennessee respectively. At Shiloh the rangers gave a cannon demonstration for the public. That was a really loud gun. I'm glad I wasn't at the actual battle back in 1862. But then again, I don't think the Union or Confederate armies would have wanted me for a soldier (too much self-preservation instinct and not great at following orders I don't agree with).