The Biltmore

We pulled out of South Carolina on the 27th of June and headed for Asheville,  North Carolina to visit the Biltmore Estate.  We have been wanting to visit the Biltmore ever since Tonya and her family moved to Charlotte, but it seemed  every time we came up there was not enough time.  Now that we are retired, we no longer have that excuse.  We had reservations at the Bear Creek Campground just outside of Asheville and it was very nice, and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area.  We only had one issue and it was minor and easily overcome.  Sherree is always the one that directs the backing-in process when we don't have a pull through.  She tried to back us into the wrong place, but we finally got on the same page and all went smoothly.

The Biltmore was only about 5 miles or so from the campground so it was an easy drive.  Alicia had ordered tickets ahead of time and if anyone is planning to go, significant savings can be realized by doing the same.  The Biltmore is a private estate and as such, the entrance fees and tours fund the upkeep.  If you are ever in the area it is definitely worth your time and money to see it.  Some pictures are posted below but only from the outside.  No photos are allowed inside.  It is beyond our comprehension that someone 33 years old and unmarried could build such a magnificent place.  We did not have time to take any of the specialty tours but we will be back and will take some if not all of the tours.  We also visited the winery onsite and had a great time at the free wine tasting.  Free is always good.

 As you peer at the windows and over the doors there are figures everywhere and no two are alike.  None of this can be seen from the road.  When guests arrived they drove through several miles of beautifully landscaped roads, as did we, and suddenly one rounds the corner and sees the house.

A closer view of the front enterance

This restaurant was at one time stables

One could spend a day just walking through the gardens.  We only had time to drive by.

This was the only day we experienced any rain on our trip.  As we completed the wine tour we went to the Biltmore village.  It is a group of shops for souvenirs and food.  There was a ice cream shop and it sheltered us from the rain and at the same time satisfied our sweet tooth.  All in all the trip to the Biltmore was all we expected and as mentioned earlier we will be back.

Familiy Reunion

Pulled out of DFW on June 18 and headed for Clarksville, Texas to pick up Dudley's sister Alicia, and her husband, Jamey.  Struck out on a trip to visit family Dudley and Alicia had not seen for several years.  They have cousins in Atlanta, Georgia and near Greenville, South Carolina.  We were a little concerned that it might feel cramped with four adults in the MH but that was not the case.  We had plenty of room and enjoyed the drive every day.

First stop was Atlanta to visit their cousin Pat Cannon.  That turned into a search for a missing person.  Dudley and Alicia had not been able to contact Pat for some time and when we arrived at her home no one answered the door.  Her car was in the garage, the lawn had be freshly mowed, and there were a few letters in the mailbox.  In fact Alicia's last letter was there. Where could she be?  Alicia and Sherree went to one neighbor and Dudley headed in the other direction.  The girls encountered some large dogs at the first house and decided not to go to the door.  No one was home at the residence that Dudley tried. The second try by the girls was more successful.  The neighbors were good friends with Pat and knew that she had moved to an assisted living apartment in Gainsville, Georgia after a stay in the hospital.  Thank goodness for GPS.  We headed to Gainsville, found Pat and had a great visit.  We got her new address and phone number so we can keep in touch.

 Although in a wheel chair for the moment we found Pat to be in good spirits and doing well. 

We next headed for Greenville, South Carolina to visit our cousins there.  We met at Buddy and Donna Dudley's home where we visited with them and as well as Larry, Buddy's brother.  Also there were sisters Mickey and Jackie.  Dudley, Alicia, Larry, Buddy, Mickey, and Jackie are all first cousins.  With the exception of Buddy and Donna,  Dudley and Alicia and not seen any of the others of over 20 years.  It was a wonderful visit.  We hope it's not another 20 years before we see them again.

 Our wonderful hosts, Buddy and Donna Dudley

We cannot thank them enough for letting us use their beautiful home to gather.  Although we ask Donna not to go to a lot of trouble she had great food prepared for us and we all ate our fill.  True southern hospitality.

Here is the whole group.  From left to right are sisters, Jackie & Mickey, sister and brother, Alicia and Dudley, and brothers Buddy and Larry.  After a lot of discussion we all decided we have not aged a day.  

Not a very serious group.

Even the in-laws had a great time talking car and motorcycle racing.