Dinos for Max and Zachary

Hello there Max and Zachary. Aunt Kim told me that you liked Dinosaurs, so I made you some pictures just of Dinosaur stuff from the Smithsonian. One of these isn't a Dinosaur actually, can you tell me which one isn't?

Love you both,

James and Kim

Are you getting tired of reading this boring blog? There seems to be more entertainment being had by comparing verification words than by my brilliant writing. It isn't easy having the discipline to sit down and update this thing after a long day of screwin' off. I only have about three and a half weeks left of this sojourn, so you will be spelled soon.

We are so overwhelmed with history right now that my brain is about to explode. I can't absorb or recall much anymore, so this is frustration. We are in a KOA right next to Harper's Ferry, WV. If you are like I was before this visit you know the name, but not the significance. It was and is a cute little town on the confluence of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers where rifles were made for the government pre-Civil War. John Brown got the idea that he could raid the town, steal the armaments and give them to the slaves with which to start a revolt. He had already purchased hundreds of pikes with Philanthropic monies from the North, but decided that rifles were needed as well. He invited the famous freed slave Frederick Douglass along for the fun, but Douglass said "No Thanks!" The attempt failed and John Brown was hanged in December of 1859, 18 months later the Civil War started. Most agree that this action by Brown was a catalyst. There is the history lesson about Harpers Ferry in a nut shell.

We had a "nice" time in the Shenandoah park. We have been to just about half of the National Parks in the U.S. now, so we are critics. Shenandoah is packed full of turnouts with nice views of the valleys which I am sure are breathtaking in the Fall. The hikes we went on had some relatively nice water features, but a lot of felled timber and clutter. Recent storms of ice and hurricane winds have tipped many trees and the summer green hadn't come in yet to disguise any of it. I can only imagine how busy this park is in the summers as this weekend saw 90% occupancy already. The main campground was big, clean, and well organized. We got the best spot in the whole place with a commanding view of the valley. I just wanted to say "commanding view", but the sight was really the best.

My little "Schmee" as I have been calling her is sick in the back of the R.V. right now. We had the most beautiful spring weather the last two days, but I am afraid that the pollen is flying and Kim has allergies bad, so she is feeling miserable while this weather is so nice. She is convinced that she is going to be all better by morning, but I'm afraid misses glass-is-half-full is going to be disappointed.

It feels like we are headed to the home station of Fayetteville at warp speed. We have got used to seeing so many things and doing it at our leisure, I could do it for another two years, but the funds have run out, so it's back to work. I will let the sniffly girl blog about D.C. I am getting a headache just thinking about the Smithsonian museums and all we packed in.

Hey, what do you know. My word verification is TAJNTGAL. Tagent gal or Tuna and Julie Need To Get A Life. Just kidding, I know at this point if it weren't for the ACRONYMS you probably wouldn't even log on to this boring @#$!.

Love you-ins all.

James

Jees, I had 8 misspelled words with spellcheck. It would be nice if this had grammar check to save me too.

1. Kim on Rose River log crossing 2. Dark Hollow Falls - Shenandoah 3. Lewis Falls - Shenandoah 4. In light of Kim's prior driving record I was eager to buy this shirt for her, but she said she wouldn't wear it, so I had her model it instead. 5. Catholic church on the hill in Harpers Ferry, WV

Jefferson and Monroe were Slackers

We spent the day yesterday touring Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's Home) and Ashlawn-Hyland (James Monroe's Home). I had to ask during each of the tours "how much of this stuff is actually Jefferson's stuff or Monroe's stuff?" "Most of it." was the reply. It was amazing that through all of these generations that their homes and their stuff has survived to be viewed by all of the modern generations. Unfortunately we have been mingling with all too much of the modern generation. The last few attractions we have been to seem to be popular destinations for school field trips and I haven't seen a future Thomas Jefferson in the lot. Absorbing all that Thomas Jefferson accomplished is a daunting task. Writing the Declaration of Independence, ambassador to France, President for two terms, Virginia Congressman, inheriting his father's plantation at age 21 and running it, keeping detailed journals of everything he did, political writings, writing upwards of 19,000 letters, he kept a 6,700 volume library, reading in seven languages, being an authority on gardening and crop rotation, art, science, mechanical engineering, law, architecture, building Monticello, starting the University of Virginia in his retirement and yet he still died way in debt, what a slacker. Jefferson said "I can't live without books." I am standing there reading that quote and thinking "I have survived quite well without books, Tom." The male ego in me makes me argue that I could be in the other guys shoes if I wanted, but I just don't want to cause I am happy being me. I can't even begin to set up an argument that I could be like Thomas Jefferson and that pisses me off and makes me feel worthless. Then we go to James Monroe's house. Virginia Congressman, U.S. Congressman, ambassador to France twice, Secretary of State and Secretary of War at the same time, U.S. President, and so on. O.K. there are two guys that I can never aspire to being like and they are practically neighbors. Did our young country afford these guys opportunities at greatness or were they just born into wealth and inherited the opportunities. Have we discovered so much that we no longer need the DaVincis, Einsteins, Gallileos, Jeffersons, Edisons, Franklins and so on or have we just dumbed down and become so comfortable that we don't provide fertile ground for these minds?


Traveling for the last year has made me realize that I am not bound for greatness or riches. I don't have the drive that it takes or the intellect. I get depressed about the condition of our country and then I review history in a place like Monticello and realize that our outlook has always been bleak. We have always been on the brink of ruin as a country, a race or a planet. I am damn lucky to be driving around in an R.V. looking at all of this amazing scenery and history. I have grown up in a time where disease wasn't always at our doorstep and wars weren't fought on our soil. I could be running from a t-rex or a sabre tooth tiger, taking a lead ball to the chest, laying on me death bed with the plague or salmonella due to lack of refrigeration. Hey wait a minute! That is my calling, I keep stuff refrigerated so people don't die! I am the world's salvation and I didn't even know it. I have decided that I am perfectly happy fixing machinery. I need that immediate satisfaction of knowing that I fixed it, it is working now, and the people are happy and they will pay me now! Machinery is either not working right or it is working right, the machines don't have personalities to tiptoe around and they don't lie. I like the problem solving and working outside, so I like my trade. I just hate PEOPLE! I really hate the little brats at these cool historic places. They run in to you, they yell, they don't pay attention to the really pertinent information. I realize that it is the parents and the teachers who allow this behaviour. That is where Kim comes in. It is her job to change the direction of as many of these little shits as she can, she is the teacher. When I look at machinery sitting alongside a building I get a little nostalgic. When a horde of little punks comes roaring down a stairwell towards us I see Kim convulse and little red bumps raise up on her skin. I will be fine, but I don't know about the longevity of my wife. I sure hope she can get back in the groove and help make a difference with our next working generation. Bottom line..."the old lady needs to make some money!" Speaking of the old lady I am going to get some super glue and glue the cell phone to her ear to free up her left hand so's she can do some more house cleaning 'round here. Her sisters tag team the cell phone, right now it's Janet's turn. Good god almighty! Gossip Central around here.


Virginia is beautiful, spring is in full glory here. A thick blanket of small, light green leaves on the trees, dogwoods and azaleas in bloom.
1. Scene of Virginia valley and hills from the Blue Ridge Parkway
2. Mabry's Mill - Blue Ridge
3. Jefferson's bedroom and study ( I wasn't supposed to take pictures)
4. Monroe's house
5. Monticello

Merlefest Mania

Well we all survived Merlefest and had a great time. My parents drove out from Arkansas to join us for a weekend full of Bluegrass. They have been very gracious to take care of our dog, rent collecting and vehicle storage while we have been gone so James decided to give the old people a thrill and introduce them to their first music festival. My dad loves bluegrass and my mom likes anything you can dance to (I guess that's where I get it from) so Merlefest was a perfect fit. They even got here a day early so James & my dad were able to fish the pond at our campground. Luckily we had steaks in the fridge so we didn't have to depend on them or else we would have gone hungry. Sorry Tuna, once again no fish pictures.

We had 2 days of really nice weather and then yesterday it started off nice and then poured down rain. In less than 10 minutes I went from reapplying sun screen to grabbing my rain coat. After a 30 minute 'frog choker' as any good bluegrass fan would say, the sun came out and teased us for an hour and then it started raining again. Her frustration at the weather caused my mom to let out her strongest string of expletives.. 'well shoot a monkey'. No wonder I don't cuss, I never knew how.

The festival was extremely well run and everyone was so nice, good ol' southern hospitality I suppose. They had free parking with shuttles driven by the boy scouts, well their leaders not the actual scouts. There was also a church group set up across from the shuttle stop handing out free donuts, ice water, and hot dogs. The stages were all run very well and kept on time. They even had a tent just devoted to dance, you could learn how to clog or square dance or watch other people who actually knew what they were doing. The food was even reasonably priced. But the best thing of all was they had these portable trailer bathrooms with real stalls and sinks! Yes, it was a good festival. I do have to say it is a little intense to listen to over 30 hours of any kind of music in 3 days, so safe to say if I don't hear another banjo for a year I will not be sad.

James was so sweet to my parents, making us breakfast and a fire every morning and splurging for the reserved seats so we didn't have to lug chairs or sit on the ground at the main stage, yes he is good to his in-laws.

My parents left today to go see my sister Juli & her family in Savannah. Janet is trying to go into premature labor (she is not due until June 8th) hopefully she can hold off at least until they get home next week. Keep Janet in your thoughts and prayers, even baby nurses get nervous when they have to go to the hospital.

James and I are off tomorrow morning for Virginia. The clock is ticking so the next month is going to be action packed.

We hope all is well with everyone and we will see some of you soon!

Love, Kim

Pictures: Very cool inverted rainbow that came out after someone sang 'I'll fly away' as a tribute to Merle watson (coincidence?), my mom & dad between bands, my mom & I soaking up the sun, Doc Watson bluegrass legend, James banging his knee while trying to take a picture, I just wanted you to see the sacrifices he goes through :)

Chimbley Rock

After a day of trying to conjure up who the mysterious commenter T.W. was on our blog with their recommendation of Castle Rock, Kim and I figured out it must have been Tony Wing a.k.a. Santa Claus or the local expert on everything good 'ol boy. First of all, Tony, let me tell you that it isn't Castle Rock it is Chimney Rock or might we say Chimbley Rock since we are from Arkansas. Second of all, let it be known that when you suggest something to Kim she then fixates on it, researches it and if she likes the brochure enough it becomes a must visit. This is all fine and good Tony, but you must also remember that I am the one that is your friend and you shouldn't suggest places with 986 stairs going UP! Yes, there is an elevator, but Kim does not take elevators if there are stairs. I have to ask, Tony, did you take the stairs or the elevator hmmm?
It was a very cool place and definitely worth the $14 entry fee and the 986 stairs. My buttocks just recovered. I have to come clean and say that it was a good recommendation, so thanks Tony! And yes, the Last of the Mohicans was partially filmed there and no Julie there weren't any visions of Daniel Day Lewis with his shirt off.

We cruised up the Blue Ridge Parkway to our campsite at Raccoon Holler near Wilkesboro, North Carolina to get ready to see the music festival. Kim's parents, Bob and Karen a.k.a. the IN LAWS, arrived yesterday afternoon and we are all fixin' to head down to check out the pickin' and a grinnin'. B3moosed hasn't commented in a while so I don't know if he is still reading this blog, but I have to thank my father for introducing me to Doc Watson many years ago. I remember stealing the tape and bringing it to Arkansas and then Bill's friend Steve McIntosh stole it from me. Doc is 85 now Dad and still getting with it. I will see if I can find that c.d. and a t-shirt for you to make up for the thievery of 27 years ago. Doc's son Merle died many years ago in a tractor accident and they have this festival in his memory, this is the 20th anniversary of Merlefest. The absolute best in this genre of music show up for this event, so it ourt to be good. If any of you-ins have a problem with my poor grammar and vocabulary you can kiss my ass! I think ass is the strongest word I am allowed to use with out censorship by the Baptist wife.

If you are very lucky, I might include some snippits and pictures from Merlefest in the next blog.
I will let Kim comment on the festival, she will have had her fill of bluegrass and newgrass within the first 2 hours and I am sure she will be ready to vent.
Talk to you soon.
James

photos

1. Halfway up Chimney Rock

2. At the top of the falls

3. Stairs, lots and lots of stairs

4. Linville Falls

5. Tom Dula Hill on Blue Ridge Parkway

Just Some More Pictures

Here are some more pictures of the Smokies and surrounding area.

Photos

1. Abrhams Falls

2. Mingo Falls

3. Jackson County Courthouse

4. Town of Sylva, NC

5. Cheoah Rapid without dam release water (compare to last blog kayaker)

Cheoah and Other Cherokee Names

I feel kind of at home with all of these Cherokee names on things. Cheoah, Oconoluftee, Nantahala, Tsali, and so on reminds me of the Western Cherokee names we see in Oklahoma such as Nowatta, Muskogee, Tahlequah, Sallisaw and Broken Arrow. It is so nice that we name all of these towns and wilderness areas with Cherokee names and give them casinos and bingo parlors to reconcile for giving them small pox, lying to them, kicking them out of their lands and relegating them to small reservations and such.

We had a great time in Eastern North Carolina and the Smoky Mountains, but we had to move on. I think that we have to have constant change of scenery or we get bored. We are spoiled and we can't afford to linger or we might figure out how sick of each other we are. We went on a nice hike in the Deep Creek area of the Smokys where we met two men on the path that insisted we drive through the Cade's Cove area as it had some neat historic buildings, so we did that a couple of days later. If I want to see this kind of history in buildings all I have to do is drive out to Tuna's house. Hell, the resident is even missing a tooth to lend to authenticity. It was a nice bike ride though and I have included a picture of one of the houses in case you guys want to see how my brother lives in Elkins. Sorry for the roast there fish, I can't help myself.

My wife is already sawing lumber in the back of the r.v. and she just hit the hay 10 minutes ago. I do love the woman, but I have to refrain from boxing her in the back of the noggin on some nights when I wake up for no reason from a glorious dream only to hear the Homelite gettin' after it next to me. Actually the David Bradley comes to mind, that was the monstrous chainsaw that Huber had that if I remember right had an engine big enough to power a Harley on it. I am sure that my prime time flatulence is no dream for Kim either. We have headed up the Blue Ridge Parkway to go see Merlefest, which is a music festival in honor of Merle Watson the late son of Doc Watson who is now about 80 years old and still flatpickin' the heck out of a guitar. I am going to try and get you caught up with some rapid fire updates now that we have reception.

Pictures

1. Whore frost (Kim's phrase not mine) on the trees at Clingman's Dome in the Smokys. Kim took the picture, which I think is one of the best (rookie luck)

2. Cheoah River rapid

3. Deep Creek

4. Tuna's House

5. Kayaker on the Cheoah