Linville Falls and A Luau.

Our Location today is Marion, North Carolina, USA.

Yes I managed to get the blog posted just before midnight last night but that didn’t give us any time to sleep in this morning. The Reunion attendees were being served a Continental breakfast this morning. What was strange was that Kathy and I were the first to arrive and the server informed us we could step right up and have breakfast. It was almost a shock not having to wait for our table number to be called. Breakfast consisted of Orange Juice, Coffee, a Danish and an assortment of fruit to complete a healthy breakfast. 

The hills were long and tiring but deemed moderate walking.

When Gerry and Sandy had finished eating their breakfast we asked if the wanted to hear the Certified RV Tech give his presentation or if they wanted to head out to Linville Falls early. They were about to stay but when I explained how warm it was supposed to reach this afternoon they chose to go this morning. Tom and Marcie chose to stay and ask a few questions in hopes of learning more about their rig. 

Caught in the act.

Kathy entered the Coordinates for our destination into the GPS and off we went by 9:30. For some reason when the GPS directed us to I-40 I thought it was taking us to the Blue Ridge Parkway. By 11:30 we were starting to get hungry because of our light breakfast so we stopped at a Hardees for an early lunch even though we hadn’t reached the parkway yet.

Kathy, Sandy and Gerry up on the path.

I see them too.

Even the Coordinates Kathy had researched took us to the wrong location. The woman at the tourist information center went with us outside and pointed us in the direction of the Parkway. Do you know how popular this parkway is with motorcyclists because of the winding mountain roads? Now imagine an F-350 going through those same curves surrounded by motorcycles and keeping up to their speed. I used the Scenic Lookouts to let them pass and calm myself down a few times. 

This is quite the root system of a tree.

Sandy and Gerry almost made it to the falls.

We finally arrived at the falls after 1:00 and started on the path behind the welcome center following the signs. The climbing of the hills finally got to be too much for Gerry who has been having problems with his knees on this trip. We told them we’d share our pictures with them so Kathy and I carried on until we were finally viewing the Linville Falls first hand. It always amazes us how Nature creates such awe-inspiring sites for us to enjoy. 

Linville Falls.

By the time we’d all walked back to the parking lot I stopped in to the office and spoke with the ranger about posting an address or coordinates for the location. Ranger Dwayne said that no matter what they tried the GPSs just could not accurately find the location so it all depended on finding the 315 mile marker on the Blue Ridge Parkway to find their location. 

That's all Poison Ivy by the base of that log Kathy is sitting on.

Kids cooling off in the Linville River.

It had taken us three hours to get there because of the GPS. Ranger Dwayne directed me to the closest US 221 interchange and we were back at the trailer in a half hour. Kathy took a Snap while I took a shower to get ready for our big catered Luau at 6:00 this evening. 

Part of the Thank You Card to Howard and Linda.

Howard and Linda started off with announcements but were interrupted. The special document that I’d done for Kathy that we delivered the other day was part of a giant Thank You Card that was presented to them for all their hard work making sure everyone had fun this week. We sat with Gerry and Sandy and had a great time visiting before our table number was called. 

Beech Ball Relay.

Dress-up Relay

Tonight was Double Hula-hop relay.

Myself and Kathy.

Sit-down Volleyball.

The meal was delicious starting with a full sized pig that had been cooked the traditional Hawaiian way and transported to the campground along with shrimp that was being grilled on the spot. There was also baked sweet potato casserole, fried rice along with a fruit salad of pineapple and mandarin oranges. There was iced tea to drink and cake for dessert. 

Poor pig didn't have a chance.

Before anyone could disappear Linda started the relay games. I was busy taking pictures and was surprised to look up to see Kathy getting in the mix of things and truly having fun. Once the relay races were finished there were more games being played outside. Flip-flop basketball, sit-down volleyball and pig hunting the Hawaiian way but instead of spears the hunters used darts. 

We sat visiting with others while watching the last campfire of this reunion. As Barb said it’s always hard to say goodbye to friends but we told her it’s not goodbye but see you later. The weather was perfect for a great evening of celebration. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

You grow corn in your front yard.