This post begins the "Friends" part of our trip. We enjoyed 5 days of friendship and fun with Laurel and Eric in and around their new hometown of Flat Rock, North Carolina. We stayed at a familiar favorite campground, Lakewood RV Resort, which turned out to be pretty much next door to their tiny home community. If I wasn't tick phobic and owned a machete, we could have bushwhacked right into their backyard!
We arrived on Dave's birthday, and Eric made a delicious meal in the tiny kitchen of the tiny home they're renting at the Simple Life community. We took our plates out to the lovely screened in porch to enjoy Chicken Cacciatore, polenta, asparagus, a nice Zin, and good conversation.
Sweet Magnolia was shyly attentive, always quietly in the same room we were, but not really participating in our conversation.
After dinner we walked through the development and across the street into The Hamlet, to see their own tiny house in it's early stages.
The house came already mostly built and was set on their lot. We could only peer in the windows.... Now workers are busy doing all the finish work. A second bedroom was being framed in and soon all the carefully curated upgrades will be applied to the inside.
We look forward to watching the progress Laurel - hint hint.
We were busy in Flat Rock. So many things to do, so little time. We spent pleasant hours walking through the North Carolina Arboretum, Bullington Botanical Gardens and it's magical Fairy Trail, strolling through the nearby little town of Hendersonville, touring Carl Sandburg's home, an antique airplane museum, sharing good food each day at some of their favorites and some new places, and ending our trip at the fantastic Marked Tree winery. We were busy but had such a good time. We'll miss it.
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| we arrived in time for a huge plant sale |
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| one of many beautiful bonsai |
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| oh Dave |
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| beauty in green |
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| oh Dave |
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| the boys explore the fairy doors |
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peek a boo
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| fairy balcony |
We passed several fairies on the trail. Legend has it that when a fairy encounters a human stranger they will "freeze" and not move a muscle or wing......
Some fairies, perhaps younger ones, couldn't stay frozen for very long.....
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| Oh Dave, Oh Eric.... |
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| love that smile |
Are you tired of pictures yet? I told you we were busy. Just a few more........
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| Eric learns to fly a helicopter |
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| Laurel wonders what are those things "sticking up" |
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| two of the Sandburg Home's famous dairy goats |
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| "if I don't look at the goat, it's not there" |
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| dinner at the Purple Onion |
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| they wait and wonder where we've gone..... |
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| Marked Tree winery grounds |
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| in one of the tasting rooms |
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| no, we're not observing covid spacing rules..... |
We said our farewells on Monday afternoon and continued our travels on Tuesday morning. It was a wonderful few days indeed. Thanks guys.....
We're now in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. I'll show you a few more "friends and food" pictures in another short blog tomorrow - you've been patient enough through all those pictures!
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Hey, look at those beautiful people, surrounded by beautiful green scenery. NC is beautiful in the spring and summer! I like that huge green leaf with a whitish swirl. Dave is definitely a huge influencer in the scent seeker adventure. Hello Eric and Laurel, we missed you! - ML
ReplyDeleteIt was beautiful for sure! The leaf isn't really that huge. It's a type of begonia I think, I had them in a pot at the lake.
DeleteNice to finally 'Friends' added to your other 'F' words ;) The Fairy Trail looks like a lot of fun! We found one in Canada that also had faces carved into the tree bark. Did you catch the name of the tree with the multi-colored bark?
ReplyDeleteFriends are Fun! I did read the name, but it didn't stay with me. Perhaps Eric will know?
DeleteWhat a fun few days with friends…love all the big smiles and finally a picture of you! I have been fascinated by the tiny house designs for years and how cool it will be to live in a community with all tiny homes…I know Laurel and Eric are so excited! Love the fairy trail! And oh the green…I do miss the green and giant trees! I agree with ML…the leaf with the swirl is very pretty. I have never seen a begonia like that. Love the centerpiece with the ducks and tulips! There are never too many pictures…keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteOops…forgot to sign off…it’s Gay.
Deletethanks Gay, we did have a great time and their little house will be sweet!
DeleteThat Fairy Trail looks interesting and fun. It would also be interesting to tour some of those tiny houses!
ReplyDeletethey're quite nice inside, nice finishes, etc. Eric and Laurel will not have a loft, who could climb that ladder and then try to make a bed while on your knees! For the young I guess.
DeleteUltimately, we could live in that small space after being happy in Beluga for these years.
We had SO much fun with you two! We loved showing you some of our favorite places, exploring new places together, and all of our great conversations. I don't think we would ever run out of things to talk about! We loved every minute of our time together. And we really appreciate how encouraging and affirming you are of this big life change we're making. We're so happy that you included us in your friends/food/favorites tour...we have our fingers crossed that you'll come back for a much longer visit! (P.S. Magnolia is enjoying the little mousie and crinkly ball you gave her.) 😻 ❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteAgreed......so much to talk about, so much to see....so glad we came! I knew the sweet little girlie would find her tiny presents eventually and play when we weren't watching! who knows what the future holds.....
DeleteOh, that goat farm looked like so much fun!!!!! And Dave -- he is so color-coordinated with his shirt and those flowers. You take the best pictures. Can't wait to hear all the details of Laurel and Eric's tiny home -- looks delightful. CindyP
ReplyDeleteFun if you like goats.....
DeleteSo glad you had a nice long stay for your catch up visit. Definitely one or two days would not be enough. Thanks for sharing so many photos of your adventures. It was nice to join you:) Love that Fairy Trail. I would have enjoyed opening all the little doors. Most certainly a lot of wonderful memories to carry you along.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd scheduled a longer stop. Glad you could "come along"! I have to admit we really enjoyed the Fairy Trail....fun to indulge your inner child sometimes. You're right, great memories to add....
DeleteLooks like so much fun with wonderful friends! Love the fairies and their garden - have to figure out a desert fairy garden at the house. Good to know there's a nice RV park close by :-) All the pics are great, glad you included every one. The spiral leaf is a beauty! Lovely photo of the four of you.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, a desert fairy garden! Fun to think about, I'm sure the little fairies would appreciate it. I'll be watching.
DeleteSo nice to see all our beautiful friends enjoying time together! I know from experience how much fun you all had with the walking, dining, and conversing. And how sweet you were to bring toys for Magnolia 😻
ReplyDeleteso nice of blogger to recognize my name LOL --Joodie
DeleteGotta bring gifts for new friends!
DeleteAnd a great time was had by all! Thanks for the great photos and for showing us Laurel and Eric's new neighborhood!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janna....we're all looking forward to the continuing pictorial of Laurel and Eric's new home!
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