North to Michigan

We have made a big loop back to Michigan, but first...

We stayed several days in Selma, North Carolina (near Raleigh). We spent the time there re-organizing the trailer, and winterizing it. Even though it doesn’t normally get into the freezing temperatures there, we were advised to winterize it anyway, just in case. It was sad to leave our “home away from home” for a few weeks, but we knew we had some great things to look forward to.

We drove across North Carolina (and later through portions of Kentucky, Tennessee, and even some of Ohio) and were amazed at the wonderful color still on the trees, right along the freeway! We just don’t have miles and miles of rolling hills and hardwood forests with that kind of color in California!

On the way we went to Lake Junaluska (near Asheville, NC--photo above), which is a United Methodist retreat center, surrounded by a number of private homes owned by bishops and leaders. It was warm enough that we sat outside for a picnic lunch by the lake, and thought, “We could live here!” It was beautiful. Of course, we’ve said that in a number of places – so many beautiful areas in our country! John continues to remind me that I need to spend a winter in some of these areas before getting too serious!

It was cloudy when we went through the Great Smoky Mountains, and the colors had already peaked, but it was a fun drive anyway. We were once again in for a surprise as we came out of the national forest and drove through Pigeon Forge – just a regular small city on the map, as far as we were concerned. But after miles and miles of solid restaurants, motels, amusements, attractions, tourist shops, we began to get the idea that this wasn’t just another town. It turned out to be Dollywood--Dolly Parton’s “center of the world.” It took forever to get through the town – we found out later that during the summer, it takes 2-3 hours to drive through!

We also found a couple other pleasant surprises along the way. I have German roots in the Ohio area, so we stopped outside Cincinnati at a German section and found an authentic restaurant. We had the most wonderful lunch of sauerkraut, kraut balls (delicious), and a mushroom-bratwurst dish. We even shared a great German beer -- and I don't usually like beer. We also stopped in Frankenmuth, MI (a Bavarian village much like the Danish Solvang in California - photo above) with lots of shops and restaurants, and another great bratwurst lunch.

But mostly we’ve enjoyed wonderful visits with friends and family on our way to Michigan. Our first overnight was in Pisgah Forest, near the Great Smoky Mountains, where we stayed with Gayle’s cousin, Wanda, and her husband and retired Presbyterian minister, Tom Cook. We were pleasantly surprised to find out Wanda’s brother (Gayle’s cousin) and wife, Jack and Wilma, were also visiting. (Photo of 3 cousins) We thoroughly enjoyed catching up with them. Tom and Wanda often travel to Palestine to volunteer with the Home of Hope, a place where Jews, Muslims, Christians come together to build relationship. Great work.

Another night we stayed with Don Hayashi and his wife, Deb. Gayle and Don worked together when Don was Program Director for the Cal-Nev United Methodist conference a number of years ago. He moved to Dayton, OH, when he was hired by the General Council of Ministries. It was great fun to see where they lived and re-connect. (Forgot to get a picture-darn!)

Jennifer Weil in Traverse City insists that their home be a “must” stop whenever we are in Michigan. It has such a wonderful “resort” feel that we eagerly stop by whenever we can. She took us downtown Traverse City to see the lights and new (Rialo-type) movie theater opening the next day. She shared about her experience at Mackinaw Island as part of a movie production--she is a professional actress, afterall!

Now we are staying with Jim and Helen Davenport, and are also visiting with Ann and James – John’s kids and grandkids. Susan (other daughter) and Scott are arriving soon – it will be a great Davenport Thanksgiving!

Enjoy this Season of Gratitude!