Tag: North Carolina

2025 · Travel Tuesday · USA

Hiking At Table Rock Mountain By Morganton, North Carolina 2002

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Since it didn’t work out as planned at Chimney Rock, Kevin decided to approach a different trail. We had his older brother and our sister-in-law in tow when we went up to Table Rock Mountain. Table Rock Mountain is not far from Morganton and features some nice trails that can be easily accessed from the parking lot. It was a beautiful afternoon hike, where I could see the Linville Gorge and plenty of vegetation. Many plants looked familiar to me. And I pointed that out to my brother-in-law. He replied that many of these plants were introduced from Europe and have become invasive species, and/or Europeans have discovered what grows best in various types of soil.

After reaching the parking lot and quenching our thirst with water, we drove back down toward Morganton and then to Valdese. It was time for dinner. And Kevin’s parents were waiting for us.

… to be continued …

2025 · National Day Calendar

National Wright Brothers Day 2025

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The Wright Brothers National Memorial Entrance in Kill Devil Hill

The US Code directs that Wright Brothers Day commemorates the first successful flights in a heavier-than-air, mechanically propelled airplane. Orville and Wilbur Wright made that first successful flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. While other inventors created planes that flew, Orville and Wilbur invented the first mechanically propelled airplane. Those inventors who came before them also inspired the Wright brothers in many ways. From a young age, Orville Wright and his brother, Wilbur, developed a fascination with flight. Inspired by a rubber band-propelled helicopter created by the inventor, Alphonse Penaud, the brothers dedicated their lives to the invention. They first found success manufacturing bicycles, including the Van Cleve and St. Clair.

2025 · Travel Tuesday

Gatlinburg, Tennessee 2002

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The first weekend we visited Kevin’s parents in North Carolina, we went on a day trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg is one of those places I call “tourist traps”. It’s all fine that Eastern Tennessee wants to make money. But, I can care less about all this hustle & bustle in that town. Originally, my father-in-law wanted to take us to a place close by to show us some Cherokee and Civil War history. Well, that didn’t work out that way. And it was partially my fault as well. Because I said I’d rather see the attractions in Gatlinburg. Now, I wish I had said “yes” to history. But I’m also 22 years older and hopefully smarter.

On the way back to North Carolina, we stopped at the Interstate 40 Welcome Center. It’s a nice center with some outdoor walking area in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. In the meantime, we stopped there several times while traveling from Texas to North Carolina.

… to be continued …

2025 · Travel Tuesday · USA

The Museum of The Cherokee People & Oconaluftee Indian Village 2002

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Kevin wanted to show me his Native American Heritage. So, we went to the Museum of the Cherokee Indians and the Cultural Village in Cherokee, North Carolina.

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As you enter the soft trails of the village, it’s no longer the 21st century: you’re immediately transported to the 1760s. The faint tang of wood smoke wafts by as you are led by a Cherokee cultural expert on an interactive journey through the Cherokee lifestyle and history. Your guide will show you the way through the winding paths, flanked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas, and sacred ritual sites. Delight in cultural dances amid the swaying oaks and sycamores. As you wander, interact with villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and masks, weave baskets, and fashion beadwork. Watch as a village prepares for war. Be amazed by a blowgun demonstration. Oconaluftee Indian Village is much more than just a place; it’s living history. 

:https://visitcherokeenc.com/

… to be continued …

2025 · Travel Tuesday

My First Trip To The United States: From Frankfurt, Germany ➡ Charlotte, North Carolina ~ 2002 ✈

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In 2002, Kevin and I married in Germany. Since he wanted to introduce me to his family, we got airplane tickets a month before our wedding. In May, we flew from Frankfurt to Charlotte, North Carolina. In Charlotte, we had to take another flight to Atlanta, Georgia. There, Kevin’s brother and our sister-in-law picked us up from the airport and drove us back to North Carolina. Staying in Charlotte would have been too expensive. So, we had to make a little tour through the South. Shortly before midnight (local time), we finally arrived at Kevin’s parents’ house. It was a long day. And after a little chat, we were all ready to go to sleep.

… to be continued …

2025

🌻 Hello, August 2025! 🌻

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Lazy summer afternoons, walks along the beach,
Balmy evenings, cloudless skies, stars just out of reach,
Sailing on a quiet lake, hammocks in the shade …
These are simple treasures of which August days are made.

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