OK, it's Gretchen's spring break, not mine and we're off on a road trip. First priority is to see our new granddaughter Maggie in South Carolina. Maggie is a beautiful baby who is growing and developing well after her premature start in life. Her signature trait will have to be her big blue eyes, always open wide taking in everything around her!
We had a laid back visit but had a good time with Kelley taking Maggie for walks in the mall on a blustery cool day and on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk on another afternoon. Gretchen had a great time holding her little granddaughter. I can't wait until Maggie gets to toddling around; that is when my grandfather instincts kick in!
After a four day stay, we headed to Asheville. Bill and Laurie raved so much about the Biltmore, we decided we had to go and take a look. We stayed at the Red Rocker Inn in Black Mountain, known to us from the kid's outings there during their trips to Montreat. (new management discontinued offering the massive sundae girls) The Biltmore is an amazing place, certainly on a par with any of the great houses we have toured in Europe. The gardens are equivalent to 140 Central Parks! Do visit when you are traveling near Asheville.
On the way home we stopped at the Carl Sandburg farm about 30 miles from Asheville in Flat Rock. It's a National Historic Site and the tour gives one a good overview of his family life and work. We learned a lot since before our visit we simply knew Sanburg as a great American poet. The quote below struck me at my core since I have always had this burning need to spend time alone. Over the years I have hiked to the top of mountains, rode my bike long distances and more recently sailed SunShower over lake and bay.
It is necessary now and then for a man to go away by himself and experience loneliness; to sit on a rock in the forest and ask, 'Who am I, where have I been, and where am I going?
No comments:
Post a Comment