Over half a year "on the road". Pretty unbeleiveable. And most everything has gone generally according to our original plan. The budget, overall, is about right on -- over in some catagories (food and motels), and under in others (gasoline and RV hookups). We have stayed at least 1 night in each of the 32 states we have visited, except Vermont, and we have seen all of the National Parks (13) that we had planned. We will see all 43 of the ones in the lower 48 states. In addition, we have seen 29 other National Monuments, Historic Parks, Seashores, etc. It's been the experience of a lifetime -- we will carry these memories forever.
Since the weather report was a little "iffy" with the snow in the mid-west, we decided not to stray too far from our airport! Wouldn't want to miss that plane!!
The Pinehurst/Southern Pines area is a golfer's mecca -- and a bargain at this time of year! Of course, we had to go to see the Pinehurst courses, Clubhouse, and Resort. The little community of Pinehurst is like a small Carmel -- only with tall Pine Trees instead to the wind blown ones there. Very nice shops, and within walking distances of the Resort Hotel, The Carolina. Within less than an hours drive, there are close to 100 Golf Courses. We asked around and decided on Talamore. A challenging track, the weather was biting cold, but not windy or raining, so it was bearable.
We went to The Carolina for dinner and it was magical. The decorations were awesome, and the local Hospital Ball was happening there that evening, so the arriving outfits were something to behold. I've never seen so many beautiful furs of every type. The dining room was formal and fabulous. They had a combo for dancing -- and we had our first dance since "the ankle". Did OK. The menu was prix fixe and the choices were almost too hard to decide. Everything was absolutely delicious, as you would expect -- and for some unknown reason, our waitress, who was a sassy black gal -- really fun, "comped" one of our dinners. What a shock! We couldn't have eaten at the Holiday Inn for what we paid!
Today was our day to clean the Van up, choose what we were bringing home, mail a box of "stuff" we weren't going to need anymore (and some gifts), and just relax a bit. Tomorrow, we will deliver the RWH to Capital City RV Repair. Frank will keep it safe, and make it all ready for our next six months. The people here at the Baymont are going to pick us up where we drop the Van, and deliver us to the Airport. So, it looks like we're getting ready to go!!
Have a wonderful Christmas everyone -- we'll check back in with you when we return from the holidays.
