TRAVEL UPDATE

I must admit, I was anxious to arrive in West Jefferson, NC as soon as possible in order to spend as much time as possible exploring the area thoroughly and to initiate the search for a suitable building lot. Yes, my future plans include relocating to Ashe County in Northwest North Carolina. More details on that later on. And so, I traveled through Arkansas rather quickly making only one stop along the way at a Walmart to grab a few supplies and to get the latest Moderna booster. A huge thank you to those pharmacists at Walmart for going the extra mile fixing my computer profile and providing me with the booster. Thanks guys!!!

I've been through various sections of Tennessee over the years via auto, motorcycle, and air travel. It's a beautiful state with a lot to see and do. This time, however, I stopped at someplace I had heard of, but never actually ventured inside.

There are convenience stores, and then, there is Buc-ee's in Crossville, TN. In case you've never heard of this place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbV4XWpfMyE. This store is amazing!!! I have never seen anything like this. Just the size of this store will blow you away. And if that were not enough, their bathrooms actually win awards......WTH??? How is this even possible because we all know how dreadful convenience store bathrooms, or any public restrooms can be. There are, of course, exceptions to that dismal reality. Those who know me well, know that I am a public restroom snob and I tend to favor only a few lavatories. Kohl's tops my list with honorable mention for Cabela's and the Billings airport in Billings Montana. No more. The new gold standard is ....you guessed it, Buc-ee's.

There are actually award plaques proudly displayed at the entrance to these restrooms touting this accomplishment. Well done Buc-ee's....you've got my vote. BTW, these restrooms are spotless, almost to the point of being sterile. Not quite, but you get the idea. Spotless might be the right adjective.

Just prior to crossing the state line, Lenny and I stayed, once again, at a Cracker Barrel. Could not find a suitable Harvest Host location en route to NC, but I had reservations at our new favorite brew pub in West Jefferson, New River Brewing where we stayed last Fall. But first, we camped at Greenfields which sits just a few short miles from downtown WJ and it was a perfect location with excellent facilities.

Lenny and I spent a considerable amount of time exploring the areas of West Jefferson and Jefferson and the area just seems to check off all the right boxes as a suitable retirement location. For the time being, real estate is reasonable and there are many options to choose from. I've elected to focus my search in and around the downtown area of WJ. Hopeful that something will become available soon. A special note of thanks to Wendy and Steve (friends of Bob, Kim, and Aunt Nancy) who reside part time in Jefferson for their warm hospitality. They invited me to join them for an afternoon beverage at their exquisite home which sits just across the road from the New River. Amazing place!!!!

Yep, this is the only glass I was able to consume before feeling a little "loopy". I was reminded by my friend and former colleague, AL, that I am a "lightweight" and that one glass was about right. I admit it, I am a lightweight and thankfully my camper was parked directly behind the brew pub. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed sitting at the bar and meeting a nice couple from Quebec, Canada. Their travel van was parked besides mine in the parking lot for the night. Many thanks to Dr Greg Hershner and his son Adam, for allowing Lenny and me to stay for two nights behind their pub via their Harvest Host participation.

And finally, a few notes about my travel companion, my first alert warning system, and my napping buddy. Over the course of these long interstate miles, through multiple states, Lenny has acquired a taste for a number of comfort fast foods. For instance, he now enjoys breakfast burritos from McDonalds, sausage and egg biscuits from Buc-ee's, ham biscuits from Bojangles, and the Italian sub from subway. In addition, he also enjoys fried rice, broccoli, chicken tenders, and scrambled eggs. Grapes, lettuce, and cole slaw, NOT so much. Will he still eat regular dog food you ask?? Of course he will, as long as I add some shredded fiesta or cheddar cheese to the mix. Next stop, Asheville for a few days. Will update later on.