Boone NC is home to the world famous Cheap Joe's Art Stuff. Since I was in the neighborhood I thought I'd stop in and stock up! Like a big candy store for artists!

Bat Cave's charm flows down the mountain to form the Broad River. We played in the river this morning. Nice rocks! This is one of earth's magical places.

I doubt the road ices up much around here. The kudzu growth makes me think it is a lot more tropical. I don't remember Bat Cave NC to be swallowed by kudzu, but it has been 15 years since my last visit. Today it seems to be losing the battle with the kudzu, but still…

I love the fall! The colors are warm and vivid. The air turns cooler and there is a certain electricty to everything. Stumbling upon this pumpkin farm got me excited about seeing fall colors! Bring it on! The leaves in the North Carolina mountains have yet to give up the green.

This chicken house has almost disappeared as the valley it occupies has been blanketed by kudzu. I wonder what it will look like in 20 years if left undeveloped.

These were once pine trees!

I love kudzu! Of course I don't have to battle it creeping over my house. It looks so cool blanketing entire valleys along the trail. Got to feel sorry for the trees that get caught up in it's path though. If you can't run, there is no escaping kudzu. It grows so fast you can…

The Appalachian Trail is showing the first hints of fall in north Georgia. The trail begins with great views of Amicalola Falls and stunning vistas with the Blue Ridge mountains in the mist.

Dodging the remnants of Gustav, we drove a northeast track to Atlanta, and spent the night near Dahlonega GA for an early morning hike on the Appalachian Trail. Although we have not the time or supplies for a proper AT adventure, Starbucks had the essentials for a 10 mile hike.

Whenever we come to Pensacola, the last stop on our way out of town is at Joe Patti's. We either load the van with seafood on ice or ship a supply home. Either way, somebody better clean out the freezer! On this rare occasion, I got to bump into the legendary Frank Patti! It didn't…