Raccoon Holler to Pipestem

The ride here on Sunday was a fine one.  Dry pavement, little traffic, beautiful sunshine and I made good time.  I'm getting better at the moving thing, that's for sure.

I love this place!  I'd forgotten how pretty it is and how much is here.  There are 2 golf courses, one a par 3, riding stables, restaurants, swimming pools, numerous walking trails and the prices are very reasonable.  It's only $27 per day for full hookup.  North Carolina is way behind WV when it comes to state parks. 

Golf course at Pipestem

On Sunday I watched the World Cup final game at a bar at the golf course called Mulligan's, sitting next to a family from the Netherlands, drinking Heineken's.  Just couldn't have been much better than that, unless we had won the game.  We were all outraged at the poor officiating.  It was truly disgraceful.  Still, there was lots of excitement and a good time was had by all. 

Yesterday my golf got rained out, so I watched movies, read and piddles around the little home on wheels.

Today was a good one for exploring on the scooter, as I have a sore knee to keep me from golfing.  What a great ride!  Went about 15 miles to a little town along the New River named Hinton, then took a little road along the river to Sandstone Falls.  I'd been there once before several years ago with Diane Stephenson and Pancho.  It is a very unique place, the way the falls are shaped and drop so sharply all the way across the river.  As usual, the pictures hardly do it justice.  On the way back I saw a doe with her two fawns playing along the road.  A little later I spotted a mink which had been hit by a car.  What a beautiful creature it was.  And, I saw a brightly colored turtle along the side of the road.  Overall, it was a good day for wild life.

Sandstone Falls, New River

Sandstone Falls, New River

Carries his home with him, too.

I turned over 8,000 miles on the Vespa today.  It had slightly over 7,000 when I got the tired fixed in Fontana last month.  I never would have thought I would ride that much, but I sure do love it.  It sure got attention at a gas station this morning from the 4 guys holding down the porch.  We laughed and joked and I enjoyed their Appalachian accents and their good humor.  Sure do love these mountains!