The past few days have been quite the adventure.

Sunday evening with Justin and his family was perfect. We met our grandson for the first time and slept in Justin’s yert he has set up in the forest behind his house. So far, the most comfortable sleep we have had.

On Monday, we visited Rinn on our way to Balsam Mountain. Rinn was excited to see us and had several art projects and gifts to hand out. Some we have to deliver on his behalf.

We spent a very cold night in the tent Monday in the higher elevations of North Carolina. Although it was cold, we managed to find silver linings with the wonderful people we met and the stunning sunset over Clingman’s Dome in western NC. Photos will be uploaded. No I ferner or phone service on top of the mountain. It was a little bizarre to be that much off the grid.

After leaving Balsam Mountain in NC, we continued west toward Murphreesboro, Tennessee. We spent the night in a hotel and had hot showers, did laundry, and watched a little NCIS.

Last night (Wednesday) we were back in the tent in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We are definitely coming back to visit this part of the US. I am not gonna lie, it is sad… although some businesses seem to be open and doing fairly well, much of the city is looking sad… dilapidated buildings, closed businesses, and what looked like a poor population on the outskirts of town. I would like to explore more, but we must keep moving toward the west coast to see our youngest child who is interning at a theater as an assistant choreographer for the summer in Washington state.

We are currently driving toward Fort Smith, AK and will spend the night camping in Oklahoma. Will post more later…