Weekend picture update

Ok, so time has passed and thus I need to do a quick update with our recent weekend trips. I wanted to get these up sooner, but life has been crazy and well, that's enough reason for the delay! I've also got more photos and videos that need to be downloaded, so you may see another update with a similar topic :)

First - the Joint Services Open House Air Show (Andrews AFB, May 19th)

The Memphis Belle was on static display, we were amazed at the 'rustic' interior (I would be terrified to be in it!)




Check it out - the "flying lawn mower" We didn't see it fly, but hey, it was cool!


USAF Heritage Flight (A-10, Mustang, F-15, ?)


The amazing F-22 Raptor after its demonstration (video to be posted)


Thunderbirds in flight (more photos later...)



Memorial Day weekend in the NC Mountains
A morning spent on the Blue Ridge Parkway is always a great morning.

Blooming mountain laurel

More blooms


Parkway tunnel - north of Mt. Mitchell


Ahhh, the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains


Mountain stream below Craggy (US Forest Service Road)


Wild flame azalea and butterfly


Quick self portrait at an overlook


After dinner we ate at the great Barley's Taproom we took the Old US 70 down Old Fort Mountain (replaced by I-40) where we watched the train wind its way through the mountains. Yes, we followed a train for at least 10 miles... it was great, simple fun! (we have video... but I'll spare you!) Hopefully, one day there will be passenger service to Western NC and we can take this route!


Looks like the locals have fun watching the train too (these were ALL OVER the ground near the tracks above - shotgun shells for those who ain't from the country)

(I felt a little nervous being out in the woods with these all over the ground and no one (?) around for miles...)

Miniature horses near the train tracks


After dinner yummy treats in Marion - Paul had a chocolate shake and I had a chocolate malt. Very yummy! And apparently very popular (Paul's first visit although he lived within a few miles of this place growing up)




The next day we took another "quick trip" on the Parkway from Marion to Asheville.
We love the Parkway!


Paul with the truck and his bikes (got a few double takes from passing cyclists on the Parkway - he had been there the day before, crazy man!)


Rhododendron blooming (although not yet at Craggy Gardens - one thing I've always wanted to see)


Wild strawberries (just before we ate them! so sweeeeeeet)




Visiting the Alma Mater - recent class gifts were installed. The clock (2000) and seal (1999).