Anniversary Weekend

Bobby & I celebrated our 15th anniversary last month (June 7), but with our crazy life didn't get to celebrate until last weekend.  We don't always do something big to celebrate, but 15 years is a big deal (yes, we are getting old) so we knew we wanted to get away for at least a weekend.  (Now after this trip, I think we may be planning a trip at least every year--it was a long time coming & a much needed time away.) 

Anyway, Bobby had gotten a new to him motorcycle & both of us love to ride (really love to ride).  And we both love the mountains (actually lived up there for a couple of months after I graduated college).  So, a somewhat inexpensive, fun trip would be for us to head to the mountains (where we already have so many memories) and ride!  Now this wasn't a fancy, pack your high heels & dresses, get all done up type of trip.  It was more of a tennis shoes & flip flops, jeans & t-shirt, hair in a pony tail type of trip & we were both in our element. 

So we headed out Friday afternoon.  I guess I should mention that we had a discussion about whether to ride the bike all the way there or take the bike on a trailer.  Bobby wanted to ride all the way.  I was all for that until we looked at the weather forecast.  60% chance of rain all three days we'd be gone if I remember correctly.  My vote was for the trailer because who wants to be stuck riding in the rain.  Thankfully he gave in, and boy were we glad!  The rain started about an hour into our trip going there.

So, here we are below Saturday morning getting ready to start our day.  Thank you craigslist for our riding jackets.  I was against getting one for me at first, but was very grateful that he insisted I have one.  Bobby had planned a lot of fun things for us to do which included riding the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Saturday was jam packed, but we even had time to come back to our room &  rest a little in the afternoon.

First stop was Linville Caverns.  Neither of us had ever been there, and it was well worth  the $15 for the both of us to go on the tour.  I also should mention that we've already planned a trip back with all the kids, a camping trip none the less. After all our adventures, we would come away saying how much the kids would love to be with us.  So come August we'll be back again!

Next stop was Linville Falls.  Even with living up there, we had never been here either.  It was just a little walk to the falls, but a pleasant & beautiful one.

And of course we always have to stop at Mast General Store and pick up some candy.  This is a tradition when you're in the mountains.

And another must stop in place when riding the Parkway is the Rough Ridge Overlook.  We've been on this hike many times with the kids in tow.  In my opinion it has the most beautiful view around.  We originally started our way there before lunch, but it was very cloudy & drizzling rain.  So we opted to go back to our room, wait a little bit, & try it again.  We made the correct decision, because when we went back the weather was perfect.  The hike up to the overlook was through a little mud & water, but it was well worth it when you reach the top.  Just plain gorgeous--the majesty of God's creation is so beautiful!!

Because we went to the overlook a little later in the day, we didn't have time to change before eating our "anniversary meal."  But that didn't matter.  We went in our t-shirts & tennis shoes and enjoyed a delicious meal.  Of course we ate good the whole weekend...so no complaints in the food department from me.

Saturday night Bobby had gotten us tickets to go see Horn in the West (an outside play about the Revolutionary War that lasted a little over 2 hours) It was really good--another thing that the kids will love to see when we go back.  They wouldn't let you take any pictures during the performance, but they had homes set up on site that dated back to the 1700's for you to walk thru and see how things were done way back when.

Of course we did lots & lots of riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I think we rode 150 miles one day and about 100 the next.  Most of the riding was wonderful--beautiful weather & beautiful views, and a super fun time.

But there had to be some rain thrown in there too.  And it wasn't just a little shower.  It was a downpour.  I never knew that rain could feel like needles when hitting your face, but it does when you're going 45 mph.  We were soaked, actually beyond soaked.  All we could do was laugh about it.  We didn't melt & we have a good story to tell. 

The mountains are just beautiful.  There is nothing like the views you see when there.  The temperatures were low 70's, and the peaceful way of life that you feel while up in the hills is priceless. 

I'm so thankful we got to get away for the weekend together.  I'm also thankful that we can still have so much fun together.  We truly are best friends & enjoy being together.  I don't take that for granted.  I happy that I'm married to my high school sweetheart & praise the Lord that we are more in love today than yesterday.  Thank you, Bobby, for planning a fabulous weekend for our anniversary.  I know you put a lot of time into figuring our road trips out.  I love you & thank the Lord for His grace & provision in our lives!