Unfortunately I don't have good eclipse pictures due to some clouds rolling in 15 minutes to totality.
Instead of keeping on hijacking other threads, I thought I share some pics here.
Driving South to Franklin was not a problem, most of the time we had clear roads, perhaps because we started driving on the 18. We stayed about half way over in Staunton VA and continued South the next day, arriving Saturday, the 19.
Picked up an excellent local wine at the town square! Really good!! I liked that watering can and flower pot!
Franklin -
Finding decent dinner in Franlin was a bit of a challenge, especially Sunday and Monday, as most restaurants close and others, which stayed open were overwhelmed. This was a little eatery, which was quick and easy. Frogtown Market, the decor was Frogs of any shape and form. One could have Frogs legs too. Ok food.
Driving around the beautiful Nantahala area, trying to check a mountain top. Found a gorgeous lake!
The area around Franklin NC is loaded with signs to see Gem mines and Gem museums, so we had to check out Ruby city in town which also had a wonderful museum. I took some shots with my IPhone, tried to capture some of the Dinosaur fossils for my grandson Jake. Perhaps you might find it interesting, we always enjoy looking at crystals and fossils.
Looking for a spot to take a nice walk we spotted a so-called Dog run, which turned out to be a beautiful path along the river. We also spotted a brewery on the other side where you had a choice of a couple of dozens Beer with some descriptive names and could sit outside to enjoy. Much enjoyed!!
We did see a lot of Kudzu in some places, along the highway and also here next to the river. And this very pretty Passiflora was growing in a couple places.
Monday was a super festive atmosphere everywhere, as everyone assempled in their viewing spots. We stayed nearby the Hotel in an open, large parking area. Some people brought colanders to observe progress, I remembered that I had a crocheted shopping net in my trunk, that worked out very well, as one could see the sickle shaped shadows.
As mentioned before, the view of the totality was marred by some silly clouds, moving in during the final 15 min. but it was still pretty awesome and we celebrated with a touch of Champagne.
Since we still had some time on Monday, we took a ride out to see some local Waterfalls, which were indeed breathtaking! This is part of the Nantahala forest area.
Starting out early the next morning to begin our ride home proved to be a mistake. By the time we hit Bristol VA, rt 81N became a parking lot. I could see the red roads on my IPhone map, even when a major accident was cleared, there must have been another crash further North. Tons of Eclipse watchers driving home didn't help!! We bailed out in Salem, found a nice place to sleep and ate a really good Mexican Dinner next door. A pretty place, good food and after trying out the Marguerita sampler, I felt no pain. And looking out the window, there was a large flock of vultures, I wonder if they kept looking at rt 81 North....
Next day driving went well. But, it sure would have helped tremendously if one would add a third lane, so the trucks would stay on the right or middle lane. Tough driving!
the end!
I tried, but never got it.
