19 November 2024
Two beautiful days and today is rain all day. Actually, that’s kind of nice. It seems appropriate to be in the woods, in a cabin, with a fireplace on a rainy day.
The rain didn’t stop us from breakfast at Hofer’s Bakery in Helen with all things German. Well, I don’t think donuts are German but I bought six anyway (3 glazed, 3 chocolate glazed). Sadly, Jimmie and Stephen turned me down on my offer of two each and I’ll have to eat all six. The things I do for relatives.
From there, we headed to Sautee General Store. It wasn’t open at 9 am so we continued to Clarksville, some 8 miles away. They were putting up Christmas lights in the square and Jimmie and I did some shopping – well, I did some shopping. There was a fishing store there that was spectacular, Unicoi Outfitters. I’ve never seen such high end fishing gear in one place.
One thing that drew my attention was a mounted antique bamboo fly rod and reel. Those things are very special.
Our next stop was at Wildernest, a cute take on the word wilderness. I’ve never seen a gift shop that included a tanning bed and a hair salon. Whatever, it seemed to work.
By then, it was getting on towards 10 am so we headed back to Sautee. I will not be denied my taffy. It’s a real cute store, both inside and out.
The front part of the store is antiques not for sell.
The back of the store is all modern and upbeat. They sell just about everything from my taffy to boots, to coats, to coasters. It’s wild.
Next door to the store is a sandwich shop with really good sandwiches. We stocked up for lunch and dinner and then headed back to the cabin to goof off, nap, and converse. I managed to wash a load of laundry, dry it, and Jimmie helped fold. When you are away 7 days, you go through a lot of clothes, particularly if you hiked for two of those seven.
If you remember, I’ve been thinking about the possibility of moving to a place with assisted living available. Interestingly, Jimmie and Stephen told me they are getting ready to sell their home in Greensboro and move into Carolina Pines, a resort/lifestyle community that advertises itself as going on a cruise ship without the water. They also have numerous amenities and services available as you age. I can’t wait to visit them after their move which is scheduled sometime in January.
Tomorrow, we pack up and head home. I’ll stop and visit a friend just north of Atlanta and then spend the night in Macon. From there, it’s another night on the road at Ocala and then home.
This has been a great trip! Jimmie, Stephen and I caught up with each others’ lives (and afflictions). I got in some hiking and a waterfall, and I did get my taffy.
Stay tuned!