Getting dirty!

Ever since we purchased a 2000 Nissan Frontier 4x4 and making some minor improvements, I have wanted to test it off road.   I finally had a free day and found a close location to test out the truck.  The guys at Outback ATV Park in Laurinburg recently opened a set of trails on 700 acres of land. Currently, most of the trails and obstacles are designed for dirt bikes and 4 wheelers.  Our truck was small enough to maneuver through the tight trails and we got stuck just once.  When we were finished riding the trails the truck didn't look the same. Three car washes later all of the mud was removed and she looked like new again.  I am ready for the next muddin' trip.

Click HERE to view the process from the first purchase of the vehicle to removing old bumper, valance, replacing tires, rims, painting trim and adding accessories.  I have more work to do and may lift the suspension just a bit more.

Colorful Asheville North Carolina

Our second trip to Asheville, N.C. this year was planned with extra time to enjoy downtown Asheville to witness the colorful cultural entertainment and enjoy some good food.

I enjoy walking around downtown Asheville to experience the artists and street musicians that line the streets.  There are many locations that we attempt to visit when in Asheville.  The Grove Arcade is a beautiful building built in 1929 as one of the first malls in the United States. Ownership of the building has changed a few times with the Federal Government several developers and currently the  Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation.  The building is currently home to many shops featuring local crafts, boutiques, fresh food and several restaurants.

Mast General Store is another highlight of our visit with over 500 old-fashioned candies available, we usually leave with a bag or two of goodies.   There are old fashioned toys, jams and jellies, real maple syrup, stone ground cornmeal, comfortable rocking chairs, hiking boots, clothing, and more. They stock a little bit of anything.

Pritchard Park is a great location downtown to rest in the shade and enjoy live music at the mini-amphitheater.  There also are several restaurants located in the area.

A couple of other Asheville areas that are worth visiting are the The North Carolina Arboretum
and the The Western North Carolina Farmers Market.

 

 Copyright - Jimmy McDonald Photography

You call that roughing it?

Memorial day provided an opportunity for my sister and brother in laws to show us their new camper.  They setup at nearby Sycamore Lodge Campground and offered to keep all of the young kids over night.  Actually, the two brother in laws spent the night.  Sis in law was smart enough to head back to a house with plenty of space and no bugs.

Growing up, I spent many summers with my grandparents and their camper.  I do not remember their camper having an outdoor kitchen, flat screen TVs, cable!!!!!, and part of the camper that slide out to make space.  campers have come a long way!!

I didn't spend the night either.  I preferred the beds in the house.