h20skibum

we just got lucky with it. Since we visited on spur of the moment, we hadn’t researched. We walked up to see about the tour, and they said the last one for the day just left. But the guy who was checking up on things said it was his day off, but to give him a few minutes, and he would go get a car and take us around. That was so nice of him, and he gave us a great tour. And, we gave him a nice tip. We have run into so many nice, friendly people in that area. I think the tour was around 45 min to an hour.

That is the Fairfield Inn on CC Camp Road in Elkin, NC. Definitely one of the best hotels for Christmas decorations that we have stayed at. We stay there every year, going down and back, just because of those decorations.

Not sure. I didn’t look for it. I already knew what I was going to have.

I use the Waze app to map our stops, and it gives me the times. Of course that can change with the time of day and traffic. I find it hard to believe the 6 hours of drive time today, because that would mean averaging 74 mph. I can assure you that Susan only drives the speed limit after her encounter with Georgia State patrol last year.

Apparently a deal has been made. We will see the elf every day, if we take photos of Daryl everywhere. And Daryl was in Santa’s sleigh and Daryl likes to ride the luggage cart I told Susan we would get strange looks, taking that in the hotel. Shades of the guy we saw in the lobby in Southampton with the blow up doll. Susan said she didn’t even know what you could do with Daryl. Daryl. Hmmmmmm

That is why we stay there every Christmas trip. They are still decorating.

I have already deviated from my day 2 schedule. We decided to drive a little south to gas up at Sam’s Club. That way, we aren’t stretching it to make the next gas stop. Oh, and we waited in line at Starbucks. According to Waze, we will be 5 minutes behind schedule.

Blasphemy, but I didn’t book it this time around.

So, Daryl had to check to see if his name is on Santa’s list.

So, it is

I know that @Sea Dog Greg would love our hotel. The owner has about $250k in Christmas decorations. Every floor has a tree at each end of the hall The lobby area has lots of decorations with a big tree to greet you. The dining area also has decoration overload You are greeted at the elevators by this. And I love these Santas by the pool

I believe they are just artwork. Each of them has a plaque by them. This, from the broken heart.

Dinner last night was at Pirates Landing. That is actually how we discovered Elkin and the surrounding area. We were traveling north one year, looking for a place to eat, and it sounded good. Their hush puppies are addictive. Susan had the big shrimp dinner, and I had the smaller, Senior one. Not bad for 9.99. They haven’t raised prices yet.

We didn’t revisit “Mayberry” this time. As many know, we both do a lot of walking, so we went out to get a five mile walk in before dinner. They have a nice trail here that we have walked many times before. This is the Elkin RR trail They take very good care of their trail, and everything was decorated for Christmas. There are several gongs along the trail. With the Broken Heart gong at the end of the trail.

One of the nice things about driving, is you get to see so many interesting places in this beautiful country. A couple years ago, we made a slight diversion to Mt. Airy, which is about 20 minutes from our hotel. If anyone remembers The Andy Griffith Show, Mt. Airy was near Mayberry. Andy Griffith’s home place is here. I will not say this happens often, but we ended up in the back of a police car. It was a neat way to get a tour of the town. There are lots of things related to the tv series here.

So how did we do with the last leg vs. the spreadsheet? Crossed into NC Arrived at our hotel 4 minutes ahead of schedule. Not bad for the first day, and the weather was beautiful.

I totally agree That’s why I think I will not like the 3 day Allure. But I have my reasons. Thanks Sue.

Planning gives us an idea where we will be, but it also leaves room to deviate from it. I had started planning a cross country road trip, but it isn’t nearly complete. May be a couple years before we do that. That is one that really takes some thought.

I thought we passed not to far from your place.

Thanks all. I am really looking forward to this cruise.

I saw a little of that forecast. We do plan to park at the port. I hope it warms up by the time we return, and our family arrives

By all means, feel free to post. It may take some pressure off me. Safe travels to you.

I really like these 8 night, southern routes. Enjoy your February cruise. Thanks. It is easier right now, when I can post while Susan drives. Thanks OB. I thought of you yesterday, when we passed a sign along the way that said Lighthouse Club. I am sure you are a founding member.

Thanks, Greg. I have been using spreadsheets for a while to keep things organized. You should see my packing one for these month long trips.

One can only hope!