Zeb Vance Birthplace

Another day of exploring in North Carolina, this area is so rich in history! One of our stops today...The birthplace of Zeb Vance. A nice bonus was stamping in with a carving of ole Zeb himself!




http://www.nchistoricsites.org/vance/main.htm

Mars Hill North Carolina

Since moving from CT, letterboxing has taken a huge backseat and I sure have missed it...

Heritage Cabin

Isaiah found the prize!

Mars Ascendant

Watauga Lake Elizabethan TN

Even though we were forewarned with a 32.7642% chance of rain we decided to risk it and throw all caution to the wind and were totally blessed with sunny skies! Which lasted for about 2 hours before the 5 hours of rain which came in increments of mist and downpour. But hey we were wet anyways and then the last 2 hours were fantastic!

So worth it rain or shine...the backdrop of Watauga Lake, nestled inbetween the Appalachian Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest in NE Tennessee provided the most stunning of vista's!

Lake Okeechobee

Haven't been to the Big O in 32 years so it was time...Mason had an airboat ride this summer over on Lake Mary and complained it wasn't long enough. Jon has never been on an airboat. Well if you want to go on a safari do you go to Illinois? OK, it's not the Everglades but we only have approx 30 hours to get the job done, Lake Okeechobee here we come!

Side trip to the Smithsonian

We drive through DC on the way home so no good reason to not stop and the boy has been asking to see the Hope Diamond. Why, we don't know, he saw it a few years ago but doesn't remember. Anyways a visit to one (or two) of the Smithsonian museums is always a blast and an easy enough request to fulfill!

Mystic Seaport & Book Barn

First stop Mystic Seaport, the weather was spectacular and the company grand! Mason, Seth & Haley practicing their waterproofing skills with hemp & tar (oakum).


Next stop...The Book Barn, the only bookstore I know where the kids love it just as much as the moms!


Perfect ending to a perfect day...Happy Birthday to me!