Back Through North Carolina to Hazard Kentucky

Why do they call them the Blue Ridge Mountains?

A chilly and windy 43 F up at 6578 ft. It looks a bit like winter again up here.

There was also lots to see outside the park as we headed north.

We explored a small part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, then headed north through Tennessee, Virginia, ending up in Hazard Kentucky by 7 pm. America's Best is not a good description of the place we stayed but the inn we wanted to stay at - Hampton Inn and Suites right next to Appleby's where we stayed last November, was booked up so we tried this place. America's Best Value Hotel - Definitely bad news!
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Motoring through the Carolinas

Before we could leave Beaufort we just had to cruise a few more streets that we missed yesterday. The lush, new, spring greenery contrasted dramatically with the old stately buildings.

There was a number of old homes for sale or in stages of deterioration. We can only hope that someone will rescue them and return them to their former glory.

A "low clearance" sign warns of an imposing overhead "obstruction".

This morning we drove over to Charleston where we thought we might spend the night but it was so packed, we felt claustrophobic with the congestion of all this traffic and humanity so we decided to move on since we have already visited, and thoroughly explored this fine old city many years ago. We shall return in a less busy time

Last time we were in Charleston we crossed an old bridge that this spectacular new bridge replaces. 

Tonight we stopped in Hendersonville near Asheville NC so we can drive part of the incredible Blue Ridge Parkway tomorrow. We stayed in a spotlessly clean Red Roof Inn right beside an Outback Steak House. Great combination.

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Easter in Beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort is pronounced like beauty and is a very old and beautiful place reminiscent of Charleston with its picturesque antebellum houses and old churches and cemeteries. 

This church was erected in 1724. Since it was Easter, everything was decorated with spring flowers.

Wendy caught this artsy shot of the horse and carriage reflected in the store window.

This marker completely confused us: T.C. 1988 to 2038 - Scary stuff.

We stayed at the Best Western which is perfectly located in the midst of this amazing old town. I had requested a good view so they obligingly placed us in this fabulous room with many wonderful windows and a view to kill for. Even in peak season it was only $126 + tax and including breakfast in the garden room. Ask for the room above the office.  It was room 201,  I think.

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