Charlotte, Little Washington, Beaufort

 11/10 - After a relaxing morning, Zoe and I headed towards Charlotte.  Since it was a bit rainy, we didn't explore too much outside the van, but did stop in a very cute town, Belmont, NC.  I would love to go back there as it seemed to have some cute restaurants and some history and gorgeous old homes.  I had hoped we would fit in a hike, but due to the weather, we just walked around Belmont as it had stopped raining by then.  I was, as usual, under dressed for the chilly air.  

We arrived at Marta and Annie's house just in time for margaritas and chili.  Perfect for a chilly evening.  It was so fun to hang our with them and talk about dogs and van travels.  

Zoe tried to play with FinnLee, though FinnLee didn't enjoy Zoe's intense growly play style, so that was a shame, but they were able to hang together.

Marta, Zoe, and my foot.  😆

Annie, FinnLee, and Zoe trying to get Finn to play

All tucked in

We stayed for 2 nights and on day Saturday it was raining, so we basically hung out and then did some shopping at REI and Trader Joe's.  Though I'm not much of a shopper, I do love those two stores.  Marta and Annie, had to go to REI for something and I decided to return a table that I had purchased before I got my van and had never used.  When I rented the van, I used the table they had included, so I thought I would need one, but I have a chair that has a side table, so I think that will be sufficient, plus I have the fold down table outside by my sink.  I had tried not to purchase things that I didn't KNOW I was going to need before I actually got the van.  I KNEW I needed a table and that one seemed so great...  I'm happy that I was able to return it!  I did buy yet another backpack and a base layer top (now I have to decide which it will replace - one item in one item out - oh, but not for the backpacks!  LOL.  Backpacks are one of those things that you just have to try them and see if they work.  I've donated many that are great packs, just not right for me.  The one I usually use for hiking is just a bit too small for putting much in it (15 L), thus this one that is 25 L and will hold all I need.  The little one is still good for around town, so I can't get rid of it - at least not yet...   

Marta made another great meal of shrimp, zucchini, tomatoes, and pasta, which is a go to in the van for them.  It was pretty easy to make and super yummy.  I might have to try that!

Soaking up the sun as usual before departure

11/12 - Zoe and I headed out, heading north east.  What am I doing going north??  I decided that instead of stopping and staying somewhere overnight to keep my driving down to my usual of not more than 3 hours - preferably 2 - we would stop for a hike along the way to break up the 4.5 hours drive to Little Washington (it's really just Washington, NC, but people call it little Washington maybe to differentiate it from Washington, DC).  There I was visiting my friend, Kate, who's a sailor that I met in Beaufort last year.  She is not living in little Washington while working for the manufacturer of her sailboat.  She loves it!  It's so cool because she is an economist and when she stopped working she had no idea what she might do.  But this is something that just happened.  That's something I think about - that I really have no idea what the future may bring.  What might appear before me that is an opportunity that I can't pass up?  It is so exciting to think about!  

Parking spot on the waterfront in Washington, NC.  Notice that my van actually fits between the lines!  YAY!!!  

morning view through my window

11/13 After wandering around town on this gorgeous day, we headed to Beaufort.  I had been a bit wary about going to Beaufort.  I was looking forward to seeing people, but was afraid that I would feel a bit out of place and that my memories of the town and everyone were brighter than reality.  Maybe the people I had known wouldn't be all that excited to see me, which would not feel very good.  What was I going to do with myself there for 2 weeks?  However, when I drove into Beaufort, it just felt right.  It kinda felt like coming home, which I really didn't expect.  Pulling into the house and unpacking really did feel right and so easy as I know the drill.  We settled in and then Zoe and I walked into town to meet up with Renee and Greg.  Renee had suggested going to Mezcalito for a drink and/or bite and I was super excited to go have my favorite fish tacos of all time!  They did not disappoint!  

cotton harvest season

Zoe remembers Beaufort and where the treats can be found!!

ready to get up

I have moved a lot of stuff from the van to the house.  It seemed easier than going back and forth all the time. I do imagine that I will be in and out of it as I keep needing one more thing.  I'm also enjoying my double filtered water from the van for now due to the hard Beaufort water!  The van and everything is getting a good cleaning which is much easier to do when it's just me in the house.  For some reason, when I was at Sue's, I didn't do nearly as much cleaning/organizing.  There was also less need to bring everything into the house as her house is very well stocked!