Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Changing Plans in Beautiful Asheville, NC - A Quick Update

 September 10 - 13, 2022
Asheville, North Carolina

Although Bill is feeling better, hooking up the Jeep wipes him out on Saturday morning. This is not going to be something he bounces back from quickly. We have heavy rain all the way to Asheville. Climbing to the summit in the Pisgah National Forest is like scaling a waterfall with sheets of flowing water on the highway. 

Row, row, row your.......


I attempt to be helpful unhooking the Jeep upon arrival in the pouring rain, but I'm probably just in the way. Expecting a water-electric-only site at the KOA East, finding full hook-ups is a wonderful surprise. We're level with 30 amps and our satellite connects - critical for this first week of NFL football! Initially this makes us plan to stay here a week for him to continue to improve. I only have two more reservations which I cancel. 

Sun light bounces off the river near our site.
Sunday we spend all day watching as many games as possible. My Steelers have a great game with much drama at the end that finally results in a win! We're unable to get the Dallas (Bill's team) game on NBC (a stupid reality with DirecTV), but turns out it's just as well as they have a horrible game. Tessa and I take a couple walks through this beautiful park between the mountain and the river. Lots of kids enjoying the bikes and peddle quads provided by the park - it's a great spot for families.

Monday Bill is continuing to feel better and we discuss the reality of "what if I get COVID too". As beautiful as it is here (and as perfect as the weather is), we agree it's not worth the risk of having us both down. We'll miss three visits with high school friends and the last two states that will finalize our 48, but it feels like heading back to Arizona is the smartest decision at this point. 

Hopefully we'll have great weather to enjoy a million miles on I-40 :-))

One of two "foster" kittens Ezra is caring for. 

Reese focused at play - such a cutie.

Tuesday we head out for a longer drive than usual - what will be our norm for this modified route.

23 comments:

  1. Oh, I'm so sorry that you're going to have to cancel your original plans, but your decision seems wise. I really hope you don't get COVID and that Bill continues to feel stronger...and I hope you have the easiest trip possible back to Arizona. How wonderful that you have your beautiful home waiting for you. :-) Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really a crap shoot as to what is best but I'd rather err on the side of caution given the potential issues. Having a house to "get back to" definitely reduces the stress. I'm really glad we were already on I-40 making the return even easier.

      Delete
  2. It's hard to know what is the best decision....sit still and wait, or go and try to get ahead of it....Good luck and safe travels. Call if you need us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sue! We're still feeling like this is the best plan and have promised not to second-guess it no matter what.

      Delete
    2. That's the trick - no second guessing. I fall victim to that regularly but Dave always remnds me that hindsight is always clear. It is what it is!

      Delete
  3. It’s Gay…Sue said it…it is so hard to make those decisions especially when health is the issue. Hope all goes smoothly as you head home. What a nice feeling it is to have a home to head home to! Thanks for he update and safe travels. P.S. we love that KOA by he river!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's one of the best KOA's we've been to and look forward to coming back to spend real time there. We're definitely happy to have a house to return to :-))

      Delete
  4. As difficult as it is to cut your beautiful trip short, being in your sticks and bricks is probably the best thing for Bill's recovery. As you said it won't be a quick full recovery, I'm sure having his nice recliner will help:) Luckily, the temps are beginning to drop. Safe travels. Hoping you continue to stay healthy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those recliners sound great to both of us :-)))) We're blessed to have the house to return to and while we would have loved the monsoons, having cooler temps is always a plus.

      Delete
  5. It's monsoon season in AZ. And our trip on I-40 was cut short by a significant deluge!, but a beautiful morning was waiting.
    Hoping the trip home is safe and uneventful, with a full recovery there.
    Quick football query: Did the Broncos agree to let the Seahawks win as part of the trade deal for Russel Wilson? I can think of no other way to explain that game :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tombstone has had over 20 inches of rain this season and we're hoping to get back without any flooding issues on our path. Wow the Seahawks blew everyone's mind with that performance on both sides of the ball!!! Still a Wilson fan, but I was rooting for Smith that night :-)

      Delete
  6. Is it covid getting Bill down or the hospital stay? I remember well feeling grateful to have somewhere to return to when covid closed everything. Safe and easy travels. So glad I got to see you both before all this. Watching football from a recliner may do the trick. Fingers crossed you don't get it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As his breathing has improved greatly it looks like the exhaustion is from COVID. He continues to improve so that's a blessing. Yes! I'm so grateful we got to see you first!!

      Delete
  7. Safe travels you three! And thoughts coming your way that the covid bypasses you Jodee!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Keep those good thoughts coming Janna, so far - so good!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hoping that Bill recovers soon. There is no place like home when you are feeling like that and need to recover.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jim. We're definitely looking forward to being home and having this behind us!

      Delete
  10. Here’s hoping Bill is past the contagious stage, Jodee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hard to tell but he's feeling better and I'm still negative so that's something!

      Delete
  11. Hoping you are home and both healthy. I way behind and still in IL.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're happy to be home and both healthy :-)

      Delete
  12. Wowser! What a story! So glad that you made it safely home to AZ. Here's to Bill's continued recovery and your continuing non-COVID status. Bet there are some researchers who'd like to know about you and do some testing! Miracle Woman. So sorry you missed the last two states but home must have felt like a huge relief. And thankfully no car had driven into your livingroom this year. Cindy P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL - right?! This year was scarier, but certainly didn't take as long to repair :-)) I feel very blessed to have made it the two weeks without COVID. Bill's symptoms were mild so maybe he had a "little" case!

      Delete