The GSO Girls Invade Blowing Rock, NC

As Helen and I drove across the North Carolina mountain toward Blowing Rock, the fog was so thick that we could only see a few feet ahead. As we pulled up to the real estate management company to get the key to our weekend mountain cabin, I saw, through the fog, the black SUV that held our friends Janet, Tricia, Marie and Becky. They had driven right by.

"There they go!" I said to Helen as I pulled out my cell phone. "No service- wouldn't you know."

We got the key, hot tub chemicals and rules of the house. I tried the phone again. Still no service. Nothing. Finally a signal. "Where are you?" I asked. "Trying to find a place to turn around." Said Janet. "We will be there in a few minutes."

15 minutes later, we stood looking through the fog and, again, saw the black SUV drive right by. "You drove by again." I said into the phone. "We know and we are looking for a safe place to turn around- again."

Good grief! What a way to start our weekend.

Together at last we drove our little caravan literally "out of the fog" and into the bright, (but cold) sunny view of Boone, NC and after a quick stop at the local grocery store for supplies, we were on our way to the house in Blowing Rock. As we drove up the mountain we saw our home away from home. It was a gorgeous three story wooden beauty with a deck that stretched all around the house. 4 of us had our own bedroom,while two shared a room with two queen sized beds. There was a hot tub, pool table and three full bathrooms. There were plenty of comfy sofas, rocking chairs, a fully equipped kitchen and big dining table. We ate in, we ate out, played card games and drank wine. Some watched basketball on TV, while others played pool or read. There were lots of laughs and then, of course, SHOPPING!

Blowing Rock is a lovely little village full of wonderful boutiques, gift shops, art and cafes. The snow didn't stop us from "shopping 'till we dropped" on day one or the next day at the outlet mall. We bought cheese graters, Coach handbags, clothes for grandchildren, lingerie and other bargains.

At Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, we found hundreds of kinds of old-fashioned candy, clothes, outdoor gear, soaps, walking sticks, country ham and you name it- they had it.

Blowing Rock is an outdoorsy person's paradise. You can hike, bike, canoe, trout fish, ski and climb all in the same area. From horseback riding to fine dining- this vacation destination has it all.

On our fourth and final day in Blowing Rock, we headed home, stopping for brunch at the Daniel Boone Inn in Boone, NC. Appalachian State University calls Boone home and it too, is a cool little town.

It was fun being with friends in such a lovely spot. I miss the view and relaxing in front of the fire watching the snow fall outside on the mountain. It was nice arriving home and seeing the pastures on our farm turn green and the trees blossom. When we left Blowing Rock,It was snowing and in the 30s in the mountains. It was 70 degrees at home. It is amazing to drive a few hours west and be in the snowy mountains and drive a few hours to the east and be at the beach. We are blessed here in Virginia and North Carolina. What a life!