At 4:19am a thundering wind volubly beats a tattoo on our slide toppers and awnings simultaneously snatching a peaceful slumber from me. I stumble outside into the black tempest. I secure our patio furniture and realize that today is going to be a “trying” day in New Bern. Since Snowmageddon most days here have been […]
North Carolina
Wilson Whirligigs Wow Sunny

One of the Dawson Gang’s favorite winter Sunday motorcycle rides was the short hop over to Lucama to visit Vollis Simpson. We required no map or GPS to find the field of towering wind catchers. Instead we chose to wander the NC back roads seeking a glimpse of enormous whirligigs peeking above the trees. Running […]
Tryon Palace Free Day 2018

We’ve all heard the sayings “The best things in life are free” and “There is no such thing as a free ride.” Well Tryon Palace Free Day 2018 this Saturday seems to meld the two sayings. From costume makers painstakingly piecing together period wear with needle and thread to the blast of firearms from the […]
The New Bern Shriner’s Parade

Saturday arrives before the cold and rain return allowing Storm and me to remain dry and warm as we attend the Sudan Shriner’s Parade downtown. While waiting for the parade to start, we pop in the New Bern Fire Department Museum which is conveniently located on the parade route. With all the fun we have, […]
New Bern Battlefield Park

As much as I enjoy strolling around downtown New Bern, I need some variety in my exercise routine. I pass a brown highway sign pointing to the New Bern Battlefield Park each time I visit the grocery. Today I pull into this park just off highway 70 east of town. I hope to find more […]
Dashing through the days to Christmas 2017

Like everyone else I pack holiday festivities and duties into every day approaching Christmas 2017. Last weekend I volunteered to assist with the Tryon Palace Candlelight celebration. A charming small town crowd braved the mid-50 degree chill. No snarled traffic, plenty of parking and no one rubbed shoulders unless all parties involved wished to participate […]