The Biltmore House Thursday June 10th

The Biltmore House in Asheville NC was and still is the largest private residence in America. Its 175,000 square feet, 250 rooms, 38 bathrooms, indoor swimming pool, bowling alley and lots of priceless antiques. Completed in 1895 it was the residence of George Vanderbilt. The Vanderbilt's at that time were one of the wealthest families in America. The house is still owned by family members and open to tours. To get to the house, which sits on 8,000 acres of forested land, you drive 3 miles.

The Biltmore House Winery Thurs June 10th

After touring the Biltmore House, we drove an additional 3 miles on the property to their winery. A lot has changed since Yvonne and I were there in 1993. The wine was good and their reserve wines were excellent. They produce around 240,000 cases of wine per year, of which 30% comes from their own vineyards and the rest from Northern California. The wine caves were 100 years old and originally part of their dairy operation. Over 600,000 people pass through their tasting room each year. In the afternoon Aaron and I visited one of the local Micro Brewery's in Asheville and then barbqued dinner at the campground.

Asheville June 9th

Left Hardeeville around 9am and arrived Asheville around 4pm. We will spend 4 nights here enjoying North Carolina. Weather here is cooler and not as humid. Our son Aaron should arrive around 11pm and spend 2 nights with us. It was nice to be back on the road after 18 days in Hardeeville. Looking forward to visiting the Biltmore House tomorrow and other sights around the area in the next few days.

McFaddens Arrive Tuesday June 8th

After 18 days apart the Mcfaddens (Ivan and Randi) arrived in Hardeeville around noon. It was so nice to have them back with us. My electric step on the motorhome stopped working a few days ago and Ivan came to the rescue again. Unable to determine the reason for it not working Ivan was able to put in a manual switch so that we can open and close it. What a life saver. That evening we all traveled to Savannah for oysters on the half shell and dinner at the Oyster House on River Street. River Street in on the Savannah River and we watched the large cargo ships pass by.

Friday June 4th thru Monday June 7th

After 2 weeks of sightseeing around the Savanna, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beauford and the Charleston areas it was nice to just relax and take care it easy for a few days. Aaron joined us for dinner on Friday evening, Saturday before work and spent the day with us on Sunday. Took the Suzuki in for an oil change and a new rear tire, and repaired the shower leak in the motorhome. Lots of rain here, last Friday it rained 2 inches in 1 hour. It seems to rain almost every afternoon and evening, which is why it is so green here. Of course it really raises the humidity level. On Saturday with the humidity the heat index was 105. We will be glad to head out to Asheville on Wednesday where it should be a little cooler and less humid. Ivan and Randi should be here by mid day tomorrow and it will be nice to see them again.

Fort Sumner Thursday June 3rd

Today we drove to Charleston SC, about 2 hours from where we are camping. Yvonne and I were in Charleston years ago, but never took the 30 minute boat trip to Fort Sumner located at the mouth of the harbor. If you know your history, this is where the first shots were fired for the start of the Civil War. Spent an hour there before returning to Charleston. We drove around Charleston looking at all of the amazing old pre-Civil War homes and buildings. Had the famous She-Crab Soup on Market Street before heading back to the campground.

Charleston SC Thursday June 3rd

More pictures of Fort Sumner.