Pine Bluff + Raleigh + Williamsburg
April 12, 2017
North Carolina, USA
Transitioning from a fun filled friendship weekend in Charleston to a Camping World lounge area for two days is certainly a harsh way to get back into "van-life". But when our refrigerator broke down, cooking range was malfunctioning and our ceiling was leaking cups of water, it was something that we felt needed to be taken care of. Despite the minor hiccup, we were back on the road and ready for the next adventure... or should I say, "that next problem".
After leaving Camping World we had a newly sealed roof, a replacement cooking range and a fresh refrigerator control panel installed. Plus it was all covered under warranty, so it was all free! What a wonderful feeling right?! Well we thought it was pretty special but maybe it's just the little things that get us going these days. So we cruised straight to the nearest market to stock the frosty fridge with goodies. I don't think that we had ever put more food in such a small space. In fact, I didn't even think that we could fit food into some of the nooks and crannies that were available. So after happily stocking the refrigerator, cooking a delightful dinner on the new range and sleeping in a dry bed, we woke up to such a pleasant surprise. The refrigerator was shut off once again!
At some point in the night the refrigerator had shut off completely and the majority of the fresh food was starting to go bad. WTF? So we went to the closest Camping World on the way to the Pine Bluff, North Carolina. They apologized for the inconvenience and told us that we need a new cooling unit after a three hour diagnoses. Sweet! Just pull it off the shelf and install it right? No, not that simple. They told us that it needed to be ordered and it would take 3-4 weeks to get in. Well unfortunately we do not have 3-4 weeks for a refrigerator component to show up due to traveling the U.S. on an epic road trip. So we basically told them thanks but no thanks, we will take our business elsewhere.
Without resolving the fridge issue, we cheerfully went down the road to Pine Bluff to visit a family friend for the next 4-5 days. This was a real treat! Pine Bluff is a heavily forested area on the outskirts of the iconic Pine Hurst Country Club. Here we caught up on each others lives and enjoyed the great outdoors. We made a cozy fire every evening while enjoying great company, bourbon and cigars. As some would simply put it in the South, "we felt rich as hell." The mornings were spent hiking Fort Bragg and letting the pups swim in the lake. This was typically followed by a drive to the local hospital to visit our friends 85 year old former P.OW. friend. Who had been temporarily hospitalized.
The daily visits were short and simple but at the same time so incredibly powerful. It gave me a new appreciation for life and what we were doing. Also made me wonder who would come and visit me when I'm 85 and sick. So it was a quick reminder to be the best person that I could be and appreciate everyday for what it's worth. But anyways, I don't want to get too philosophical, so damn you Camping World! On a serious note, Pine Bluff was a refreshing visit and we were happy to spend quality time with our family friend.
The next destination was just an hour away in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here we actually visited another wonderful family that showed us a great time. The first night of the visit was spent grilling steaks, conversing on the patio and jamming to some funky tunes. It was nice to catch up with an old friend and have some good deep belly laughs. The following day Brit and I went for a day trip to Duke University while our friends, like normal people, went to work. During the walk about around Duke, we came across serveral breathe taking things. The first was the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. This was the perfect time of year to feast our eyes on this beautiful area. Everything was in bloom! The birds were chirping, the smell of pollen was in the air and it was a Friday on campus, so everyone was in high spirits. The garden is 55 acres and we spent two hours putzing around and enjoying the atmosphere.
The Second highlight of the campus was the main focal point, Duke Chapel. Wow, what an impressive structure from the 1930's! As we walked up to the Chapel, we looked at each other like somehow time had turned into a Disney Movie and we were suddenly in Beauty and The Beast. The Chapel included incredible mason/wood work, magnificent stained glass art and gigantic organ pipes that filled the room with sound. After countless hours of mezmorizing architecture and flower gardens, it was time to get back to the party.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted at the front door with smiles, icy cold beverages and dinner plans at Neomonde. Neomunde is a local mediterranean restaurant where we enjoyed fresh cilantro jalapeño hummus, lamb kabob platters and man’ousheh (Lebanese Flatbread). It was nothing short of delicious and we loved every last bite of it. Shortly after filling our bellies, the night was capped with a few tall ones from Raleigh Brewing Company that just so happened to be right down the street.
Waking up the next morning, it seemed as if everyone was on the same page; happy that it was Saturday and hungry for Mexican food. So we all loaded up in the truck and went to Gringo A Go Go in order to satisfy our souls. Shrimp tacos, pollo asada burritos and frosty Sol's were savored as we sat back in the sun and let the good times roll. Somehow a couple of hours had pasted and we were ready to keep the party going. Next stop was Crank Arm Brewery where we supported the Lukemiea Foundation by purchasing local brews (classic example of killing two birds with one stone). The atmosphere was vibrant and the energy was positive. We spent the majority of the time playing gigantic Connect Four and sinking each others Battleships. A perfect Saturday spent in North Carolina.
Sadly it was already the end of the weekend and time to hit the road. The next destination was a recommendation from our friends and it turned out to be a great one! Three hours north-east to a town full of history and charm- Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg played a significant roll in the American Revolution and formed the "Historic Triangle" (Williamsburg, Jamestown + Yorktown). A large portion of our time was spent in Colonial Williamsburg where we strolled upon the "living-history museum". Here we found actors recreating colonial life in the streets. It was an interactive and fun experience to see the actors as pedestrians, shop workers and store owners.
Among the actors in town we coincidentally ran into Britney's best friends' parents. What a unexpected surprise! After finally calming down with excitement, a plan was formulated for the night. We ended up going to Williamsburg's favorite seafood joint; Barrett's. Mouthwatering crab was devoured and mugs of beers were gracefully cheered. The conversation lasted all night until we were the last ones left in the joint. A great ending to a location that we didn't even have on our map!
Next stop, D.C.
Happy Easter!
-Blake
Upon our arrival, we were greeted at the front door with smiles, icy cold beverages and dinner plans at Neomonde. Neomunde is a local mediterranean restaurant where we enjoyed fresh cilantro jalapeño hummus, lamb kabob platters and man’ousheh (Lebanese Flatbread). It was nothing short of delicious and we loved every last bite of it. Shortly after filling our bellies, the night was capped with a few tall ones from Raleigh Brewing Company that just so happened to be right down the street.
Waking up the next morning, it seemed as if everyone was on the same page; happy that it was Saturday and hungry for Mexican food. So we all loaded up in the truck and went to Gringo A Go Go in order to satisfy our souls. Shrimp tacos, pollo asada burritos and frosty Sol's were savored as we sat back in the sun and let the good times roll. Somehow a couple of hours had pasted and we were ready to keep the party going. Next stop was Crank Arm Brewery where we supported the Lukemiea Foundation by purchasing local brews (classic example of killing two birds with one stone). The atmosphere was vibrant and the energy was positive. We spent the majority of the time playing gigantic Connect Four and sinking each others Battleships. A perfect Saturday spent in North Carolina.
Sadly it was already the end of the weekend and time to hit the road. The next destination was a recommendation from our friends and it turned out to be a great one! Three hours north-east to a town full of history and charm- Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg played a significant roll in the American Revolution and formed the "Historic Triangle" (Williamsburg, Jamestown + Yorktown). A large portion of our time was spent in Colonial Williamsburg where we strolled upon the "living-history museum". Here we found actors recreating colonial life in the streets. It was an interactive and fun experience to see the actors as pedestrians, shop workers and store owners.
Among the actors in town we coincidentally ran into Britney's best friends' parents. What a unexpected surprise! After finally calming down with excitement, a plan was formulated for the night. We ended up going to Williamsburg's favorite seafood joint; Barrett's. Mouthwatering crab was devoured and mugs of beers were gracefully cheered. The conversation lasted all night until we were the last ones left in the joint. A great ending to a location that we didn't even have on our map!
Next stop, D.C.
Happy Easter!
-Blake
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