Blue Ridge Mountains, NC, VA. May 2012

During my time off from school, my job gave me five days off in a row. Instead of spending those days cleaning the house and doing whatever it is responsible adults do, I decided we should use the time to travel. I asked my boyfriend to pick somewhere to go and we'd pack our bags and leave. He picked to go on a camping trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We packed up the car and off we went to North Carolina with Captain Kidd along for the ride of course.

Our trip started outside of Asheville, NC. but not before we passed the bat cave! Ah ha! I know your secret, Batman!

We stopped at the Arboretum outside of Asheville; a beautiful botanical garden with great trails.

At the Arboretum was a small exhibit of poisonous and intoxicating plants. Captain Kidd's favorites were in the liquor cabinet. 

The Arboretum also had a Bonsai Tree Exhibit that was breath takingly beautiful

The nature trails were really pretty.

After this detour, we began driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Every turn had amazing views of the mountains, beautiful tunnels and bridges, and waterfalls.

 

 We ended the first day setting up camp at a quiet campsite near the craggy gardens.

That next morning, we packed up and headed north on the Parkway. We first stopped and panned for gems.

And found an apple orchard next.

Captain Kidd's favorite jam was the "Hotter n hell" jam

We then explored the Linville Caverns

We hung out at the lake by our campsite.

Then made hot dogs next to the camp fire.

 

We hung out at the North Carolina and Virginia state line.

 

We had awesome wine tasting at a great hidden winery.

 

We ended the Blue Ridge Trail at Booker T. Washington's birth place.

We stopped at a gold mine on our way back home.

 

And checked out Charalotte, NC. 

 

Heritage Day, Plantersville, AL

In May, Captain Kidd and I had a booth at my hometown's Heritage Day. It was a very interesting and fun day where I told the story of my father and Captain Kidd while also promoting cancer awareness. The American Cancer Society gave me a ton of pamphlets on cancer awareness and a few t-shirts to give away.

The display of Captain Kidd's travels around the world.

My brother, Alex, helped with the display

Captain Kidd also checked out the other booths at the event.

Handmade candles made from soy and beeswax.

Homemade bags and quilts

Homemade organic soaps

Make your own hygiene bag for the homeless in Atlanta.

This was a great opportunity to get Captain Kidd's name and cause out to more people and I am very thankful for being able to do this! It's been difficult to keep up with Captain Kidd recently with classes, work, and other issues but his other trips will be added shortly! Captain Kidd traveled through the Blue Ridge Mountains this summer and recently came back from Africa. The second Captain Kidd is currently in Italy and will be heading to London soon to see the Olympics. 

Thank you everyone for the support I've had in this so far! It's been an amazing two years and I am still amazed at all of the places he has been. I can't wait to see where he will end up next!