As September rolled in, it was time to ponder Fall destinations and point south from the Northeast before seasonal weather brought too cool temps. Usually, I would have a few destinations in mind that I’m curious to see or considering for home base. This year, my mind was nearly a blank slate. One town, Boone, North Carolina, was a consideration, though I haven’t seen many affordable home possibilities. I tossed the idea around but visiting this one small town meant creating an itinerary all the way south once again. Honestly, I’m feeling “been there, done that” with most of the Carolinas and Georgia. So, I put Boone on the Spring list then booked an Auto Train ticket south from Virginia for late Fall. Yesterday, I read a local news headline stating, “Residents of Boone say it could take weeks, months, or years before they fully recover from Hurricane Helene.” Was my decision just luck? I don’t believe in it. Do I have guardian angels watching over me? Most likely. Is my karma really good? Obviously. Will I be forever grateful that my path took me to Maryland and Virginia? Absolutely. I’m thankfully staying in Mechanicsville with most days spent in nearby Charlotte Hall. Bordered by the Wicomico River, the Western Shore of Maryland is yet another area of my former state that is new to me. "Mechanicsville Village" was established in 1850 on the Three Notch Trail, and was a center for blacksmiths and other craftsmen, with the word "mechanic" referring to skilled tradespeople. Education practices and development in Pennsylvania brought Amish and Mennonite communities to the area in the 1940s. What brought me to this particular spot? The 11-mile Three Notch Trail, a multi-use trail in progress to follow the 28-mile county railroad right-of-way parallel to the road. The name is attributed to a 1704 law that “three notches of equal distance shall be marked on trees to indicate a road leading to a ferry”. It’s been a fairly interesting stay for a month with a woman who has spent her life here. The neighborhood, Country Acres, has homes with an acre or more so it’s quite peaceful, walkable and kind of hilly to bike. It’s interesting living in this environment as I find the distance from neighbors enjoyable, but the village centers have gone by the wayside.
Unfortunately, the main routes surrounding the neighborhoods are too busy to bike and the distance too far to walk, so there is very little you can do without getting in your car. There’s commuter transit but no local service. Pretty much I have been in my car 6 out of 7 days a week in order to ride the Trail, use the Library, visit a County park, or shake my head at the Food Lion. It’s yet another perspective of a lifestyle that seems so appealing for so many reasons except the car dependence. Trust me, when I’m 80, you don’t want me behind the wheel of my Honda Element.
2 Comments
Laradus
10/26/2024 08:50:02 am
Hey Judy! We have a Mechanicsville in Georgia where I grew up so that initially caught my eye until you spoke on being over it and the Carolinas and I do not blame you. I definitely have always had interest in Virginia as a potential residence that balances cultural and geographic traits of the South and Northeast so best wishes. I am enjoying Houston, which has surprisingly supportive infrastructure for cyclists (as a counter to the pollution and fossil fuel dependence, give and take =-)). I do miss the mountain ranges of the east coast, the tall tree canopies, the wood bridges, the waterfalls and the gradual changing of the color of the leaves. Romantic nostalgia, I know. Best wishes on the continued search for a place off the road to call home.
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Judy
10/27/2024 12:20:17 pm
L: I'm so happy to hear from you! It sounds like Houston suits at this point in time. Yes, I had to begin my trek south a bit as the weather changes so rapidly in the Fall. Hanging out in new spots in Maryland and Virginia have suited me quite well as I await the train departure in a couple of days. About to write the next entry and about to re-pack for warmer weather and camping. I'm going to drop you a quick email on locations! J.
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