Judy Grillo
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"To be, rather than to seem."

5/26/2022

4 Comments

 
Yes, I'm spending quite a bit of time in North Carolina this year as a family wedding in Raleigh-Durham is directing my itinerary for most of the month of May. I headed to Clayton for its proximity, but also to ride the Neuse River Trail. I'd secretly hoped it was going to be another charming little town and while it certainly was in years gone by, the sprawl has killed its personality. When I wasn't riding the Greenway or spending a half-day seeing what used to be, I was in purgatory (yes, I know what my purgatory feels like). 
At last, time for the event of the spring season! I'm not only excited about the wedding as I adore my great-nephew Matthew, but it's also the first big social event in years. I'm meeting the bride and her family for the first time, sharing an Airbnb with my sister and niece, and seeing other family members from various states after three or more years.  Let me just say that it was grand! 
Thankfully, I had the foresight to plan relaxation nearby for a few days. In less than two hours, I returned to the countryside and tent life and that was great planning.  In fact, this county campground, in a town called Pleasant Garden, exceeded my expectations with woodsy tent sites, a few ponds and very few people, for a startling $15/night. 
It was then onward to the big city of Greensboro -- population 300,000. Called "Gate City" because of its historic railroads, it retains the name as a transportation and manufacturing hub.  I was drawn here for its history, its greenspace, and out of sheer curiosity. After a few days, I realized how much it felt like Portland, Oregon when I arrived there more than 30 years ago -- a small city that feels like a small town of neighborhoods, and it's a little funky. There are 5 colleges here to influence the culture, but Greensboro also has a symphony orchestra, a ballet company, theater, museums, and the Grasshoppers. I believe this city is a well-kept secret and the people are unpretentious. 
That nearly wraps the month of May and in the early morning I roll to West Virginia for a week. 
4 Comments
Sue
5/28/2022 11:33:00 am

I am glad you got to celebrate with family and enjoy such wonderful scenery. I hope WVa is all you hope it to be, but it just seems to hilly for a bike ride. The weather here is finally turning nice as long as the tornados remain on the western shore...
I am headed south on Wed. Happy summer to you!

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Judy
5/30/2022 07:59:09 pm

Hey gal: Thanks for visiting! May has been a busy month & I'm now in Morgantown which is a hilly challenge to & fro BUT the Mon River Trail is flat, flat, flat. Photos to come. Really hot here so getting out early but back to the tent before week's end & cool temps in New York. Enjoy your respite in Chincoteague; I know you love it there! Will watch for email with stories! J.

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Anne-Marie
6/9/2022 02:11:14 pm

Hey, Jude, you certainly fit in a lot in one month's time! I so enjoyed activities and time shared in Durham. Love the MA connection with Clayton sculpture--I'll have to look for Lorenson's work locally. Nice great blue heron shot.Looking forward to your next entry. . .

Reply
Judy
6/12/2022 10:59:17 am

AMG: Yes, busy though Greensboro was a relaxing yet interesting stay. Feeling pushed about now as I balance travel with prep for Canada. Glad I'm doing two comfortable stays for July & August. Still catching up here! J.

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