Mountain living at its best! Can you imagine owning a mountain cabin? How nice to be able to simply pick up and drive to the mountains and have your own place to lay your head!
My brother-in-law and sister have a really nice place high in the North Carolina mountains and yes, I was invited to go over the Labor day weekend. And go we did! We(the eldest daughter and her family) traveled from our home in North Florida to where my sister lives, spent the night and were up bright and early in the mountains to travel high in the sky. It was magnificent.
Katie Girl, Daniel and their 22 month old son took charge and what a fine time we had! When asked if Kristie (my youngest) would be able to go, she reminded me that she had a “J /O/ B” and would not be able to take the time this year. We certainly missed her!
Our trip was full of fun and laughter and it was just nice being together and enjoying one another. The trip was a bit long for the baby with all of the riding but his mama had him well stocked with games, toys, music and yes, the iPad.
Here are my suggestions when traveling to the mountains:
1. Make plans well in advance-
We were able to do this. We discussed this with family members at least 4 weeks before the event. This gave everyone time to plan financially, take time off of work if possible and think through the small things like who would keep the family pet and in our case, feed the chickens too!
2. Save Financially to Be Able to Spend
Even though we stayed FREE in the cabin, a trip such as this is not without costs. Even though gas was lower than normal, filling an SUV 4 times is no small undertaking. Day trips, food and buying any type of memorabilia costs.
3. Before Going Have a Basic Plan
Okay, so we knew we were going to my sister’s cabin but we still looked online to determine what things could be done in the area. We ended up at Dollywood Theme Park, trying to get the “secret recipe” from Duke at Bush’s Baked Beans factory during our stop (Ha! Ha!) and going to the famous Cherokee Reservation.
4. Go It Alone Yet Go Together
My best recommendation is to meet at each destination rather than follow each other in the car. Following another person or them following your driving can bring about frustration and for what? Each party knows where the destination is and what time to be there. It’s easier to meet and greet than follow and frown.
5. Discuss The Long and Short of Things
It is very important on a trip like this that the reminders are in place for a lot of riding, a lot of stopping, a lot of money being spent and with that said… everyone should stick it out and have a good time.
6. Make a List of Things That Everyone Wants To Do
It helps to involve everyone on the trip so that each person feels included to do “their” activity. If you’re staying for a considerable amount of time, this is easy. If it is a short trip, talk it over to determine the wants and needs of the party. The whole things is about having fun. Right?
In the end, enjoy the mountain cabin, the time spend and hope to do it again!
Josie
