Fourth of July Week

The next step of the trip from Dillard to our campground in Salisbury was not without some stress.  We were 1 1/2 hours out of Dillard when the "low coolant"message came on several times forcing us to stop.  We got lucky and found a field where we waited until things cooled down enough so we could add water.  Since we still had 3 hours ahead of us in rising elevations, we dropped the car and I drove behind the motor home.  Normally I would have just driven my speed and met Big Bob at our destination but since he might have to pull over again, I was forced to follow close behind.  Now that was the real stress - since he and I drive much differently, especially on an interstate.  But we got here, with no more problems.

We are back at Dan Nichols Park campground again this year.  We come here most years to celebrate the 4th of July in one of the biggest old time parades in the area I was born in - Faith, NC.  Although we moved from here when I was three, this has always been "home" to my parents and lots of family still live here or, like us, comes to town for the parade and for family time.

 Dan Nicholas Park Campground

We had a nice wooded site on the lake (the same one as last year).

Bryan and his family are also here in his new toy hauler and they are really enjoying the new camper.

  

They are next to us and we had lots of visits from Brody. We loved that!

  

The boys had a change to fish - Big Bob the "old man" way

Bryan was the first and only one to catch a fish, but the fishie had to go back in to grow some more.

 The flies are bad, but thanks to the new addition to our camping gear, we are bug free!

One of the best things about camping with Bryan and family is they do most all the cooking. Bryan means business when he cooks - the grill and the smoker both come on all their trips.

 

 Seen in the campground

 Patriotism (all the campers were showing the red, white and blue).

Who cares what Colin Kaepernick thinks

Fourth of July Parade

This very patriotic parade is pretty much what it has been for many years - fire trucks from the surrounding areas, the local high school marching band, lots of veteran organizations (including the Confederacy) and big trucks.  Lots of folks show up for the parade and lots of them are relatives that we only get to see once a year.

 

A rare moment in the shade with Papa - but when the parade started it was Brody and Nena on the curb in the hot sun taking it all in.



And it was hot - Me with a towel over my head. The dermatologist is not going to be happy.

Childress Racing Museum

We took a day trip to Welcome, NC to tour this racing museum. I thought we had been to them all in this area but somehow we missed this and it could be the best of all of them.

 Car, cars, cars

New driver on the circuit



 The Transport Truck

 

The shop

Richard Childress is also a hunter

And a NRA supporter

Even Kix Brooks race car is here

Of course a visit anywhere for us always includes a trip to the Harley Dealer.  We took a trip towards Winston Salem and stopped at Smokin Harley Davidson and this one did not disappoint - couple hundred dollars this time.

Then to Lexington BBQ for what is known as the best Eastern Carolina BBQ, but it was closed for the July 4th week (they do this every year which is probably why I have never been there since this is when we come to the area). We went up  the street to The Barbeque Center and got our fix there with no complaints.




Next Destination:   North Carolina's Stone Mountain State Park.  Looking for some cool weather.  Stay tuned for our adventures there!