Hampton Inn Fayetteville-Cross Creek

... owners use the 2nd/3rd floor occasionally). I snapped a few photos inside before learning photos are not allowed...lalala. The trees were probably worth $7.50...where the other $10 went I'm not sure.

I drove 45-60 min farther north to Hampton Plantation. Archibold Rutledge sold it to the government before he died and now the park service runs it...which probably explains its current condition. This plantation house was at least ...

... Springs in Austin gaan rondloop. Daar was toevallig 'n "kite" fees aan. Honderde kinders en ouers wat kites van alle kleure en soorte laat vlieg. Regtig 'n kleurvolle versiering van die buitelug! Oplaas vlieg ons toe laat aand Atlanta toe. Ek moet net hier noem dat ek haat vlieg in die VSA!! 'n Mens moet jou skoene uittrek, jou broek gordel en jou baadjie voor jy deur sekuriteit mag gaan. Di's sooo 'n mission ...

... resting andejoying my last few days at home before I fly off on the 6th. I will try to keep it updated as much as I possilby can (once a week is my goal...). I am going to miss y'all terribly and I hope that everyone has safe travels this new year.

... for us (note: there isn't even any age limit and the only reason Christopher didn't go was because he had chosen to stay home playing computer games and basketball with Luke. We had Barbeque for tea (not the aussie style but take away shredded pork style food). Tom and Teresa gave us some very lovely momentos with related stories about the military connections, we were very moved by their kindness and the work that they have been doing over the past few years.

... showed us where his handover ceremony was held, where the paratroopers practice jumping etc, some of the different aircraft on display and the army housing. The weather is fantastic, sunny and slightly crisp, not sure when we are going to need all the layers of clothes we bought with us.

I just bought a car, and I am going to fly to California, pick it up and drive back to Fort Bragg, NC. I am a relatively new driver, just having my first driver's license for a little over two months. I have been fooling around on GoogleMap trying to find a nice route. I plan on making these stops: Los Angeles, CA Ft Irwin, CA Las Vegas, NV somewhere in NM prob the ...

... fans. We stood and watched the first half and it appeared that the Steelers had the Bungals under control, so back on the road we went. It was a little adventure getting back on Interstate 95. We had to stop several times to get directions which seemed to conflict with each other, but we eventually found the highway.

... Amy over the San Rafael Bridge and into the Sonoma Valley - our destination - the Russian River and one of the many campgrounds we contacted about camping availability. We made it to the first place, but less than desirable accommodations sent us backtracking to the Mirabel Campground to spend the night. This place was actually a little cheaper and more secluded in the woods. It was also nestled right along the Russian River which provides the fertile soil ...

... trip's first leg took us to the Cape Fear Valley Hospital! Steve's dad Gerald was having chest pains, but he was released just before midnight after extensive tests that confirmed an upper respiratory infection and a kidney stone. We're hoping he feels much better before we leave the country! For fear of starting long-winded, I'll close now. Steve says he wants to ride an elephant and I'm dreaming of the bungalow by the sea! Latuh from Raleigh or San Fran! Steve and Laura ("S 'n' L")

What is the US's fascination with Lafayette? Why are so many communities named for this man? I found the area around Fayetteville less interesting: very sandy soil, very flat. And it was hot and beginning to be humid down here. The schools were also less interesting -- good schools, but not as much fun as Appalachia...