Hey Tom, we have been incredibly patient, but want some more report!!!

In the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC on a family getaway.
A little rain yesterday allowed me time to get another day done.
Grandchildren can keep you pretty busy.

Day 6 Link: All Aboard!

BTW - working on my fear of heights

Gee, Tom, how dare you interrupt our trip with another one of your own!! Sounds like another trip report you owe us!

Having never been on a train in all my _____ years (WON'T fill in that number!! , I definitely wouldn't mind taking that train trip myself!

working on my fear of heights again today.

As usual, loving the photos and the story. Where in the Blue Ridge were you? The NC mountains are the one thing we will miss moving back to FL but I'm sure there will be trips back in the future. Also, congrats on working on that fear of heights. Little by little.

OK, the Grandfather mountain came up after I wrote my post.

Tom--Oh H*LL no!!! Not me, buddy!!!

But Carol the reward is great!

Grandfather Mountain Winery 🍷 sitting next to the Watauga Rive watching my grandson having a blast!

I walked quick - drinking slow

No, sorry, Tom. No can do. Some day I should tell you the story about my trip to the top of a ski mountain Germany by cable car. NOT a pretty tale!!

Ah,,com'on Carol...pray tell. Tom's working on his issue (apparently quite well I might add).

Fran--not so much to tell, other than being literally FROZEN in terror in the cable car, holding on to the pole, hiding my face against Eric as the death machine climbed up to the mountain summit. When I finally reached the top, thank god, I thought about walking back down, since I can't ski... Eventually took the death machine back down and vowed I would never see the inside of a cable car again.. That's 'only' been about thirty years ago and so far, I have kept that promise..

Haha, not laughing at you, honest. I can fully understand fear like that and feel your pain. That's how I feel when I get into water over my head without flotation aids. Love being on the water and I love snorkeling but I will never be a free swimmer and you'll never climb mountains. We're all different. Maybe get to see you and Eric again sometime when we're back down there. Someday a TTOL party like we used to see.

Yeah, Fran, when the world calms down again, that sounds good. I really thought we were going in a very good direction, until real recently.

Carol

If you made it to the top and bottom with dry pants and a beating heart all is well.

I must admit I did step on some small kids screwing around to their mother's dismay and waited until less than 20 on the bridge.

Hey Tom, at least you are working on it, good on ya'. I tried working on my fear but gave up a long time ago.

Tom--I was too scared to pee! Good for you, working on it, but I will pass..

Not sure I am working on it - I am more trying to ignore it so my grandson will not have the same fear.
He was the one behind me.
Janet snapped the pic and then grabbed his hand to cross. Me... it was eyes straight do not stop and pass anyone who is stopped looking over the side.

Check - the mile high bridge has been done and I am pretty sure it will not ever happen again.

Enough on blue ridge and fears....

It was a really cool train ride. through the Verde Valley

Hey Tom, we were there a couple years ago, love that area. Need more info on "stepping" on those kids....my guess is that they were trying to make it bounce?! :-)

Beerman - You would be correct! A mother was trying to heard 3 boys (my guess 8-10) at the 1 mile high mark on the bridge for a picture.

They wanted to jump and not stand still. I waited for about 3 seconds for mom to get control of the situation. She was unsuccessful - so I put on my Jim Brown mantra and just ran them over.

Never mess with someone who is motivated by fear. When mom says stop - you stop - if not - big Tom will step on you.

And I crossed the bridge.

Well it is time to go hiking once again!



Today is our last full day in Arizona - And a memorable one at that!

Link: A wind down day!

Tom--Now, it sure looks like "Tom's Trail" would be more my style! Looks lovely! Sorry about the camera. Hope it's OK!!!!

Well done Tom! It's been a fun read.

One more to get us home.
Some more adventures from Cornville to Phoenix
Thanks for following along

Tom--looking forward to the rest of the story--And perhaps another report from the more recent adventures???

Hey Tom, where's the rest of the story?????

On my computer with no pictures yet...
Promise today or tomorrow...
I have when life gets in the way.
Hottest day of the year and 2 to 3 hours of grass cutting.
So glad I got half of it done yesterday

OK, looking forward to it!!

Ok... those who are still following along let's Belly Up to Bar and bring this rodeo to an end.
Thank you for being patient as I struggle to find the time to end this.
Who said when you retire you have lots of free time.

The final link: Happy Trails to you...

Wow, that is some bar!! Thanks for taking us along, great pictures as always!!!

Carol,

Thanks for hanging tuff!

I did a wrap up page in case you want to post to the historical Trip Report threads. All you will need is this post to consolidate all the days.

Link: At Last - Trip Report Arizona

Tom--I am embarrassed to report that I haven't been keeping the trip report archives updated. Maybe I should just start from here and not try to go back, as it's been way too long, I haven't done them.

Tom,
It's been a fun journey following your trip report, thanks for that. I wish I had your abilities in both photography and writing. Looking forward to your next trip.

PS, Carol, I agree, that bar is fantastic.

Tom, Excellent! The baby pic is priceless!!

I probably should note that Janet went for the Whiskey... Once again I stuck with a cold beer...
I hate being the designated driver. Janet was not driving in the mountains.
I did taste her cocktail and it was extremely well done.

The baby episode was so surreal and happen so fast. I cannot believe I got the shot.
On the good news side of things - the children were excellent on the flight.

Once again thanks to all for following on - always enjoy comments and questions.