LURAY TO SMOKY MOUNTAINS

A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY ACROSS AMERICA WITH ANNE AND MEL.

I was chuffed when my American relatives Anne and Mel suggested a road trip across America, taking in part of Route 66. The year was 2013, September 6^th.

Being great trip planners they mapped our places to visit and stay, including a couple of camping parks, and four Couch Surfing Hosts, the first being with host Jeff who was caretaking a friend’s house in the hills of the Smoky Mountains. Couch surfing hosts provide free bedding only. Some provide food.

We excitedly departed my sister-in-law Barbara’s house at Luray near the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The time 7.30. The small ageing car sporting a roof rack with camping gear, was packed to the brim. Will ‘she’ make the distance Barbara and I thought. She did.

After a very scenic drive through Cherokee National Park we finally found Jeff’s abode, a timber house that had seen better days, perched on a hill amongst tall trees. Jeff, along with a friend Ethan from Australia was mending a cage housing three fat bunnies.

‘Make yourselves at home; go through the kitchen and the laundry to your double room upstairs. I have dinner planned at the bottom of the hill,” he greeted as he continue to mend the cage. We made note of a brace on his leg.

Before seeing our room we decided to take our overnight requirements in one trip. The room was just large enough for a double bed with a double mattress on the floor in one corner.

“Oh no Mel, I can’t sleep on this mattress.” With that Mel unpacked a camping mattress and a pillow.

Returning through the kitchen cluttered with unwashed dishes, we wondered about our dinner. Were we really hungry?

Jeff packed his four wheel drive with a bowl of marinated meat and onions. Telling Anne and Mel how to access his patch of land and shed at the bottom of the hill where he planned to build a house. Because of his brace and my sore knee, we drove down.

‘This is where we’ll build the fire’ he proudly said. “You three gather fire wood, and make skewers from that bamboo”.

Soon we were sitting around the fire with wine in hand, watching Jeff pare the bamboo and thread on meat and onions. We tried not to see his hands that hadn’t seen water for awhile.

“You girls go to the kitchen for plates and cutlery. You’ll find them somewhere”. Finally after scouting and having to wash everything, we left the lean-to shed that housed old lounge chairs and a sink. Jeff lived in a caravan nearby.

What a night to remember! As we ate tasty kebabs washed down with flask wine, we heard Jeff’s story, watched stars and sang a few songs.

Jeff was a university lecturer who opted for an alternative life. He had a dirt slab down for his mud house.

I couldn’t resist asking, “what chemical will you use to kill those weeds”.

Indigently he answered “Weeds are friendly and necessary. Look at all the vegetables growing amongst them. It’s called perm culture.”

After a good sleep we bade a fond farewell. I often wonder if Jeff is sitting on his mud verandah admiring his vegetables amongst the weeds. What a character. Read on for stories of more exciting adventures!

Barbara cooked a delicious farewell dinner, washed down with her favourite Australian wine with the Kangaroo Logo!!