The General and I have a friend named Sharon who owns a home in Blanco and a condominium in Hunt, Tx. We've been friends for well over four decades. If you've not been to Hunt, it is located deep in the Texas Hill Country. The condominium is located on the Guadalupe River. It is a picturesque setting and we've been invited to use the condominium as a respite and getaway several times. We always find it enjoyable.
For many years, Sharon has traveled extensively all over the world. I guess you could say that I live vicariously, because I always enjoy the pictures that Sharon posts from remote places from all over the globe.
Her passport must be filled with an exceptionally high number of stamps that cover the world. In addition, even when Sharon is home, she is still on the move. She soaks in the sights and sounds of everything for miles around. She has the innate ability to live like a tourist 24/7 and she doesn't intend to miss anything. Her theme song has to be: "I've Been Everywhere."
Several American musicians eventually capitalized on that song written in 1959 by Australian songwriter Geoff Mack using Australian places names. It was later adapted using North and South American place names by Hank Snow in 1962. His version hit number one of the country music charts. The song was also recorded by Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.
Some of the lyrics include:
… I was totin' my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high an' canvas-covered load
"If you're goin' to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride"
And so I climbed into the cab, and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land"
… I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
… I've been to Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota
Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota
Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma
Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma
Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo
Tocapillo, Baranquilla, and Perdilla, I'm a killer…"
A story that I remember from about thirty years ago, is the story of two friends holding a conversation. One of the men asked his buddy, "Where did you go on vacation?" His friend replied: " I went to Atlantic City". In response the first friend asked: "Did you see the boardwalk?" He responded that he had not. The friend then said: "Then, you really haven't been to Atlantic City."
The first time I went to Chicago, I forked over the money to see Chicago from the top of the Sears Tower (Now the Wills Tower), The Sears tower is 1,451 feet tall. For many years, it was the tallest tower in the world. The view took my breath away. It was amazing. I remember thinking, "If you haven't seen Chicago from the Sears Tower, you haven't seen Chicago."
Several years ago, I visited Black Mountain Children's Home in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Arriving early the day before, I decided to go sightseeing. The following day the head of the agency asked where I had gone the afternoon before? I truthfully answered: "Like Abraham, I went out not knowing. I simply drove and took in the sights". He asked, "Did you go to Chimney Rock? I had not.
So where was Chimney Rock and how long would it take for me to get there? As it turned out, Chimney Rock was only about twenty miles away, but I could anticipate a forty-to-forty-five minute drive. My friend asked if I saw the movie, "The Last of the Mohicans?" I had not seen the movie, but he perked my interest when he said it was filmed at Chimney Rock. I intuitively knew that if I missed Chimney Rock, I would miss something special.
Chimney Rock, the 535-million-year-old monolith for which the State Park is named, is considered one of the most iconic sites in North Carolina. From its top, you'll soak in the 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. A state-of-the-art elevator is available to get you closer to the top of the Chimney, leaving just 44-steps to the breath-taking view. At an elevation of 2,280 feet above sea level, this mountaintop experience will take your breath away. Reportedly, the climb is well worth the effort!
All I needed was time. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time. Planes don't wait on sightseers, but I made my way to Chimney Rock. The drive was spectacular. It is a basic 30-to-40 mph adventure. I rolled the windows down. Wow! How long as it been since I've driven with the windows down. I should do that more often.
So, the good news is I made it to Chimney Rock State Park. The bad news is that I didn't have an additional hour to take the shuttle to the top of the chimney. Consequently, I've been to Chimney Rock, but I really haven't been to Chimney Rock. I will go back.
All My Best!
Don
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