North Carolina 2022 – Day Eleven
Ah, the last full day in North Carolina—where did the time go? Michele and I decided to make the most of it with a leisurely stroll, accompanied by our trusty furry companion, Luna. We set off to explore the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, a spot steeped in history from the American Revolution of the 1780s.
A Walk Through History (With a Wagging Tail)
The day greeted us with its usual splendour: clear blue skies and a refreshing autumn breeze. We parked the car and, without much fuss, made our way along the park’s trails. Dotted throughout the area were monuments and plaques, marking significant moments of the historic battle. It was fascinating to imagine what had unfolded here all those years ago, but let’s be honest, Luna was more interested in the squirrels than in the history lesson.
Luna, to her credit, was an absolute angel. She trotted along like the good girl she is, stopping occasionally for a sip of water from her portable bowl. Michele and I exchanged knowing smiles; this was our version of bliss—nature, history, and a well-behaved dog. What more could you ask for on a sunny North Carolina day?
The Cemetery Shortcut That Wasn’t
Now, about halfway through our peaceful walk, I had what I thought was a brilliant idea: why not take a little detour through the cemetery? It’s right next to the park, after all, and it would shorten the loop I’d planned. So, off we trotted into what I initially thought was an extension of the military park.
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
The cemetery was quite modern, with contemporary graves and not the historic kind I’d imagined. But still, we strolled through, confident we’d soon emerge back onto the trail. It didn’t take long for things to go pear-shaped, though. Turns out, the entire cemetery was encased by a rather tall fence, and—wouldn’t you know it—the main gates were locked tighter than Fort Knox. My “shortcut” had quickly transformed into a wild goose chase, with us retracing our steps like confused tourists.
Michele and Luna were starting to lose patience with me, and who could blame them? Michele had developed a blister, Luna was panting like a steam train, and to top it off, we were running low on water. It was at this point I decided I’d probably lost my nomination for ‘Husband of the Year.’
Mission Accomplished… Sort Of
Eventually, after what felt like an eternity (but was probably only 15 minutes), we found our way back to the trail. By then, tempers were running a bit hot—literally and figuratively—but we managed to finish the walk at a respectable 6.5 miles. Sweaty and slightly knackered, we headed back to Julie’s place for a well-earned bit of downtime.
Michele and Luna deserved a break after my little navigational mishap, so they stayed behind to relax while Julie and I ventured out for a quick jaunt to—get this—a gym inside a hospital. Yes, you read that right. And what a hospital it was! Forget the A&E departments back home with their endless queues and drab decor. This place was spotless, modern, and utterly state-of-the-art. Of course, the healthcare system here comes with a hefty price tag, but blimey, they do get what they pay for.
The gym itself? Very swish, though I wasn’t too focused on the weights. My real highlight was the ride in Julie’s BMW Z4 M40i. Now, I’m no car fanatic, but this beauty? She purrs. The engine gives a cheeky pop-pop sound as it accelerates, as if to say, “Is that all you’ve got?” Absolute joy.
Evening Relaxation and a Farewell
Once back at Julie’s, the evening wound down in typical fashion. Elle, Julie’s daughter, had prepared a lovely meal. She’s always keen to please, and tonight was no exception. We all tucked in, savouring what would be our final dinner together on this trip.
Hailee, their little one, had already gone off to bed, no doubt dreaming of adventures of her own. Elle, ever the sweetheart, came downstairs after to bid us farewell, knowing she’d be at work when we left in the morning. It was a touching moment, and I must admit, we’ll miss her and Hailee terribly when we’re back home.
As the evening drew to a close, Michele and Julie settled in for a bit of telly. Their show of choice? “Nashville”—which, let me tell you, is basically the American version of “Coronation Street.” I can see the appeal: dramatic storylines, plenty of emotional outbursts, and characters you either love or love to hate. It’s a good thing I’m more into the quiet moments after a long day because, let’s be honest, I was never going to win them over with my remote control choices.
Until Next Time, North Carolina
And so, our North Carolina adventure comes to an end. It’s been a fantastic trip filled with laughter, little surprises, and more than a few unplanned detours. As we prepare to head back, I can’t help but feel grateful for these moments, even the ones that didn’t quite go to plan. After all, it’s not just the destination, but the journey—and this journey, with Michele, Luna, and our lovely hosts, was one for the books.
