Silver Slipper: Camping Trip North Carolinia Blueridge Parkway

This is long I know but it is what it is.
This camping trip we went to North Carolina. Our first two nights we went back to Salt Fork State Park in Ohio. The last time we were there it rained like crazy, well this time was no exception. Other then it was not as bad as the last time. We got lucky with our first night the rain stopped and we were able to enjoy a nice night with grass for the dogs. Always a good thing when it has rained. Next day rain but drove around and found a dog park:) We thought the dogs would run like crazy but instead smelled every inch of it.
Our next day we left for NC. Had a nice drive to next camp Bandits Roost. Not what we expected at all. Lots and Lots of kids, our camping spot we were told don't put awning out or any kind of canopy if a wind comes up will take it away.
The dogs really did well with all the kids riding there bikes all around us and cars non stop.
Thank goodness Ellen told me about a State Park near us. Stone Mountain. Love this Park!! We got really lucky great campsite, beautiful views and hardly anyone there. YEA!
We drove the Blue ridge Parkway this time a different direction then when we did our spring trip. I have to say it is a great drive. The views are incredible.
One nice thing about all the rain the water falls were flowing amazing. Downside very wet and slippery with the two kids that want to go much faster then there mom & dad.
We drove to Ashville but got a late start had time for some lunch at a outside cafe, and the dogs got to sit with us.
Started back to camp and decided to take another way back on the Parkway. Oops! The campground locks the gates at 8:00. Looking at the time thinking ok we should make it ( I might add as we left that morning both of us laughing about getting back in time) well can I just say we ran into a accident thank goodness no one was hurt. Then thought we could make better time getting of the parkway wrong. Got back on the Parkway feeling pretty good getting a little dark and yes detour! Now we are really looking at the clock with what seemed a hundred curves, and deer every where. We felt like we were not moving. I was freaking out and ever so acting calm. Ok worst case we have to walk back to camp in the dark 1.5 miles. Well good news we pulled in 3 min till 8. Both of us wanted nothing but a good stiff drink. I know Mike and I will laugh about this for a long time!
The next morning our last at this camp we decided to take a hike to a waterfall at the park. 328 stairs up and 328 stairs down Mike counted. Ran into a couple that told us to be careful they had seen a rattlesnake on the path sunning itself. Ok I am not sure I wanted the dogs to see one or if my old phobia kicked in, or the fact that last night and the stress kicked in. Whatever it was I opted to suggest ice cream for all of us.
Went back to camp then walked around the park it is so nice and peaceful I can say I could enjoy it even if it was raining. We got really lucky our last night the clouds left and we had a great fire leaned back in our chairs and had our very on planetarium. I also got to see three shooting stairs. What a great last night. Thanks to Ellen!!
Left for Rock Island TN. Nice drive. Rock Island State Park is old very pretty driving in but it is old and the campsites very small. The one we were suppose to have no way could we get in. Got lucky found another one nice partly because no one was there had a quite night but not worth staying two nights. We did get up in the morning and drove to see the twin falls. They were really pretty.
Left for home and wanting to stop half way and just find somewhere to pull in.
We found a KOA in Louisville that had a great write up. (Who writes these places Up??) So true to form our campsite is I think part of a road. Mike went to the store for a few supplies for the night. I and the two kids stay back. All of a sudden dogs go crazy Maggie goes threw the door and she has a man stopped in his tracks. I start to get her and he moves so she stops him again. I guess you should not come in our yard when my daddy's gone! I am sure that is what most of the people are use to walking threw. If that had been a hotel rooms I would not have had any part of it. I think I am slipping. The good news we got home safe, have a few funny stores and most of all we have all our hubcaps!