38th Anniversary Week

 It's hard to believe that it's been 38 years since Mark and I got married. 3rd August 1985, Bury St. Edmunds Registry Office, with my best friend, Olga, and our friend, Daniel Beddow ("Filo"), as our best people, and a group of our friends in attendance. My mate Trudy hosted our reception at her bungalow in Beck Row. 4 days later, on the 7th, he flew back to the  States and I stayed in England and began the fun process of getting a visa for me and my kids to come over.

So, our celebrations started on Tuesday, and we treated ourselves to an indulgent lunch at Volcano Korean Barbecue and Hot Pot on Woodruff Road. I LOVE that place but it's a "special only" place for us as it's really a bit more than we like to spend.

Wednesday, we had a beautiful ride out to Dillsboro NC and the Best Western River Escape Inn, and I fell in love from the get go. A portent of things to come, just as we pulled into the parking lot, one of the diesels from the GSMR came through on the line at the front of the hotel. I was thrilled!

Marissa, the receptionist was awesome. Unfortunately the handicapped access seat in the pool had needed a new battery, and when it came, it did not fit.  She apologised profusely. They'd called around other hotels to try to get one, but hadn't been able to find one so they gave us a discount to make up for the inconvenience. Excellent customer service (unlike my last Holiday Inn stay that was messed up from start to finish, and it was like "oh well, tough").

Our room had a balcony overlooking the river, and we set my elliptical bike out there, so that I could pedal and read whilst listening to the flow of the water rushing over the rocks. It was absolutely beautiful, perfect for me in every way.

We drove through to Bryson City to check the drive time, and pick up our tickets for Thursday's steam train ride on the Great  Smoky Mountains Railroad. We had dinner at the Box Car Cafe - hubby had a club sandwich (and they didn't skimp on the fillings at all!) and I had an awesome Chef Salad, and - because I'm weird and like them together - fries with no salt. Excellent food at a decent price.

Thursday, we drove to Bryson City and took our steam train ride on the Nantahala Gorge excursion. Everyone was so helpful, and the conductor Charlie got me loaded with this narrow wheelchair that they use to seat passengers like me (the aisles are too small for my walker or ridearound). He was cheerful and friendly and did a great job manouvering me through one carriage to get to the next one where our assigned seating was.

The trip was absolutely smashing, the countryside was amazing, and I loved going alongside the river and across Lake Fontaine on a trestle bridge. Our carriage steward, a lovely young man named Chavez, was excellent. He not only kept everyone topped up with snacks and soft drinks, but gave us a commentary every now and then on the history of the railroad, the train itself, and local areas of interest.

During the ride, a wandering minstrel came through the carriage, singing Country and Western songs as he accompanied himself on a guitar. He had a very nice voice. I believe his name was Tommy.

A photographer was on board for those who wanted to have a pictorial memento of the trip, to go with our souvenir lidded cups.

After our ride ended we headed into the museum and gift shop to check out the layouts, and we picked up a nice souvenir knife for Mark, engraved with his name.

For dinner, we asked Chavez for a recommendation for a Chinese restaurant, and he told us that Iron Wok was the best in Bryson City. We called ahead and grabbed take-out to take back to the hotel. Hubby had the Honey Coconut Chicken with fried rice, and I had Mongolian Beef with steamed rice. I loved the delicate flavour of the Mongolian Beef, and hubby thoroughly enjoyed his as well. The portion sizes were good so we froze leftovers in the top of the hotel fridge and brought them home with us yesterday!

We thoroughly enjoyed our mini-vacation, and will definitely be heading back again as soon as we can. We want to take the train excursion the other way, next time, and we will definitely be trying to get the same room again at the Best Western!