FALL TRIP 2025- BACK TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

 “…it’s about the journey, not the destination…’

What a way to start a day! A delicious omelette prepared by Curtis. 

…okay….so….I had this plan for the ride today. South on US 276 into South Carolina, then on SC 11 over toward Walhalla, and north on our friend 107 back across the North Carolina border to Cashiers. Simple….maybe. 

It is common to come across these grocery stores in rural areas
that are part of the live blood of the area.

        I slept in this morning so got a late start. On the road by 11:15 I rode out to US 276, made a left, and rode south. As I’ve said this road gets very twisty as you ride into South Carolina. Full of good intentions I continued south ….until….I came across SC 8 off of US 276. Hmmm….I decided to explore. Interestingly enough it merged with SC 11 after a few miles and headed west….until SC 8 went off to the left. Instead of staying on SC 11 I followed SC 8 south.

A beautiful lake in South Carolina. 

        Route 8 went through the town of Pumpkinville to Pickens, where I stopped for gas. By this time it was after 12:30. I decided to find a city park where I could sit for a bit and read (and of course have a cigar! ). There was a beautiful park with pavilions that had picnic tables. I got set up, read for a while and then noticed movement out the corner of my left eye. It was a pretty cat that sat down looked at me. I talked to it and it meowed back to me. I moved closer and it moved away, looked at me and meowed again. I spoke to it and took another step. Apparently I didn’t look trustworthy because it then moved into the undergrowth and left. Shucks!

My lunch stop in Six Mile South Carolina. The Scoop and Eats.
Unfortunately on Sunday they only serve ice cream. I managed to make do.

        My preferred route out of Pickens was SC 183 to Walhalla. A look at the map told me SC 183 was close about 8 miles out of town. I decided to create my own route, which was SC 178 to Liberty, and then SC 93 to Norris where I would pick up SC 137 going north to intercept SC 183 over to Walhalla, then up 107 to Cashiers and home. Simple :-/.

Inside The Scoop! Notice the table in the foreground
that has my I-Pad on it and my ice cream.

        I rode into the town of Six Mile South Carolina. As I rode through I noticed a restaurant on the right side of the road. A glance at my watch told me it was time for a late lunch. I pulled in and entered this wonderful little business with 20 (  + - ? ) different flavors of ice cream. Behind the counter Marby and Jordan helped me make a selection. DELICIOUS! Thanks ladies for your help. 

You can come inside The Scoop, get some ice cream, and sit down and play chess if you want to.

        From Six Mile I rode north on SC 133 planning to ride it to Nine Times SC, pick up SC 11 back to US 276 and back to the cabin…..” The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray…” SC 133 was closed due to a bridge closure. I looked at a map and realized my best option was to ride to Walhalla and then up to Cashiers, my original plan. 133 intersected SC 183 which brought me to Walhalla, then north on SC 28 to 107 across the border back into North Carolina to Chashiers. From there, like yesterday US 64 to Brevard and on to the cabin. I arrived before 6 pm. Curtis prepared another delicious dinner of Chicken with mixed vegetables. Now we plan to settle in, watch another movie. Tomorrow’s another day of adventure!

Sautéed chicken breasts with mixed vegetables. Terrific!