Jodee and I were on a little vacation of our own the first of the month and as always Jim and Susan took care of everyone just fine.  We started out staying close to home to ride some mt. biking trails that have eluded us.  We rode trails at Paris Mt. near Greenville S.C., the FATS trails in Augusta GA and the new Jackrabbit trails near Hayesville, NC.  We had a great time.  I have to say that we liked the FATS trails the best.  We did some videos with Jodee's little helmet cam.  Unfortunately she took a fall and the audio caught me laughing.  That will cost me some dish washing for awhile.  We then headed to Pine Island in Florida near Sanibel.  We discovered a wonderful B&B there called Bokeelia Tarpon Inn.  It reinforced our totally unbiased belief that B&B's certainly provide so much extra to a visit.  We found out about the island's Calusa Indian history, the 100 acre, covered, Star Fruit farm, the restaurants to visit and the ones to avoid, and how to see the other islands with the time we had.  We had Mango pancakes for breakfast and watched the sunset from a private fishing dock.  You won't get that at the Comfort Inn.  

     It is nice to be back in the mountains with our cooler temps.  The woods are lush and the rhododendrons are blooming. You should come for a visit and see Roan Mountain now that it has reopened after extensive renovations. The natural rhododendron gardens there are nearly unbelievable.   I just happen to know a good B&B where you can stay.