The rains from Chantal and earlier storms caused a lot of high water. We made our way into NC in the first part of July, making two stops at the homes of hosts from Boondockers Welcome. We were making our way to the Raleigh area to visit family. And shortly after arriving in NC it rained – a lot.
Parked at our spot near Chapel Hill NC Into NC – Along with the rain
As members of Boondockers Welcome, we have access to individual hosts who make a site available on their property. Many have electric available for a small fee as well. We made a return visit to the small town of Wagram NC, to the home of a gracious couple that also like to travel in their RV. We enjoyed an evening discussing each of our travels while enjoying their hospitality on our brief visit to their home.
As members of Boondockers Welcome, we have access to individual hosts who make a site available on their property. Many have electric available for a small fee as well. We made a return visit to the small town of Wagram NC, to the home of a gracious couple that also like to travel in their RV. We enjoyed an evening discussing each of our travels while enjoying their hospitality on our brief visit to their home.
Some scenery near our parking spot in Chapel Hill. The next day, we got a small taste of what was to come as we navigated downpours and flood warnings to make our way further north to a host’s site on the outskirts of Chapel Hill. Despite their proximity to the busy NC Research Triangle, we found ourselves parked in a quiet rural setting. We had booked this stay to cover the July 4th holiday weekend. Despite staying for 5 nights, we would actually sleep there only 2 of those nights, since we took the opportunity to visit with Cathy’s sisters and extended family over the 4th.
Returning on the Sunday after the 4th, we once again were driving through pouring rain. However, this time, it was relentless and heavy. The remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal were making their way through this part of NC, and (contrary to forecasts) had stalled over a section of north central NC that included Chapel Hill. After pulling over twice to let the downpours ease, we were relieved to finally arrive safely back at our RV. However, the heavy rain didn’t let up for hours. We were receiving repeated warnings on our phones about the dangerous conditions outside. And we could hear the incessant drumming on our roof from inside until well into the night.
Returning on the Sunday after the 4th, we once again were driving through pouring rain. However, this time, it was relentless and heavy. The remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal were making their way through this part of NC, and (contrary to forecasts) had stalled over a section of north central NC that included Chapel Hill. After pulling over twice to let the downpours ease, we were relieved to finally arrive safely back at our RV. However, the heavy rain didn’t let up for hours. We were receiving repeated warnings on our phones about the dangerous conditions outside. And we could hear the incessant drumming on our roof from inside until well into the night.
Around 10 inches of rain sit in this firepit outside our camper. By morning, the local news was reporting on flooding, evacuations and a few unfortunate deaths due to the storm. We had planned to join our hosts for a bike ride on a nearby trail that morning. However, the road to reach that site was blocked by downed trees. We made an alternate plan, but found ourselves dodging lights without power, more downed trees, washed away roads and high water. This did give us a chance to assess our route to Wake Forest with the trailer later that day. Good thing, since our original route (and the one we had traveled the day before) was now flooded.
Falls Lake swimming area under water in our campground. Moving to Holly Point Campground in the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, we would spend a week there giving us more time to visit family. For most of the week, we were almost the only ones in the campground. But all that rain caused the lake to overflow its banks, flooding the swimming areas and causing a higher release from the dam. We were high and dry, so the high water didn’t affect us during our stay.
The American Tobacco Trail
Taking a bike ride on a day that we planned to move the RV and after a day of record-setting rainfall seemed at best a little unusual. And at worst, crazy. But we had committed to a bike ride with our host, so we emptied the truck bed and loaded up the bikes. With the conditions forcing a change in our destination, we also had a longer drive to the trailhead. We were going to ride a nearby rail trail, the American Tobacco Trail.
Taking a bike ride on a day that we planned to move the RV and after a day of record-setting rainfall seemed at best a little unusual. And at worst, crazy. But we had committed to a bike ride with our host, so we emptied the truck bed and loaded up the bikes. With the conditions forcing a change in our destination, we also had a longer drive to the trailhead. We were going to ride a nearby rail trail, the American Tobacco Trail.
Dave prepares his bike before our ride As the name suggests, this bike trail follows the rail lines that supplied tobacco from rural NC farms to the American Tobacco Co (think J. B. Duke) located in Durham. When the company left Durham in the late 80’s, the tracks eventually were abandoned, and were developed into a biking and hiking trail that is popular with locals.
The trail is wide and flat. We rode about 9 miles north from its southern terminus near Jordan Lake. The trail is flat, wide and either a smooth gravel or paved. It was shaded for most of of our ride, and the few street crossings were easy to navigate.
Our near miss with this guy made us cautious for the rest of the trip. We did see a little of nature on the path, although we didn’t see it the first time we passed by. Cathy sailed past a copperhead on the trail, startling it into action. So, when Dave passed by, it was ready to strike, coiled with its mouth open. When John called us back to see what we had been oblivious to, the snake had begun to slide off the trail, and we breathed a sigh of relief. Whew!
Jason and dad Harry serving up a July 4th feast. Family Time
While in the Raleigh area, we joined a July 4th celebration at our niece’s house, got to tour Cathy’s sister’s new house, helped reorganize a few boxes, and enjoyed some community at a church dinner. We finally said our goodbyes after almost 2 weeks together. It was time to move a little further north. And we would be spending time with our grandkids, helping a bit with some shuttle service.
While in the Raleigh area, we joined a July 4th celebration at our niece’s house, got to tour Cathy’s sister’s new house, helped reorganize a few boxes, and enjoyed some community at a church dinner. We finally said our goodbyes after almost 2 weeks together. It was time to move a little further north. And we would be spending time with our grandkids, helping a bit with some shuttle service.
