We had happy hour at the coach followed by dinner. During all this we watched a group set up an obstacle course in the huge truck parking lot below the campground. It turned out that this weekend was the 35th annual two day truckers rally. Truckers come from all up and down the east coast to compete in the rally, going through the obstacle course in the shortest period of time and hitting the fewest cones in the process. All the proceeds go to the "Make-a-Wish Foundation."
Saturday morning we watched a bit of the competition, then hit the road on the way to Galax, VA, site of our new Summer home, some 150 miles down I81 and I77. We were hoping that Appalachian Electric Power had switched on our power. We stopped in Galax at the WalMart Superstore for supplies and received a call from the Appalachian Electric installer who was at the gate to Deer Creek. We gave him the code, and were assured that the power would be on by the time we arrived - and sure enough it was!
We arrived and got ourselves situated on our site - moving back and forth until we were in the perfect position relative to our "cassita" and the utilities.
This will now be the permanent location for the coach when we are here. The site looks a bit rough at the moment, but there are great plans for the landscaping and the finishing of the cassita! During the day, as we got settled in, most of our neighbors came by to say hello and offer their assistance should we need anything. They are really a great bunch of people. That evening, we headed into Galax to Macados for happy hour and a light dinner. Unbeknownst to us, there was a party going on at the clubhouse that we could have attended (more on this below). 
Sunday, I began the task of measuring the site - again - to make sure how many "stones" we would need to build our retaining walls, and about how much added fill would be required to build our beds. the same thing went on for most of the week along with discussion with the developer, Barry Poole and numerous workers who would be helping us with the heavy work.
By Thursday, and with the advice of our landscaper, we had decided to forego building a waterfall in one corner of the lot - too much trouble when we are not going to be here for more than a few months a year. Instead, we will rely on a small fountain to provided the sound of running water. We had also ordered 950 stones for the walls and acquired drain tile and other necessary materials.
Thursday was also the day I began the digging involved in putting in the french drains and and the footings for the retaining walls. Of course, my foot slipped off the shovel and I twisted my left knee again - the same one I twisted when fly fishing in Cherokee, NC. In the meantime, Rojas, one of our workers delivered a huge load of gravel from the quarry down the road before leaving for a few days holiday. Undaunted by the knee, I continued on digging and by Friday, had finished the site prep for the utilities area.
However, I have decided that old men and heavy shovels do not mix. I am now resigned to playing more of a support role to Rojas and his workers when it comes to shovel work!! Later, we headed West to Sparta to see what this town had to offer - not much. Like so many of the towns in the mountains, it is a one street wonder so to speak. On Saturday, it rained and my knee was still sore so we took a wider tour of area, heading Northwest to Galax, then East to Hillsville, then South to Fancy Gap where our landscaper's businesses are located. Charles Bernhardt and his wife Margaret are amazing people. They run a business called Treasure Potts in Fancy Gap (www.TreasurePotts.com), just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. They have an antique shop, that is filled with great treasures, a deli and a garden shop. Charles, who is no spring chicken, is a whirling dervish when it comes to work. I don't know how he does it. He has given us some great advice so far and I look forward to seeing the final results at our site.
Returning to Deer Creek down a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway (which passes within a few hundred yards of the the Resort), we found that (another) "spontaneous" wine and cheese party had been announced. This time, Barry (the developer) and his wife laura provided the wine and cheese and everyone else provided snacks - some quite elaborate. We have learned that these parties erupt on a regular basis whenever someone decides to announce one. There is even a formal sign that is put up next to the clubhouse near to gate on such occasions. Most of the couples in residence attended, and Suz and I had a ball.
After much food and drink, we all retired to the outside fireplace and continued conversations. The party broke up are around 8:30 or so with Suz and I having gotten to know many of our neighbors much better. We headed back to the coach even more firmly convinced of the wisdom of our purchase decision. And Dixie feels the same way as you can see!
Sunday, I headed into Galax to Lowe's and WalMart to get supplies and to take a really close look at the shops along Main Street. There are many that we had overlooked and, thanks to our neighbors, now have a better feel for the variety Galax has to offer. We will be exploring the area more in the coming days and weeks. Until the next posting, Cheers!
John, Suz and Dixie the (contented) Wonderdog
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