Jody and I wanted to see more of Old Salem, so we returned without any children or relations to do so.  We had reservations for a tour of the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, which sounded interesting.  We learned that 'decorative arts' is apparently museum-speak for furniture and architectural styles.  We listened to two hours of the history of furniture in the South, with most of it centered in the 'upcountry'.  We learned way more about Queen Anne, ball-and-claw feet, and how to distinguish between a desk and a secretary, than we ever thought anyone could or should know.  It was interesting, but oddly painful.

What we really wanted to do was see more of the restored houses and businesses, and talk to the in-costume docents stationed in each building.  At the Tavern, one bedroom was left open for us modern-day guests to try out the bedding.  I did so, and found it quite comfortable, until Jody told me that the Moravians slept directly on the straw ticking, with the heavy cotton bedding on top of them.   Crunchy straw below, and oppressively heavy weight above.  Yuck.

George Washington promised each state that ratified the constitution that he would visit them.  He kept his word (of course), and when he passed through the upcountry of North Carolina he stayed at the Tavern in Old Salem, most likely in the room pictured below.

The Tavern cook was quite interesting to talk with.  Below she was explaining the food and spices she was cooking with -- all authentic to the late 1700s, and to this time of the year.  They grow crops in Old Salem just for this purpose.

This is just an architectural shot that Jody and I liked, giving the flavor of the place.

After Old Salem, we returned to Chris and Karen's to pick up Jordan, and then headed  back to camp.  Our site backed up to a lovely wood; the image below does not do it justice, but it is the best I can do in this format.

After dinner that evening, we went for a round of "Putt-Putt Golf", better known in California as Miniature Golf.  Below, Jody hits out of a rather dry water hazard.

Jordan on the links, in fine golf attire.  The weather had been continuing to warm (after the snow of 4 days before), so the evening was nice, but still almost no mosquitoes.

I received serious razzing for concentrating on my shots.  Jody wanted to capture the determination I showed -- not sure if this pic does it justice or not.  I did get 2 holes in 1 that night.