Fratey

i was there in 2001 with a briefly known mate from the city (I’m a Yank), and he lived in the old hospital in Salford. Nice town center (I went to Sugar!) and to Teasers, and various other bars…the man was an ARSE, but had a great time, was only in-country for less than 48 hrs, so it had to be fast! I’d go back in a heartbeat, minus the drama. MMMMMMM, cask ale from the tap – sweeter and more precious than mother’s milk! I suffer from being American, we miss out on all the wonderful things in life! Damn it!!! Have one for me!

Gorgeous trees, water, railroad tracks, nice camping…bring your camera!

Went once with my Mom and her partner, and then with my partner in the winter. My partner was a jerk, I should have gone alone. But, when my Mom and her partner and I went, we had a great time! Lack of testosterone must have been the key…

I was with my Mom and her partner – it was 1999 in the fall. We had a blast! I had a HELL of a time explaining to my Mom’s partner that the $2 coin was NOT a quarter! We made some great photos, and some equally great memories.

was with a man who I thought I would marry. We only saw a few things, and he wasn’t/isn’t the kind of person who’d say, “Hey, let’s check out the COOL stuff off the beaten path”, even though he knew what those places were. Yep, still bitter 10 yrs later. Bastard. Go there, bring cash, and have fun!!!

I was with a man I thought I might marry – he turned out to be a total jerk when he was around his family (from Xanten, a little north of Cologne/Koln). the Church was undergoing some renovations (this was 1997), and it was soooo dark, and the stained glass almost SANG with the lights coming through it! Loved it, but “he” was a loser. Nice trip, though.

was in the late 80s – my then-husband and I would go to some of the funky mom-and-pop shops and get handmade pepperoni and other culinary delights. I only hope that this area hasn’t become like the Clarendon area of Arlington, VA – taken over by people with money who only want “cool” stuff like Starbucks and Panera in the neighborhood. I got some of the best Italian food in this area!

This is a gorgeous park with an easily accessible main two-lane road. This park meets up with the Blue Ridge Parkway to the south. Bring your camera, and lots of film or flash memory, and the batteries! You can only go about 35 MPH, so be ready to take your time. Deep sweeping views of the landscape from either side of the ridge will impress all but the most jaded of travelers. Remember, these are VERY OLD mountains (not like the Rockies or Himalayas), and they are soft, rounded, and only go up about 3000 feet from the valley floor. Enjoy the rhododendron and small but fierce bears!