Thursday, August 9 Our NOVA group is known for it’s wonderful breakfasts. What could be better? A breakfast ordered and served up at the Country Cupboard – a mile away from our campground – and we didn’t have to cook! And...the breakfast was a part of our rally fee . . . almost free! As we walked in there was a display of hand-drawn napkins that were created by a local diner! We hustled back to the campground to walk the dogs and hop in the cars for another caravan – destination Wayne Henderson’s workshop and museum. Way over and around the mountains . . . 38 miles away. This is where words fail me. I simply can’t conjure up enough superlatives to describe Wayne, his craftsmanship or his picking. Remember that he is the guy that played a concert for us yesterday – a world-known picker and instrument maker. He is all wrapped up in a humble little appearance with a soft voice, mild manner, and a host of understated remarks that hide his many talents. We sat in his workshop while he steered us through the basics of the guitar-building process, and he tuned up to demonstrate some of his amazing instruments. We’re talking $40,000 works-of-art! His guitars are played by the best: Eric Clapton, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Doc Watson . . . It means much more to Wayne to have his guitar treasured and played by a big-name picker, than to score the money that each instrument might be valued at. Mostly, he barters, swaps, and haggles his masterpieces for things he desires, leading to some wonderful stories of acquisition. Just as modest as Wayne is, he had a little "store" where you could buy t-shirts and hats. Help yourself -- leave your money in the cup! Wayne also had a museum (in an undisclosed location), in a climate-controlled room behind a vaulted door, where he displayed his many magnificent acquisitions. Every single instrument had a story! I didn’t take any pictures for the blog – because then I’d have to kill you . . . or Wayne would have to kill me. You need to go see it for yourself! We left Wayne’s and headed down the road for a late lunch at a country restaurant. At the campground we were treated to an ice cream social, and afterwards, a concert. . . by world-class performers who have played for the Queen of England, and around the world. Tom and John were the night-owls again, and headed out to the convention site for some night action. They don't sit in the seats in front of the band stand and watch the competition -- they walk the infield where all the campers and tents are set up. Here, the pickers, famous and beginners, are mixing and mingling and jamming -- and tuning up for their competition performances! We're all going to do that tomorrow night!
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |