As we left Weldon, we saw an amazing cloud formation in the sky. It was an extremely rare cloud phenomenon called Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds. This is where a cloud produces a billowing wave pattern. They occur when there is a strong vertical shear between two air streams, causing winds to blow faster at the upper level than at the lower levels.
Four Oaks RV site looked a bit of a dump as we entered. A lot of dilapidated and dirty looking manufactured homes and permanent RV sites. However, we were given one of their obviously upgraded sites with gravel and concrete next to it with a very nice bench, umbrella and circular brick fireplace. The weather for our 4 day stay was surprisingly warm – so much so that I was back into a Tshirt again. It was American Thanksgiving weekend and as we had missed the Canadian Thanksgiving we decided to have our own Thanksgiving dinner. I purchased a Turkey breast from Walmart which actually turned out to be very tender and tasty. In fact, we enjoyed it so much we bought a second one the next day to freeze for Christmas. We also had yam, brussel sprouts, corn, cranberry sauce and gravy. All washed down with pumpkin pie and cream. Yummmmmy. Only thing missing were friends and family.
The following day we took a drive to the historic site of the Bentonville Battlefield from the American Civil War. Walking through the peaceful fields it was hard to imagine troops stationed in the preserved trenches and the absolute carnage that occurred here.
The Civil War started because of unyielding disagreements between States that embraced slavery and those that didn’t. In particular, the power of government to prohibit slavery in those territories that had not yet become States.
The Battle of Bentonville, the largest Civil battle ever fought in North Carolina, was the only significant attempt by the Confederates led by General Joseph E Johnston to defeat the large Union army led by General William T Sherman during its march through the Carolinas in the spring of 1865. The Union won the battle but at a cost of 4133 casualties from both sides. The Confederates surrendered about a month later. While the Civil War ended slavery and unified the nation, 625,000 lives were lost – nearly as many American soldiers as died in all the other wars in which this country has fought combined. It was the largest and most destructive conflict in the Western world. So sad.
The 6000 acres comprising the Bentonville Battlefield national historic site consists of a large home which was appropriated by the army during the war as a hospital, a cemetery, visitor’s centre, monument park and numerous walking trails which are through forests and farmlands. One of the major crops we saw on the trails was Cotton another was Soybean.
NC is one of America’s top 5 producers of Cotton (Texas is the largest.) Cotton is the most widely used natural fiber for making clothing because it is soft and comfortable, has good absorbency, and conducts heat well. I did not know that bank notes in the US are made from 75% cotton and 25% linen. That’s because if they were made with paper they wouldn’t last if they got wet, whereas cotton actually gets stronger when it’s wet. Cotton is also used for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, rubber, plastics and soap.
Unfortunately Raleigh and other large towns were at least 45 mins from where we were and as Derek was not in the mood for a 1.5 hour round trip we ended up staying close to Four Oaks. Our last day here we visited the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center which has a multitude of trails around the property. We had a good walk and on the way home decided to try a Chick-a-fil-a takeout for supper. Not very exciting. I had a salad with grilled chicken and Derek a chicken sandwich. Ah well, at least I didn’t have to cook that night.
In the meantime, we got word that friends Kristy and David Strubin were in the hospital awaiting their first child. Lots of excitement. Hoping everything goes well and looking forward to welcoming little Alden into the world.
