We're just two weeks into the second "loop" and it is now clear—ten months is not nearly enough time.

The four days we spent at Campfire Lodgings outside Asheville flew by—as did the Smokeys, South Carolina midlands and low country. Our extended stay at Huntingron Beach State Park, south of Myrtle Beach, stands in stark contrast to the quick overnights that seem to be the hallmark of this leg of our trip—which is both the shortest and highest density of the three.

As mentioned elsewhere in this blog, I rarely leave a place without wishing for more time to explore. So, while our current campsite in the Croatan National Forest is lovely, I'll admit regrets regarding our hasty departure from the previous night's Harvest Hosts campsite (we'll be back Waccamaw River and Grapefull Sisters!)

In order to ensure campsites on in-season weekends at some of the most beautiful places on earth, I have made reservations, often months in advance. On more than one occasion that has meant missing out on something that looks really, really promising. I get wistful about these lost opportunities.

It's the sort of dilemma I expect to receive scant sympathy for.

Stay: Kudos for private campgrounds will be rare on this blog, but Campfire Lodgings in Asheville (thanks to Dan Plath for the suggestion) and CarrollWoods RV Park outside Myrtle Beach (@ Grapefull Sisters Vineyard) were both GREAT. I would be remiss if I did not mention the oversized shower at CarrollWoods which is likely to be the finest campground shower I will ever encounter. Our site at Huntington Beach State Park was steps from the beach and a short bike ride (on a lovely wooded path) to all sorts of conveniences AND an outstanding sculpture/botanic garden. No wonder the place was chock full of the sorts of rigs that make us gawk.

Play: A vacant, open-air, 2000 sf recreation hall and two new artist friends (Craig, above, and his wife Jen) made for possibly the best rain-day ever when we all broke out our materials and staged an impromptu skill share at Huntington Beach State Park. Anna Hyatt Huntington would have been proud!

Gear: I'll admit, I am a gear prima dona. It's a good thing that several states usually stand between me and Second Gear Outdoor Consignment Store. Too tempting.

Eat: The same can be said for Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe in Weaverville. Calories worth cheating for and gluten-free, too. If you want to spoil your desert by eating dinner first, the Crêperie & Cafe just up the street, serves fresh, local ingredients thoughtfully prepared.