Growing Up Drive By
A trip around the world, or at least The Solo Traveler’s World, when I was just a wee one. Even young, Alli L was on the move; moving from one place to another to another. To give you perspective on my ability to stay put in one place, digest the fact that I have moved (physically packed up everything and moved to another location or another house or another apartment) a total of 43 times. Yes, that is correct, I have moved 43 times in my lifetime. This move from Wisconsin to Florida marks the 43rd pack up.
So now, let’s look at when it all started. Part of my journey from the north to the south took me not only back to my home state, but back to my hometown. Seeing family can be the best moments of any trip. I hadn’t seen my family or friends back home in over 5 years. It was nice to drop in for a week and just catch up. Met up with all three of my sisters throughout the week, and on one of those days, took a trip around the world from the perspective of where I grew up. We started at the hospital where I was born in Whitesburg, Kentucky, drove over to Millstone (behind the coal mine camp store) where my first dwelling place resided. After that, a trip to Wheelwright (where the house sits empty and foreclosed) to the right hand fork of Millstone (where no home sits at all). Over to Payne Gap we go where I spent the next 6 years, but life happens and now just one sister and I continue the journey. We move to Sergeant and stay at one place for oh, a year, then move to the trailer right next door for another 6 years. Off to college I went for the next 4 years, but in between each semester and each summer, I moved back and forth and off to volunteer in Shenandoah National Park, then Assateague Island National Seashore, and so on and so on and Scooby Dooby Dooooby. Oh cha cha!!!*
So, being back home for a while and reliving my first 17 years of life, before heading off to college; that is what this post is about.
The pictures you are about to see are those of a girl, seeking adventure, while in the midst of the adventure already that she now looks back on fondly. Enjoy this trip through time as you cross over to the Solo Traveler Zone!!!
*Thanks Buddy Miles and Jimi Hendrix
**Thanks Rod Sterling
Highland Winery
The county that I grew up in, Letcher County, was a dry county. Everyone had to either go over to Wise, Virginia or a few counties over to Perry County, where a liquor license was legal. I can recall many a trip to the “top of the mountain” in Wise or what seemed like the longest journey ever to Perry County. Not for me of course, but a family member, so my sister and I got packed up in the car to make the trip on a weekly basis. Ah, memories!!!
But now, Letcher County, or at least certain parts of the county, can sell liquor. For one stop, it is more specifically wine made right in Seco at the Highland Winery. SECO is actually an acronym for the South East Coal Company that existed many years ago. Now, what was once the company store for the miners is a sit down wine tasting experience. So for my growing up road trip, needed to stop in and taste the local flavor of grapes and of course, support the local economy (i.e. buy a bottle or two). I purchased Miner’s Blood, but they also had a Miner’s Sweat and a Miner’s Tears. Blood, Sweat, and Tears really describe well the life of a miner; from hard work to injury to death.
I was born a coal miner’s daughter, and I can attest to the blood, sweat, and tears that were a daily part of my dad’s life. Thank you to the Highland Winery for honoring all those that were and are a miner.
If you are ever, ever off course from the interstate and want a unique bottle of wine, make your way on over.
Kentucky Mist Moonshine
Well, what’s is a trip to Kentucky without a little taste of moonshine? I cannot confirm or deny if illegal moonshine is still made in the mountains, but I can confirm that Kentucky Mist Moonshine is the best tasting legal version of the stuff. You want grape flavored moonshine? They have it. You want lemonade flavor? They have that too. Again, I know it seems that I drink a lot, but I really don’t. LOL. I truly, truly love the science behind the making of alcohols and since Kentucky Mist has a tour, I needed to get behind the scenes and find out “how it’s made”!! Thanks to Anthony for a wonderfully personalized tour for my sister and I. He took us through beginnings to ends with a taste test in between (that cherry was definitely macerated – I learned a new word – hehe). I appreciate the time Anthony took in sharing his passion with us, answering all my science questions, and treating us like family. Thanks Anthony and thank you to John for being the best bartender ever!! You two made our experience so unique and I was happy to support your business. I will be sharing with all my friends!!
Friends – you can buy Kentucky Mist Moonshine online – just sayin’!! Depending on where you live, depends on what can be shipped!! https://www.kentuckymist.com/
Go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want:
Alli L
For all the photos, go to @TheSoloTraveler50 on Facebook