One of the most unexpected gifts of the RV lifestyle is the people you meet along the way. Campgrounds, roadside conversations, online communities, and shared travel stories often turn into real friendships that go far beyond a single stop on the map. For many RVers, those connections become just as meaningful as the destinations themselves.

In this story, FRVAdventure contributor Kim Smyth shares how a simple online connection led to an unforgettable visit in North Carolina and a friendship made possible by the freedom and flexibility of RV travel.

Creekwood Farm, Where I Met Anne

From Arizona to North Carolina

My husband and I left Arizona and headed to our next trek, North Carolina. We had a specific destination in mind, and for me, an exciting reason to visit Waynesville.

My husband had been to the coast of North Carolina while serving in the Marines. He told me it was beautiful, but as much as I wanted to see that part of North Carolina, I was excited to head to the opposite side of the state to Waynesville to meet a special blogger I had met online.

Meeting Anne Mehrling of Mehrling Muse

Anne Mehrling, who runs the Mehrling Muse blog, lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She spoke of such wonderful things about life in that part of the state, family, peace, fabulous neighbors, and how friends and family all gathered on her porch for visitations.

I knew I just had to meet Anne someday, and now we had the means! Through the RV lifestyle, we could plan these kinds of trips and make them a reality!

The journey that made the visit possible

When we left home, our plan was to winter in Arizona, return home to visit, and then rent a vehicle and take a long trip up to Ohio to meet our granddaughter for the first time. She was just six. My son is out of the picture, but I have a good relationship with my granddaughter’s mother, Taylor.

Two women. One holding a little girl — Me, Taylor, and Rayven, my granddaughter.

Upon returning home, we decided to head to North Carolina to meet Anne, and then, after, visit Edisto Island, South Carolina, to see the place one of my favorite authors, C. Hope Clark, writes about.

Staying at Creekwood Farm RV Resort

Meeting Anne was everything I dreamed it would be and more! She was warm and welcoming, and although we were staying at Creekwood Farm RV Resort just three miles down the road, we spent some time at her house almost every day. We walked together daily from her spot in the mountains to Jonathan Creek down below, making the walk two miles.

Mind you, Anne is eighty! I was having the first inklings of a severe back problem, but I never let it stop me. I felt as if she liked the company and tried to be there every day. In return, or just because she is the sweetest, she cooked dinner for us several times in the two weeks we were there. She also took us to a couple of her favorite dining spots.

Western North Carolina as seen through Anne's bedroom window. — The view of the mountains from Anne’s bedroom window.

Exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains and Cataloochee

Together, Anne and I visited the Blue Ridge Parkway and found stunning scenery there, along with Cataloochee, where the elk and deer roam. It was there that I learned what it looks like when wild hogs tear up the landscape. What damage they do!

A picture of wild hogs in western North Carolina — See where the wild hogs tore up the earth?

Discovering the Caldwell House

It was also there that we saw a completely intact cabin with my family name, making me wonder if there were some ancient ancestors we knew nothing about. It was called the Caldwell House. On what used to be the fireplace mantel was an old photo of the family that used to live there. They did not look familiar to me. My family name, but not my relatives’ home, though.

My family name, but not my relatives’ home.

The house was empty yet so well-constructed that one could take residence there if it wasn’t part of a national park. Anne was very familiar with this spot, knowing right where to go.

Elk, family, and another visit

We were alone that day, just she and me , along with her grandson, David. When we returned to her house and me to mine, I told my David that we just had to go back with Anne so he could see the elk. He was not disappointed.

Time with Anne’s family

Anne’s daughter, Lise, came to visit from Denmark, and we became fast friends.

Me (in the plaid shirt) sitting next to Lise (in the denim jacket).

A friendship worth returning for

Anne’s friendship is such a gift. I wanted to return this year to see her again. Alas, the recent hurricane that tore up Asheville closed all the roads, and we had to change plans this year. Maybe we can go back again in the spring or fall. Anne became a kind of surrogate grandmother to us; I surely must return some day.

Visit Mehrling Muse

Please do yourself a favor and check out Anne’s blog, Mehrling Muse. She would be thrilled for you to visit her little place in the mountains and virtually sit on her porch for a spell. You may even get a cool glass of sweet tea!

Want more like this? Check out some of Kim’s other posts on the FRVAdventure blog:

I’m Kim and I’m traveling with my hubby Dave and our two Shorkies Whiskey & Brandy. I love writing about my passions, my faith, my family, and now our new lifestyle as newbie full-time RVers. I like photography, so I’m documenting our journey with places, wildlife, nature, and activities along the way. Discovering new places and making friends along the way! Join us on our journey. You can find me at my blog Twisted Trunk Travels.

RV Travel, Community, and the Friendships You Find Along the Way