Congratulations! I spent about 4 months feeling like something the cat refused to drag in due to the therapy following cancer surgery. I fringed, purled the fringe and knotted it on a 54" Fly Plaid during that time to keep from going stark staring bonkers (and driving my wife there too). I wish you well and enjoy your trip. The mountains of NC are pleasant this time of the year. Not as spectacular as they will be with the fall foliage though.