Day 165 of 166 Days of RV Adventures in the Summer of 2026

Sunday October 18th is day 165 for us and day 32 for Tim & Debbie. It was a very chilly 50 degrees at 8am this morning in Hazlehurst Georgia. The clear skies gave us a beautiful sunrise over the campers, but too cold to walk!

Today is the day Tim & Debbie head north and we head south. It has been such a blessing to work with these two and get to know them outside of work. These two are some of the finest people we know! Their pocketbook might not like us for turning them onto Bluegrass festivals and Lynette's inheritance may dwindle a bit! Bit, now they have something to plan their trips around! Still plenty of time to see the states and hear some great music! I captured, just the back corner of their rig, as they pulled out!

We both headed east to Baxley and just a bit beyond that. We stopped at Murphy USA for diesel. Just beyond that is the Appling County Courthouse. By the early 20th century, the county required a more grand and functional facility. The county hired architect H.L. Lewman and the Falls City Construction Company constructed the modern courthouse for $50,000. It is a historic Neoclassical Revival-style structure built between 1907 and 1908. It serves as the civic anchor for Baxley and the broader Appling County community. The Appling County Courthouse was formally added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 18, 1980.

The Appling County Veterans monument is located in front of the county courthouse. In early 2000, volunteers started raising money for a Veterans memorial. They spent three years raising $70,000 for the monument to Appling County veterans. According to Bill Campbell, project organizer, "As we put some money in the bank, people saw it was really gonna happen and then they all jumped on board." Etched in stone are the names of those who gave their lives as well as those who returned home from service in World War I to Operation Iraqi Freedom and in between.

Those that have followed me for a while, know I love murals. Here in Baxley, there is a "Welcome to Baxley" mural. It is prominently painted on a downtown commercial building wall, located on South Main Street. The postcard-style landmark serves as a vibrant gateway to the city, celebrating local roots, agricultural heritage, and historical landmarks. 

East of Baxley, we turned south onto GA 121, aka the Woodpecker Trail. The Woodpecker Trail is a scenic and historic route along state routes 25/121. The 620-mile route was once billed as "the shortest route to Florida's West Coast." It stretches from Charlotte, NC, to St. Petersburg, FL. Total mileage through Georgia is 204 miles, from Augusta to Folkston. The Woodpecker Trail has been named one of the 50 most scenic drives in America. Established in 1947 by the Woodpecker Route Association, the route was well traveled from the 1950s to 1970s. The probable origin of the name is the numerous woodpeckers that inhabit the pine forests along the route.

Our next "big" town was Blackshear, Georgia. It had a McDonald's for Charlie's breakfast and a Sugarfree Vanilla Iced Coffee for me. Originally, this area was Muscogee Creek land. The area was transformed in the mid-19th century by the expansion of the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad infrastructure. Today, its rich past is marked by historic brick architecture, a deeply impactful Civil War footprint, and its legacy as an early powerhouse in the regional tobacco economy. The town was named in honor of General David Blackshear (1764–1837), an influential Georgia military figure and state senator. General Blackshear fought in the American Revolution and later commanded state militia forces during the War of 1812, famously authorizing a defensive chain of 11 forts and overseeing the construction of critical military roads throughout southern Georgia. This picture shows some of the historic brick architecture.

Yes, more murals! Here is a beautiful American flag at the intersection of Hwy Ave and Main Street. We had pulled over so Charlie could use our facilities. I snapped the picture and we had a young man stop to be sure that we were OK and did not need any assistance. It was so very nice of him.  

There is a "Bearville" mural at the corner of Main Street and South Central Avenue. This eye-catching piece was painted by local artist Lee Mobley. Completed in less than 12 hours, the vibrant installment celebrates local "Bear pride" and has become a landmark for visitors exploring the historic downtown district.It features a giant, muscular metallic blue and silver bear walking against a bold blue backdrop that reads "BLACKSHEAR Georgia."

We turned onto US Hwy 1, making our way to US 301. Route 1 in Georgia runs north-south for about 225 miles from the SC border to the FL border or vice-versa. Actually, we were still on GA 121, plus a few more routes joined us!

Entering the town of Folkston GA. This is our last town in GA, before we cross the border into FL. Folkston, Georgia, began as a rail stop called "The Station" in 1881 when the Savannah, Florida and Western Railway built a line through the area, and it was officially incorporated as a city on April 3, 1895. The town was named after Dr. William Brandon Folks, a prominent physician from nearby Waycross, Georgia.

Folkston is home to The Okefenokee Swamp. It is a shallow, 438,000-acre, peat-filled wetland straddling the Georgia–Florida line. A majority of the swamp is protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness. It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health. More than 600 plant species have been identified on refuge lands.

          

We crossed from Georgia back into Florida. I love the "free" state of Florida sign. Plus there is a more traditional Florida sign too. Along US 1 there was a historical marker for the Battle of Thomas Creek. It was the engagement that ended the Second Florida campaign. This battle involved the land forces of a two pronged continental attack with the goal of taking St. Augustine from the British. The British and their Native American allies laid a successful trap at Thomas Creek that forced the Continental Army to return to Georgia.

 

We took a "non-traditional" approach, for us, around Jacksonville. We took I-295 South for about 10-miles. I did see two cell towers that are "concealed" to look like trees. I have to say when these cell towers are around other trees, it does a good job of concealment. But, when they are standing alone, those fake branches do nothing to conceal what it really is... a cell tower!

We got off the Interstate in Orange Park and started traveling on US 17 S. It was the 44th Annual Orange Park Fall Festival at the Town Hall Park. WOW, there were people everywhere! The Town of Orange Park Fall Festival is Clay County’s oldest and largest Arts and Crafts Festival! The Fall Festival began in 1982 with roughly twelve craft booths and a couple guitar players. Forty-four years later, this two-day festival has over 200 artists & vendors and two stages packed with entertainment from regional and local artists!

We crossed the bridge over Doctors Lake. Doctors Lake is not actually a lake at all, it is a brackish, tidal inlet covering roughly 13 square miles that opens directly into the west bank of the St. Johns River. Its rich history stretches from early colonial agriculture to its evolution into a scenic retreat for prominent regional families. While the exact root of the name remains a mystery, the body of water has officially been called "Doctor's Lake" since at least 1776, appearing on British Revolutionary War maps. Before this, Spanish and early British surveyors typically recorded it simply as a laguna grande (great lagoon). It is widely hypothesized that the name stems from Dr. William Stork, a prominent 1764 British plantation agent who published early descriptive journals to encourage migration to East Florida.

In Green Cove Springs, I found another mural on the other side of the road as we were driving south. It is called the Fallen Heroes Memorial Mural located at the corner of North Orange Avenue and Palmer Street. The artists were Sophie Dentiste, Lynette Woodman, Lori Butler, Kim Hinkle, Alison McCauley, Andrea Sibilla, Kathy Plante, and Beth Hazlip. It is a large American flag mural featuring spreading wings and memorializing three local service members and first responders: Clay Fire Rescue Engineer and Paramedic Jeremy J. McKay, US Army Ranger SGT Bradley Crose, and Clay County Sheriff's Office Deputy Benjamin Zirbel.

In Palatka we transitioned onto FL 19. We came to a steep grade in the road. We were going over the Cross Florida Barge Canal. Us west coast Florida people say " a barge canal in Florida?" Yes, parks and park projects were built in the New Deal era by the Civilian Conservation Corps. New Deal funding for the canal ran out within three years. Local critics insisted that the canal would disrupt Florida’s aquifer and waterways. National opposition grew in response to claims that the project was a waste of taxpayer money and of limited value to people outside of Florida. But hope for the canal had yet to run out completely. During World War II, German submarines threatened Florida’s coasts and shipping lanes. During World War II, Congress modified the former sea-level canal project into a lock and dam shallow-draft canal along the same route as the original sea-level project. 

After the war, rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union intensified. Canal boosters pointed to the project as an asset to national security and rehashed old arguments in its favor. Construction resumed in 1964, with President Lyndon B. Johnson presided at the groundbreaking in Palatka, Florida. However, the canal was ultimately not to be. There was a new surge of environmental awareness in the 1960s, and major opposition to the canal emerged. Heading a group called the Florida Defenders of the Environment, activist Marjorie Harris Carr appealed to President Richard Nixon and issued legal challenges to construction. Nixon stopped the project in 1971, ending a long-held but never-realized dream. Over the next decade continued legal battles ensued and the political momentum for the project waned. Congress eventually deauthorized the project in 1990. With the canal only about one-third complete, the land that had been secured for its path sat in limbo. So, what to do with the largest unfinished public works project in history? Turn it into a greenway and name it after the activist that halted the project, The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

We crossed over the Ocklawaha River is a 75-mile-long, south-to-north flowing river. It serves as the principal tributary to the St. Johns River and drains a massive 2,800 square-mile watershed that spans five counties. Celebrated as one of the most scenic and wild waterways in the state, its dark, tannin-stained waters snake through dense floodplain forests, hydric hammocks, and vital wildlife corridors. We drove for miles with the Ocala National Forest on both sides of the road. Finally arriving at Salt Springs Recreation Area, our campsite for the night. It is a US Forest campground, so we get our Senior Lifetime Pass half price. It is a level paved full hook up site for $35 a night!

We are all set up, Charlie has had an adult coke and I had some PB&J from No BS, in NY. It will be an early night for both of us!

Stay tuned for more #TwoLaneAdventures

Day 164 of 166 Days of RV Adventures in the Summer of 2026

Saturday October 17th was day 164 for Charlie and I. It was day 31 for Tim & Debbie! We are still at Stagger Lee Music Park for the 6th Annual Headin' Home Fest! It has been blistering hot since we got here and overnight, a cold front came in! It is not going to get above 69 degrees today! Tim & Debbie and Charlie & I transferred all of the "Yankee gear" from their RV to ours. We will get it all back to Rod & Helen.

At noon, the music kicked off with Brad Kaylor & Mineral Bluff Revue. Brad Kaylor & Mineral Bluff Revue is a contemporary bluegrass band formed in 2025 that blends a hard-driving, traditional sound with modern songwriting. Rooted in the mountain traditions of North Georgia and Western North Carolina, the six-piece group is signed to Huckleberry Records, a division of Turnberry Records. The leader of the band is Brad Kaylor on lead vocals and bass. Chris Pope adds the rhythm guitar and vocals. Hayden Bramlett does some serious pickin' on the 5-string banjo and adds to the vocals. Dylan Smith does the pickin' on the flat top as the lead guitar and Tony White is filling in today on mandolin for the band.

At 1:00pm, the second band took the stage, NightFlyer. The Original Ohio Band named NightFlyer was around from 2010–2019. The new Florida / Georgia band was formed in 2025 by combining two bands. They are an exciting young band, brought together by a group of friends passionate about creating well-crafted music that comes from the heart and reaches the soul. They bring together years of combined experience to make NightFlyer a band that you won’t forget hearing. They perform classic bluegrass, gospel, and original songs with an excellence that shows their respect for both old and new American roots music. They launched their official presence to step into the regional scene with live performances at historic venues like Everett's Music Barn. 

Brandon Gandy on the 5-string banjo and doing the lead singing and song writing, while Brandon Taylor sang lead vocals and played guitar. Both Brandon's are members of the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame with Blue Holler. Kaiah Sauls, is a talented upright bass player and provides vocals for NightFlyer. Her brother and bandmate Nathan Sauls (who plays dobro) are also notable members of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Paul Hinkle is filling in on mandolin this weekend.

At 2:00pm The Brothers Five had their second set. The brothers have spent the entire festival parking campers, helping people, selling tickets and merchandise. And they find time to pick at these late night jams!

The fact that these boys spend practically every minute of their lives singing and jamming together shows in their highly polished and entertaining show! Ranging in age from 20 to 12, The Brothers Five have already performed at many festivals and venues across the country. To watch The Brothers Five on stage is to experience a refreshing dose of joy, family camaraderie, and reassurance that the future of bluegrass is brighter than ever.

3:00pm was when Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out took the stage. They are one of the most prominent and heavily awarded contemporary bluegrass and gospel supergroups in the world. 

Formed in 1991 in Cumming, Georgia, the band was originally known simply as IIIrd Tyme Out before updating their name to feature their iconic front man and guitarist, Russell Moore. One of the veterans of IIIrd Tyme Out is mandolin playet, Wayne Benson. On bass, this is his 2nd show with IIIrd Tyme Out, Daniel Sawyer.

For 13 years he played fiddle for IIrd Tyme Out, he took some time off and started a business, now he is back playing banjo, Justen Haynes. By day, he is the booking agent for Ole Smoky Moonshine stages. By night, Matt Flake plays fiiddle and sings the bass vocals.

4:00pm brought our Dinner Break and picture time! Everyone that purchased a festival T-shirt gathered in front of the pavilion for a group photo! 

Tim, Debbie and Cathy got in on the act! After that, we headed to the camper to cool off, we headed there to get warm! What a difference 24-hours makes!

We were all in our seats by 5:30pm with our coats and blankets, to watch the second set from NightFlyer. 

Kaiah Sauls belted out a beauty in their second set!!

At 6:30pm Brad Kaylor & Mineral Bluff Revue came to the stage for their second set. Front man Brad Kaylor grew up in Cherokee County, North Carolina, surrounded by family bluegrass musicians. 

Co-founder Chris Pope was raised on church harmonies and classic bluegrass in North Georgia. Together, Kaylor and Pope also actively promote the Ridge Jam Bluegrass Festival held annually in Blue Ridge, Georgia. They had Leo Lindblom come up and pick one with them!

It was 7:30pm when Headin’ Home took the stage. The family began touring as a bluegrass band in 2018. 

In 2023, Headin’ Home won the Dailey & Vincent Band Contest; in 2024, they won the official Georgia State Bluegrass Band Competition; and in 2026, they took 2nd place in the SPBGMA International Band Championship. The 1st Annual Headin’ Home Fest took place in 2022, and has been a joyful family team effort every year since.

The final act of the 2026 Fall 6th Annual Headin' Home Fest started at 8:30pm. It was Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. Moore himself is widely recognized as one of the finest vocalists in acoustic music history, commanding six IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year awards. 

Backed by tight instrumental arrangements and signature multi-part vocal harmonies, the group has amassed over 50 industry accolades, including an unprecedented seven consecutive wins for IBMA Vocal Group of the Year from 1994 to 2000. With a deep library of 15 studio albums, the group blends traditional mountain standards with contemporary pacing. Some of their most celebrated tracks include:

"Pretty Little Girl From Galax" — Their most viral hit, racking up over half a million digital streams.
"Hard Rock Mountain Prison" — The breakout single from their self-titled 2009 record.
"Erase the Miles" — The title track of a beloved compilation showcasing their signature heart-wrenching road ballads.

And they sung all three for us tonight!

What a fantastic bluegrass festival! We are thrilled that Tim & Debbie truly had a great time!

Stay tuned for more Two Lane adventures!

Day 163 of 166 Days of RV Adventures in the Summer of 2026

Friday October 16th was day 163 of our summer adventure. We enjoyed the whole day at the Stagger Lee Music Park at the 6th annual Headin' Home Fest. I enjoyed a walk at sunrise and then coffee with my love.

Stagger Lee Music Park is a 100-acre family-owned campground, farm, and concert venue located on Vernon Williams Road on the edge of Appling and Jeff Davis counties near Hazlehurst and Graham, Georgia.

The park was co-founded by Donald Paul Lee Jr., widely known by his stage name, "Stagger Lee". Born in Tampa, Florida, in 1952, Lee is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass, and piano. Over a decades-long career, he performed the first country/bluegrass show at the Empire State Building in the 1970s, wrote the regional hit "Wacky Tobakky," and was named the 1982 Louisiana Hayride Entertainer of the Year. He was eventually inducted into the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame as a songwriter. After making Georgia his home for over 30 years, Lee decided to channel his love for roots music and the outdoors into building a dedicated gathering space for musicians and campers

The 100 acres of land where the park sits was originally a major tobacco farming operation. The transition from farm to music park began while Donald Lee and his brother, Pastor Rodney Lee, were away working a painting job out of state. Their cousin, Sue, lived in a bus on the property for three years, saving up enough money to install the property's very first utility meter. True to a promise Lee made her, a permanent cabin was later constructed for her near the property entrance.

To maintain a "hillbilly roots" and old-timey mountain aesthetic, the family chose to keep the infrastructure as rustic as possible. Much of the early architecture and buildings on-site were constructed using lumber harvested straight from a portable sawmill on the property. Development has remained a family affair; in 2021, the park established the "George and Sherry Lee shop," named after Lee’s cousin George, who travels from Pennsylvania every winter to build, repair, and upgrade the park’s structures.

At 12:00 noon, The Brothers Five took the stage. They are a youth bluegrass band from Bloomingdale, Georgia, consisting of five brothers from the Lindblom family. They also tour alongside their family band, their parents and older siblings, Headin' Home Bluegrass band. 

The five younger brothers are between 20 and 12. The band leader is 20-year old Linus Lindblom. He plays guitar and lead vocals. His 18-year old brother, Logan Lindblom plays the upright bass and contributes to the vocals. Liam Lindblom is 17-years old and plays the fiddle, the dobro and adds to the vocals. Levi Lindblom is 15-years old and plays banjo and does some vocals. The youngest of the family (the 9th box car) is Leo Lindblom. At 12-years old he is an accomplished  multi-instrumentalist with his own EP. In the band he focuses on mandolin and vocals.

At 1:00pm, our MC, Justin Mason, changed hats from MC to performer. His new bluegrass collaboration is taking shape with the formation of an MC-fronted band “CrossRoads” featuring Lisa Kay Howard-Hughes. Bringing together musicians who love talking Bluegrass, the group promises to put on a show while bringing stories of Bluegrass lore to the fans. Justin added players from other bands he has created to round out this group for this festival.

Lisa Kay is a world-renowned radio host of Bluegrass Country and MC of premiere festivals across the country. Since the early 80s Lisa Kay has put her soaring vocals to use in bands across the DC area making a name as one of the most sought after mandolin players and vocalists of the DMV and beyond. Lisa has told the stories of Bluegrass in countries across Europe with bands such as Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike,  Level Best and her own Lisa Kay Band and has built a following that spans multiple time zones.

Justin, AKA Mr Bluegrass earned his moniker in the Florida Bluegrass scene as one of the states top artists of the last decade. His unique singer songwriter style blends powerful vocals with stories that bring memories of the Blueridge Mountains to life. Now in the DC region, Justin adds his MC prowess to a band already stacked with “frontman” energy. “CrossRoads was my grandfather’s band since the 70s and always brought together so many different people who just loved Bluegrass music. After connecting with Lisa Kay at a Jam, things just clicked into place and it was time to bring back that tradition of blending styles and vocals to make something unique” Justin said.

 At 2:00pm a group we have never heard before was up, Strings of Green. The family recently moved to Walnut Ridge in Arkansas from Beckley, West Virginia. As a band they made history in January 2026 as winners of the SPBGMA International Band Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is that two of the band’s members were preteens at the time, showcasing a level of musicianship and maturity that has captivated audiences across the country.

Five years ago, while attending a large church in East Tennessee, the Greens felt called to provide music for a much smaller offshoot congregation. Week after week, they would learn six or seven hymns and worship songs, practicing together as a family to serve their church community. What started as an act of service became something more—a shared passion that drew them closer together and revealed just how special their combined talents could be. 

As word spread about the family band, opportunities began to open up. Country markets, restaurants, and local venues across East Tennessee welcomed them, and their repertoire expanded beyond traditional hymns to encompass the rich heritage of bluegrass music. With each performance, the boys grew more confident, their skills sharpened, and their love for the music deepened.

The idea to compete at SPBGMA came during a family trip to the Walnut Valley Festival in Kansas in September 2025. It was an ambitious goal—the competition is known for launching the careers of acts who go on to major recording contracts. Past winners include Brand New Strings, Mountain Faith, Flatt Lonesome, Blue Mafia, and High Fidelity. But the Greens decided to go for it, and in the months that followed, they worked harder than ever. Josiah focused on transitioning from drums to rhythm guitar, Ezra traded his uke-bass for an upright and built up the calluses needed for serious playing, and the entire family committed to bringing their best to Nashville. When their name was called as winners in January 2026, they could hardly believe it. Even now, they’re still processing what they’ve accomplished.

At 3:00pm, one of our favorite showmen took the stage, The Kody Norris Show. This four-piece, multi-instrumentalist, bluegrass band quickly became four of the most epic entertainers of our time. The reigning SPBGMA Entertainers of the Year are known for the rhinestones that shine from their lapels and the fringe that hangs from their collars seem to conjure up memories of times gone by, The Kody Norris Show is definitely looking ahead! The talented group, made up of frontman Kody Norris, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, Charlie Lowman, and newest member 14 year old, ‘Jim’ Hensley, finds themselves with a growing legion of fans craving the comfort that comes from their retro look, but equally craving dynamic instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics – all of which can be heard throughout their latest albums Rhinestone Revival and Highfalutin Hillbilly.

In 2023, While opening for “The Queen of Bluegrass,” Rhonda Vincent at the Ryman Auditorium for Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman, sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms, The Kody Norris Show was surprised by Vincent with an invitation to make their Grand Ole Opry debut. They ain’t retro. They have something different. They have something uniquely theirs. They have something that makes them stand out.

4:00pm came the Dinner Break. It is still a hot one today and the mosquitos could carry you off. Back to the RV to cool off and tend to the bug bites!

At 5:30pm CrossRoads came back for their second set. 

For only having 2 core members of CrossRoads and members from different bands that Justin has played with come together for this show, the harmonies and vibe are tight! Today's lineup for CrossRoads band was Justin Mason on guitar, Lisa Kay Howard on mandolin, Mary Kate Brennen on guitar, all three sharded in the vocals. Rex Putnam added the steady beat on the upright bass, plus some excellent playing and awesome antics! Steve Leonard provided excellent licks on the 5-string bango.

The earlier set from Strings of Green was awesome, the 6:30pm set was not a disappointment! Brandon Green leads the family on banjo, dobro, and guitar. A two-time National Bluegrass Banjo Champion, Brandon brings over 20 years of musical expertise to every performance. His accolades include winning the first annual Southeast Banjo Championship across three instruments, placing first in the 2026 International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, and earning multiple West Virginia Vandalia Gathering banjo titles. Beyond performing, Brandon spent over a decade as faculty at East Tennessee State University, where he taught in the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies program. He has toured with acclaimed acts including the Abrams Brothers, the Darrell Webb Band, and Jonathan Buckner & Chosen Road. He relocated his family for the opportunity to start a Bluegrass (Roots) program at Williams Baptist University, in Arkansas.

The eldest son, Josiah 19-years old, serves as the rhythmic backbone of the band on percussion and guitar. A talented composer, Josiah writes original music that adds a fresh voice to the band’s traditional bluegrass foundation. Though he played drums for most of the band’s early years, he recently transitioned to bluegrass rhythm guitar, quickly mastering the style just in time for their championship run. 

Ezekiel Green, 12, commands the mandolin with skill far beyond his years. Already a 2025 West Virginia Vandalia Gathering mandolin champion, Ezekiel earned second place at the 2025 Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention Youth Mandolin Contest and first place at the inaugural Southeast Banjo Championships mandolin division. The youngest in the group, currently, is Ezra at just 11-years old he holds down the low end on upright bass. A second-place winner in the youth division of the first annual Southeast Banjo Championship, Ezra made the switch from uke-bass to upright bass specifically to prepare for the SPBGMA competition, building up his calluses and his chops in the months leading up to their historic win. 

There are two more young Greens are already learning their craft: Malachi, 8, on guitar and dobro, and Moriah, 6, on fiddle. The future of Strings of Green continues to grow. Moriah, joined them for two songs! If she follows in her Dad's and brother's foot steps, her musical future is bright!

The host band came on again at 7:30pm. Headin’ Home's family musical journey began under the direction of parents Jon and Marina Lindblom, both classically trained musicians with degrees from the Eastman School of Music. Over the years, all of their 9 children have picked up traditional acoustic instruments, accumulating numerous individual and group championship titles across Georgia and regional festivals. 1st Places at the prestigious Galax Youth Band Competition; 2nd Places at the Georgia State Bluegrass Band Competition, and 4th Place at the Silver Dollar City KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Competition in Branson, Missouri.

Interesting fact: The surname Lindblom is a Swedish ornamental name combining lind (lime tree) and blom (flower), often the lime tree traditionally symbolized peace and protection in Scandinavian culture.

Headin' Home is fronted by Jon Lindblom (Dad) on upright bass and vocals; Marina Lindblom (Mom) on fiddle, vocals and songwriting; Luke Lindblom on dobro (resophonic guitar), vocals and the sound tech; Libby Lindblom on guitar, vocals, marketing, songwriter and author; Lucy Lindblom on mandolin, vocals, and lighting operator; and Timothy Lindblom on banjo and guitar. In 2023, Headin’ Home won the Dailey & Vincent Band Contest in Hiawassee, Georgia. In 2024, they won the official Georgia State Bluegrass Band Competition. And in 2026, the band took 2nd place in the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) International Band Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. They continue to tour the southeast and beyond in their 45-foot bus, sharing their gift of skillfully-made music along with their sincere desire to bless and brighten lives wherever they go.

At 8:30pm The Kody Norris Show came back on stage for their second set. Whatever you do, don't call The Kody Norris Show 'retro'. They ain’t retro. They have something different. They have something uniquely theirs. They have something that makes them stand out. While the reigning SPBGMA Entertainers of the Year are known for the rhinestones that shine from their lapels and the fringe that hangs from their collars seem to conjure up memories of times gone by, The Kody Norris Show are very much directing their gaze forever forward.

They brought a fiddle champion on stage with them for a number, I wish I could remember where she was from and what Championship she won.

Kody Norris is a true showman, he makes every set a joy to watch and listen too!

Awesome finale with Kody Norris and Headin' Home! What a way to end a Friday night at the 6th Annual Headin' Home Fest with 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken.'

Stay tuned for more #TwoLaneAdventures

Day 162 of 166 Days of RV Adventures in the Summer of 2026

Thursday October 15th was day 162. It started out like it did so many days on the Yankee RV Tours - 250th Anniversary of America Tour that we did in May & June! 

"Sister" Cathy Cady came by to grab some coffee! She is in a small tow behind and needs coffee, but does not brew any for herself! It was awesome to be able to share a cup with her again! You never know who you might meet at a bluegrass festival!

The music started promptly at 12:00pm with Bells Highway. They are a traditional bluegrass music group from the South Carolina Lowcountry. We have never heard them before, the played classic Southern bluegrass and gospel-infused acoustic songs. They frequently perform across the Southeast at community centers, local parks, and regional festivals (including past performances at the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro, SC, Swainsboro, GA, and Mossy Oak Music Park.) The leader of the group was Larry Duncan on Banjo. He was joined by Roger Baker on Guitar, Luther Gravitt on the Mandolin and the guy who missed the text about white shirts.... Mike Lynch on Bass.

They "bluegrassed" up the song "Amie" which was a country rock staple written and originally performed by the band Pure Prairie League in 1972. It was awesome!

They went back a bit further to "bluegrass" this song! The "Last Train to Clarksville" was originally recorded and released by The Monkees in August 1966, with lead vocals performed by Micky Dolenz. It was The Monkees debut single. I bet they never thought it would be a bluegrass song!

No Reputation was up next, at 1pm. No Reputation is a Bluegrass Gospel Band that performs at church revivals, fall festivals, and community worship events.
They regularly play live worship services and regional gatherings—such as appearing at the Solid Rock Community Church in Sanford, Florida, and for the Headin' Home Fest at Stagger Lee Music Park in Hazlehurst, Georgia. The band's name comes from Philippians 2:7. "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:" They give all the glory to God, therefore they have "no reputation." 

At 2:00pm The Little Roy & Lizzy Show took the stage. They offer the best of bluegrass, gospel and old time music. Lizzy paired up with Little Roy Lewis from the legendary Lewis Family. Her extraordinary voice shimmers with strains of America’s musical roots. Lizzy has won “Bluegrass Song of the Year” for a several songs called “Mountain Top”, a duet with Ty Herndon called “When We Fly”, and "He Washed My Soul". Most recently at the 2015 GMA Dove awards she was awarded Best Bluegrass Song of the Year for a Duet with Rhonda Vincent called "God is There". She is one of the youngest fiddlers to be inducted into “America’s Old Time Fiddler’s Country Hall of Fame” in LeMars, IA.

Little Roy is a true banjo master, a picker's picker' Little Roy can also play the guitar and autoharp. In fact, the song 'Good Time Get-Together' was written to highlight his instrumental skills. Little Roy is multi-talented - he sings, plays many instruments, tells stories, and acts. When you see this Duo, you are sure to notice Little Roy, and he'll make you smile. He has been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, SPGBMA Hall of Greats, IBMA Hall of Honor, and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Nick Chandler & Delivered took the stage at 3:00pm. Nick Chandler is an award-winning mandolin player, singer, and songwriter who leads the high-energy traditional bluegrass band Nick Chandler and Delivered. Hailing from Weaverville, North Carolina, Chandler is a four-time North Carolina State Mandolin Champion and has also claimed the title in Georgia. Signed to Pinecastle Records, the band is known for a driving, polished sound that closely mirrors the classic bluegrass style of the 1980s while incorporating powerful original compositions.

The band members are, Nick Chandler on Mandolin, lead vocals, and songwriting. Gary Trivette on Bass, vocals, and songwriting, Spencer Atkinson on Guitar and tenor vocals and Jake Burrows on Banjo and composition. Jake is a bluegrass veteran, having worked previously with Lonesome Will Mullins, The Kody Norris Show, and The Kevin Prater Band. The band released their highly anticipated album, Look For Me, on August 7, 2026. The record features a blend of original material, like Chandler’s single "Maria" and Jake Burrows' instrumental track "Don't Cry For Me"

4:00pm was the Dinner Break. It gave us a chance to get out of this exceptional heat in Georgia in October and cool off in the RV!

At 5:30pm No Reputation was back on stage for their second set. Don't let the name and the modest bio of the band fool you, they are packed with heavy hitters in the Bluegrass world! Nick Keen plays Mandolin and signs Tenor Vocals. He also joined Volume 5 in early in 2025. Chase Bennett was playing Banjo today, but he recently, July 2026, left Caroline Owens and joined Hammertowne. Zak McLamb played Upright Bass and he is a Grammy Nominated Artist for Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album - 'Tell Someone' with the Kenny & Amanda Smith Band.

Daniel Norton was on the Dobro. For those non-bluegrass friends, a Dobro is a type of Resonator guitar that uses internal metal spun cones to amplify sound instead of a traditional wooden soundboard. Daniel is one of the best dobro players in bluegrass and has played with Hammertowne in the past. He is currently a preacher in Tennessee, but still has music in his veins! The leader of the band is Cooper Marona on Guitar. He may not yet be a familiar name. But as a new bluegrass artist, and a recent graduate of the bluegrass music program at ETSU. Cooper has released his first recorded project, On My Way Back Home, which features him on guitar and lead vocals. The tracks were cut in the ETSU studio, along with a number of fellow players he knows through the program, including a couple of his teachers. The project shows Marona to be a compelling vocalist, worthy of your attention, with a promising start to a career in bluegrass music.

Chase Bennett's wife, Maggie, came on stage for a few numbers during their second set.

At 6:30pm, the host band took the stage, Headin’ Home. They are a band of six family members from coastal Georgia, who are lighting up the bluegrass scene with their brand of tight, refreshing, inspiring family music. Jon and Marina Lindblom, both classically trained professional musicians, are joined by their four adult children Luke, Libby, Lucy, and Timothy to create a true powerhouse family band. This close-knit group has music in their genes, which shines through in their polished sound and tightly-woven blend of instruments and voices. These four siblings grew up playing music together since their earliest memories. The family began touring as a bluegrass band in 2018, with the name Headin’ Home to reflect their faith-based values and their focus on sharing songs with an uplifting, positive message.

The group performs heartfelt original music along with traditional bluegrass and gospel classics; and whether they’re burning up a fiddle tune or blending their voices in harmony, Headin’ Home is a band that stays true to who they are in every song. They take their music seriously, as a family unit with something special and meaningful to share. All of the individual band members are award-winning instrumentalists. Together, their virtuosic show captures the hearts of audiences, igniting touching memories of a time when family togetherness was a way of life. Bluegrass Unlimited remarked after the band’s second album release, “Headin’ Home’s wholesome, celebratory music is almost irrepressibly appealing and uplifting.”

At 7:30 Nick Chandler & Delivered was back on stage for their second set. Just my opinion, but this group was my least favorite of the day...

The finale act for the night came at 8:30pm with the second set from The Little Roy & Lizzy Show. I learned that Little Roy Lewis and his wife, Bonnie, became Lizzy Long's foster parents when she was roughly 14 or 15 years old.  Little Roy began mentoring Lizzy when she was a young girl growing up on the same rural road in Lincolnton, Georgia. He taught her how to play the banjo and later brought her on tour with his legendary family band, The Lewis Family. After The Lewis Family retired, the duo formed their own bluegrass group in 2009. They have spent nearly two decades touring together, recording multiple albums, and hosting music festivals.

Stay tuned for more music and more Two Lane Adventures!