Tenn 2014

September 3, 2014

Outside the Grand Ole Opry

Minnie Pearl

Grand Ole Opry was our destination today.   It’s about 10 miles from downtown Nashville and in 2010 suffered a terribly flood that caused major damage to the facility.   In fact they had 4’ of water in the building, yes; the entire stage was under water along with the dressing rooms, store, etc.   Much of the furnishing where ruined but they were able to restore many items.   You can see the water marks on various items when you take the backstage tour, which we did.  

On the tour they show you were the stars enter the building, set of the TV show Nashville, dressing rooms and how each one got its name and you get to go on the stage and see the unbroken circle…6’ circle of oak from the Ryman Auditorium.   The ring was damaged in the flood but they were able to repair it.   Very historical landmark!

On stage at the Opry

On the Opry grounds is the house that Roy Acuff spent his last 11 years.  It is no longer a house but office because the flood heavily damaged it.

Unbroken Circle

Opryland hotel is very close so we drove over to it.  We would have walked but not sure how to get into the facility.   Believe me, we should have walked as we drove around and realized we had to pay $21 to park the car, where at the Opry it’s free.  Yes, we went back to the Opry and parked.  

This hotel is huge!   They have a convention center attached so that’s part of it, but the atrium in the middle is remarkable.   It even has a river running thru it.  We walked around the atrium, most of the restaurants were closed for remodeling so we decided to eat at the Opry Mills, showing mall next to the Opry, got our fix with Panda Express.

September 2, 2014

Inside the Ryman

TN Capital

Drove to downtown, which is about 8 miles from us.   Found a parking lot ($10 for the day), then we found a place for breakfast.   After eating, we headed to the capital and took the self guided tour.   You get to go thru the old Supreme Court section; both side of the house and see the typical offices.  The chandeliers are magnificent and views from the balconies lets you see forever!

Tennessee Museum is next door, so we went thru it.   It’s a very nice museum that shows the history of TN plus the civil war and how TN was involved.    Lots and lots of stuff on Andrew Jackson, of course his home after he was President, is in the Nashville area.

Honky Tonk district

Stopped at the Ryman Auditorium, looked around but did not go inside.  Decided to save our money for the Opry!  Did see the statue of Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff, they were best friends.

Outside Tooties

It’s almost lunch time, so we walk down 4^th street towards the historic district; here you find the honky tonk bars.   We walked up and down look and listening to some of the music, stopping at Honky Tonk Central for lunch.   There was a two piece band play, excellent music.

Country Music Hall of Fame is just a couple of blocks away; this is huge facility that gives the history of the country music.   They have displays, movies, interacting kiosks, sound studios, etc. for you to listen to/play with.   We spent about 3 hours in here but you could easily spend 4+ if you read everything!   We did playing around in the sound booth….we suck at singing!  OK, I do but Bobby is mediocre!!!   Had fun trying and got a lot of laughs!

Country Music Hall of Fame

While walking back to the truck, we stopped at Tooties, famous bar.  Had a drink and listened to a good band.   Drinks are very expensive, a beer and mixed drink were $12.  Guess they have to pay for the band somehow!

Got home around 5, great day in Nashville!!

  


September 1, 2014

Left Bob & Linda's around 8:30 and headed to Nashville where we'll spend the next 5-7 days.  Once we got parked, I went to run a few errands while Bobby relaxed.  I got home around 3 and we went over to the Elks to sign in.   They were having a Labor Day BBQ so we stayed and had hamburgers & hotdogs for dinner.

August 31, 2014

Linda & I went to down to the grocery store, while the boys played on Bob's tractor.   They are starting to clear their 5 acres, as they will be building their new home next spring.  Bobby showed Bob how to do a couple of things with the tractor....he loves playing with this toy!

After lunch we all watched the movie "Draft Day"....what a great movie.

Later in the evening, they cooked spaghetti and then we watched the Tennessee vs. Utah St game.  TN won!!!
 

August 30, 2014

Fall Creek Falls

Dayton Golf Course

Bob & Linda went to Church so we decided to go play the local Dayton Golf Course.   It's the first time we've played in about 1 1/2 months.  Bobby did ok, I didn't do that great...shot a 101.   Will definitely have to improve before my big tournament in Nov.

Once Bob & Linda get home, we might go to Falls Creek Falls, will depend on the weather, rain is coming. 

Bob & Linda took us to Falls Creek Falls state park to look at the water fall.  It's about 60 miles from their house but a beautiful drive.   Once we arrived in the park, we stopped at George Gore, a local area where they swim.   There's also a suspension bridge, I walked across.  Swings pretty good!

George Gorge swimming area

Falls behind us

Then we headed to the falls, this waterfall is the largest east of the Rockies at 256'.   Very impressive and utterly beautiful.  Would love to see it in the winter...especially when it's frozen!   Stayed about 30 min, then headed back to the house.   The drive is about 60 miles from their house out this very windy road, beautiful area though!

Came back to Dayton and had dinner at a local Chinese place, then came home and took Niko (dog) for a long walk.   Great day.

 August 29, 2014

Chattanooga Choo Choo

Linda had to work today (substitute teacher), so Bob, Bobby & I headed to Chattanooga to see the sites.   First stop was the visitor’s center so I could get a map. 

Point Park

Then we headed to the Chattanooga Railroad so we could see the old Chattanooga Choo Choo!!!   It was exactly what I expected.  Even got to climb aboard and say “all aboard” plus sign the song.

The trail depot is now a high end hotel but still has a lot of features of the old depot.  

Towing Museum

Bob told us about the towing museum, so on our way to Point Park, we stopped in.   Here you learn about the towing business and some of the many vehicles involved in that industry.   We even saw pictures of the Presidents of Hutchison-Newman & Gerlock towing, both Oregon Towing Companies, it always astonishing to see reminders of home along our travels.

Point Park, home of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga battle was our next stop, it’s was the place of a great Civil War battle back in 1863.   This was a very important battle, as it gave the winner control of the railway.   The Union won this battle.  The view from the park is staggering.   You can see for miles and see how the Tennessee River curves around the city.   Breathe taking to say the least!

Point Park

We then drove to Rock City, which is higher on Lookout Mt than Point Park was, but once we got there we did not want to pay $20 each to see the view.   We had an excellent view at Point Park of Chattanooga.

Point Park

Bob then took us to Cleveland to have lunch, Bob and Linda used to have a home in this town about 30 miles outside of Chattanooga.   We had an excellent lunch at El Cazador Mexican Restaurant.

Took the back roads back to Dayton, it’s astounding to see how beautiful Tennessee is!   Reminds me of Oregon!   We are certainly going to miss all the green trees and grass!!!

 
August 28, 2014

Courthouse in Dayton

What a beautiful location Bob & Linda Elliott have here in Dayton, TN.    It took us about 2 ½ hrs to get here, mostly due to slow traffic around Knoxville but otherwise a nice trip. 

We took the I-40 to exit 347 and then left onto hwy 27.  Traveled about 40 miles where Bob was waiting for us.  He lead us into their place…it’s a one way road back into the secluded area where 8 families have homes.   All they have is the 5 acres they bought in 2006 but do have sewer, water and electric for two coaches.   There are plenty of places to park more, just no hook ups!

After we got all settled in, they took us into the infamous town of Dayton, it’s not any bigger than Hubbard, OR where I grew up!   We had lunch at Mo Mo’s, a BBQ place.   I should have add BBQ but elected for their chicken sandwich, just OK.   Bobby said BBQ was excellent.

 

Then they took us into town, went to the court house, which made this town famous back in 1925.   In 1925 they tried John Thomas Scopes for teaching evolution in a public school.  The year prior, TN passed a law forbidding teachers to teach any theory that denied the story of the Divine Creation of many as taught in the bible.   Mr. Scopes lost and was fined $100, but later it was over turned by the TN Supreme Court on a legal technicality…they don’t tell you what that was!

Came back to the coaches, we’ll have dinner with them later tonight.  Linda has to work tomorrow (substitute teaching) so we’ll probably go into Chattanooga for the day.

 
August 27, 2014

Quiet day, did laundry and cleaned house.  Around 5, Jack & Sherrill came over for hamburgers, it's our last day in Pigeon Forge.  They head to TX and we head to Dayton, TN.
 

August 26, 2014

Took a rafting trip on the Pigeon River with Jack & Sherrill.  We got there about an hour early, weren't sure how long it would take, took us about an hr to get there.  We had to watch a video on how to survive the rapids should we fall in, put your feet in the area and float on your back.  Sounds simple enough but we did not test it today!
  
The trip lasted about 1 1/2 hrs and we had everything from class 1 rapids upto class 4's.   Believe me, the 4's were exciting, in fact several us were thrown onto the bottom of the raft.  Luckily none of us fell out!  However we did get wet!!!

The route is about 5 miles long, you take a bus up to the power house and then load into the raft.  Chris was our guide, he was excellent, told us all about the rapids and river.  About 3/4 of the way down, he allowed us to jump into the river to cool off.   Water temp was about 73 so it was refreshing.   Our entire raft got in (there were only 5 of us....Hillary was the other person, she was from TX).  We'd certainly do this again in a heart beat!

Left the rafting area and headed back to Pigeon Forge where we had dinner with Jack & Sherrill at TX Roadhouse.  

 

August 25, 2014

Mingus Grist Mill

Mountain Farm

Another fun day with Jack & Sherrill.   Started out at 10:00 and headed towards Cherokee, NC.  Along the way stopping at the Mingus Grist Mill, Mountain Farm Museum at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, town of Cherokee & Mingo Falls.

Our first stop was the Mingus Grist Mill.   This mill was built in 1886 for $600 in three months.  It's ran by a turbine vs. a water wheel.  Still has a water flume, which was really interesting to see.  We took a walk to the head of the creek and saw the control gate to the start of the flume.   They still make corn meal but are not allowed to sell it to the public as flour but you can buy it for feed.   This is one of the most interesting grist mills we've seen.

Reading about the farm

Mingo Falls

Next was the Mountain Farm Museum and buildings.  This is also the visitors center for the southern entrance into the National Park.  Here you can tour some of the old farm buildings from around the area.  The were brought to this area in the early 1900's.   The main house is built of chestnut wood.   We also walked along the river, there was a guy fishing for trout.   He said earlier he saw Elk, we did not see them!

We continued onto towards Cherokee, where we turned to to go Mingo Falls. While go to the falls, we see some Cherokee Indians (we are on their reservation) dumping fishing into the Oconaluftee river, we stop to watch.  Learn that they are putting 800 rainbow, brown and golden trouts into various section of the river today.  In this particular area of the river, it's a catch & release fishing area. 

Mingo is the tallest falls in the NP at 120'.   You have to walk up 176 steps (big steps I might say) to get to the trail that leads to the falls.  The trail is not very long, where you reach a bridge that allows views of the falls.   It's beautiful!   I walked/scrambled about a 1/3 of the way up to get better pics.   For this time of year, there was a good amount of water coming over the top.

Made the steps to Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls behind us

Lunch is calling our names, so we head to Cherokee where we have lunch at place called "Pauls".  Very good food.  I had pinto beans & corn bread, Bobby had a club sandwich, Sherrill had the fried chicken special and Jack has a philly steak sandwich.

Stopped at a few shops after lunch, but did not buy anything.  Dropped Jack & Sherrill off at their coach around 4, then we headed to Old Mill area.  Here we looked through several shops, buying a few things.  We only have 2 more days, so trying to see everything before then.

August 24, 2014

Went to Jack & Sherrills at 11:30, then we drove into Gatlinburg, so we could buy our rafting trip tickets.   Decided on Tuesday at 1:00 PM, should be a great ride!

Walked around town looking at shops that we had not seen with my sister, we missed a lot!!!   Had lunch at Bubba Gumps...excellent shrimp and fish.  Afterwards more shopping, stopped at the Moonshine Distillery, sampled the flavored moonshine...at 80%, it can kick your butt!!!   However, we did buy the apple pie flavor....expensive, it was $30 for a quart.   We'll share with friends when we arrive in Havasu.

Came home around 3, then I went to get a hair cut.  Stopped at the Birkenstock shoe store, still can't find any sandals that are small enough for these 5 1/2 wide feet.  Here I need to get youth sizes but apparently there sold out in every store!   Will keep looking on our way west.

Got home around 4, will spend evening relaxing but might hit the pool.  It's 90 outside and muggy!

August 23, 2014

Rest day!   Family wore me out...lol.   We are making spaghetti sauce to freeze.  Jack & Sherrill invited us over for dinner, so will go there later this afternoon.   Talked to the family, they are stuck in traffic around Little Rock, hopefully they get going soon, already been sitting for 30 min.   Trying to get home today, as Frank (Nessa's husband) girls are visiting from Houston and they want Lily to see them.  

It's pouring outside, good thing we decided to stay in!  Looks like it might last for a while, pretty dark out there!

Jack & Sherrill invited us to have dinner with them, Sherrill cooked wonderful spaghetti!   We had a great visit and discussed what we'd do for the next 3-4 days.  Came home around 8.

August 22, 2014

Dollywood was our adventure for today!   We started the day by going to Snuf’s for breakfast (she fixed blueberry pancakes), then we headed to the park around 9:40.  It opens at 10 AM and we arrived exactly at 10.  

This is a huge complex that you need more than 9 hrs to explore but we honestly gave it a try!  It has numerous rides; in fact, we think Lily rode 17 rides.   I only rode maybe 13, did not ride the kiddy rides that she did.   My favorite was the daredevil, a log raft type of ride, yes you get wet!!!   In fact, Lily and I went on it 3 times, the rest of the gang only once.  Chickens!!!   Some of the rides were rough (old roller coasters), some had many turns (Soaring Eagle…upside down 4 times), some took you backwards and forward (Fire station…one of Lily’s favorites…we rode it twice), plus some got you wet…they have three of these.   It was very hot…in the 90’s, so the water rides kept us cool.

The park also has a steam engine train that we rode, it takes you up the mountain side and shows you the scenery around the park.   Ride last about 20 minutes.  Only bad thing was the smoke from the steam engine, it stinks!!!   But it was a relaxing ride, at least it gave our tired feet a break!

While at the park, we saw two of the shows, one staring Bill Dean, he still sounds great, he sang three of his big hits.  It was a very talented show, combing him and some locals.   The other show was a back to the 50’s/60’s show, it was excellent, all local singers with some beautiful voices.   Both shows lasted about an hour.   If you have lots of time and/or more days, they have maybe 7-8 shows throughout the day that you can watch.  Snuf, Bobby & I did watch a movie about Dolly and how she created Dollywood, while Lily and Dennis were on a kids ride.   It was interesting to learn how it all started.

The food is your standard park food, a little spending, but nothing more than what we've been seeing in town.  Some of the restaurants serve buffets, although we elected for sausage sandwiches, funnel cake and later, a cinnamon bread that was to die for!!!   You get a whole loaf at the grist mill for $5.99.  Yes, we ate the whole loaf!!!

weighs 5 tons & has 8' wing span

Should you ever get to Pigeon Forge, this is a great feature.   Just remember you do a lot of walking, we walked almost 7 miles plus much of it is up hill.   The cost was much cheaper than Disney World…only $60.60 each (includes tax), however if you have a military card, you get a 30% discount.   Dennis had this feature!

The park closed at 7 and we left at 7.  Head to town to get a bite to eat (Taco Bell) then stopped at a local tee-shirt shop so Lily could buy a few things.   Wanted something that said Tennessee on it!   She bought a shirt, an eraser & a cup.  Little girls!!!

They leave for home tomorrow, so we said our goodbyes tonight!   All ready miss them!

 

August 21, 2014

Clingman's Dome with no fog

Clingman's Dome with fog

It’s Lily, not Aunt Jo.  I know aunt Jo is usually on this blog so I am knew at this blog thing so I am going to take it easy.

We went to Clingmans Dome an when we got at the top it was so beautiful!!!  And we took some pictures. And if you are going to watch Aunt Jo’s video I am normal sometimes I was just born to be silly.   Sorry Lily, the video did not turn out, to much wind.  Sorry!

It's Aunt Jo...Lily had to go home as it's 10 PM and we have been gone since 8:30 this morning.  Like she stated above, we went to Clingman's Dome, which is inside the NP.  It was foggy so was not sure we'd have a view once we reached the 6,600 tower.  The tower is the third highest point in TN, you have to drive down this road for 7 miles off the main road, then walk 1/2 mile up a paved path to the tower.   Once you reach the tower, you have to walk another path to the top of the tower.  It took us about 30 min to walk up, as like Lily said, we took lots of pictures.   

Dennis, Snuf & Lily

At Clingman's Dome

It was foggy off & on, so we did not have the view I was hoping for but it was still beautiful!  It's definitely worth the effort to climb to this tower.   We stayed up there about 30 min, then headed back to the car.   Once at the car, we headed back towards Sugarlands Visitor center, stopping at the TN/NC border park.   Here we learned how the Rockefellers gave a $5 Million dollar donation to help create the Smokey Mountain NP.

We then headed to Sugarlands, so Lily could finish her Junior Ranger Program and get her badge.  I bought her a book while we were at Cades Cove.  When we told the Ranger that she was unable to attend a park lead program, he gave her an assignment to do inside the museum at the visitors center.  Once completed (took about an hr), she got her badge.  She was beaming and we are very proud of her!   Good job Lily!!!

Lily took this pic

Got her Junior Ranger Badge

Had a picnic lunch at the center and then headed home.  Tried to pick some blackberries, but season was over and nothing left, however we did get a few blueberries.   Will use them in our pancakes tomorrow.

Dropped Bobby off at the truck as he did not want to go to the outlet mall with us.  The family & I headed to the mall, they bought a few items, then we stopped at a few other stores looking for gifts for them.  Got back to the motorhome around 7:00, cooked dinner, then the girls went swimming.  Guys stayed home, Bobby was wonderful and cleaned the kitchen.  

Tomorrow we are heading to Dollywood!

August 20, 2014

Putt Putt Golf

Putt Golf Winner

It’s going to be a relaxing day, so we headed out to play putt putt golf.  Uncle Bobby won by one point!   But we all had a wonderful time except it’s hot and muggy, so we are sweating and now tired!   We wanted to go shopping, so head to the outlet mall here in Pigeon Forge, find a couple of stores with excellent prices, so buy a few things. 

Watch the water show

view from Ferris Wheel

Later tonight we are going to a back to the 70’s party at the Island, so we bought Lily a 70’s outfit.  Too bad I’m not that skinny or I would have bought one too!!!  Lol.

Then we had lunch and then went to a few more stores.   By this time, it’s almost 3:30, so we head to the Island, where we meet up with Jack & Sherrill.  Go thru a few more stores, then Jack, Sherrill, Bob, Lily and I ride the Ferris wheel.   It’s 200’ tall so you have a great view of Pigeon Forge.  We got to go around 5 times….Lily really liked it.  Snuf is afraid of heights, so would not ride it!

Showing off her 70's outfit

Dinner at Pizza Place

At 5 PM we headed to Mellow Pizza for $2.50 pizza, 30 cent cokes and 75 cent beers.  Love these 70’s prices!   They had games, face painting, tye dying, etc. for us to do.   Snuf, Lily & I did the tye dying, had a blast.

After dinner we watched the water show for about 1 hr and then we all went home.   Another great day her in Pigeon Forge!

August 19, 2014

Historic cabin

Historic Church

Another day in the National Park!  We left our place around 9:30 and headed to Cades Cove loop via Townsend, TN.   Cades Cove is a loop inside the NP where you get to see lots of historic homes, churches, barns, grave yards, grist mills, etc.

We stopped at every pullout that was along the loop to look at the houses and barns.   Most have signs so you can learn who the original residents were and sometimes what they did for a living.  It was amazing seeing the homes and how big some were.   Some were even two stories!  I loved the design of some of the barns, very usual to what we've seen before.
     

Sleeping bear in a tree

Grist Mill

While traveling along the route, we saw a bunch of cars stopped so we knew they were looking at something, low and behold, it was a Mom black bear and her two cubs.   Mom was in a tree eating the branches and the cubs were across the meadow in another tree eating.   Fascinating to see them in trees eating.   They were fairly high in the trees too!   At one point, Mom came down and everyone scattered, we thought she was going to the cubs as they were crying but see just went to another tree, climbed it and continued eating.

Later in the afternoon, we saw a Male (at least we think it was) sleeping in a tree.   So cute.   He could care less that humans were all around him taking pictures.

There was not that much wildlife but we did see one doe, some turkeys and ground hog, but the best thing were the bears!   Highlight of this stay!

Historic Barn

Old wagon

Our last stop before heading home was Sugarlands Visitors Center.   Here we walked to Cataract falls (again for us), took the nature trail and watched a movie.   It was hot and muggy so walking was a little more difficult than the other day!  Temps are supposed to get hotter and muggier as the weekend gets nearer.

Finally got back to Pigeon Forge around 6, had dinner and then they brought us home.  The family is tired, so not sure what we are going to do tomorrow....rest I'm sure!


 

August 18, 2014

Family is moving slow, at least Dennis and Lily are, guess I walked to much yesterday, so we decided to return a couple of items to the outlet mall while waiting for them to catch us.   They finally called around 10:30 and we caught each other at Smokey Mountain Knife Company.   Looked around, very nice store with much more than just knives.

Dolly statue

Bush Beans Truck

Next door is Coleman Outlet, Lodge Cook Ware, Ben's Guns and IR Cheap, so we looked around those stores too.   Bobby bought a rifle
sleeve for his rifle but that's it.   Think Snuf bought some jam.

We they went in to Sieverville to find the Dolly statue.  It's a statue with Dolly playing the guitar.  This is Dolly's home town.

Then we headed to  Bush Beans Museum, where we had lunch.  When they brought our lunch, they also gave us samples of the Honey Bourbon Grillin Beans, they were excellent.  In fact we shared a hamburger that was absolutely wonderful.

Bobby with Jay & Duke

After lunch we toured the museum, where you also get to watch a movie about the history of the Bush's plus learn how they make the famous Bush Beans.   They only been make the Bush Beans since 1969.  You don't get to take a tour but it was very interesting.

Inside the museum

Then we drove home, where I picked up my swimming suit and headed to my sisters.  Bobby stayed home to watch TV.  Got to my sisters and headed to the pool.   We were swimming about an hour when the storm came.   By the time we got out of the pool and 1/2 way to the park model, it was pouring.   Finally made it home but safe.   Waited for about another hr then decided I could get to my car with drowning.   Got home around 7:15.

 August 17, 2014

Olge Farm

Trail to Grotto Falls

Headed to the Smokey Mountains NP to go hiking.  We've decided to hike the Grotto Falls, which is on an 11 mile one way loop road, just outside of Gatlinburg.  It's a beautiful drive thru Rhododendron plants, which by the way are not blooming.   Along the route, we stop at the Olge farm, a historic old home site.  Amazing how big the logs used to build these places are.

On the trail to Grotto Falls

We reach the trail head around 10 AM, it says the hike is 1.2 miles one way and an easy hike.   We already know that's incorrect as Jack & Sherrill told us it's closer to 2 miles one way.   Jack & Sherrill were correct, it's 1.7 plus mostly uphill.   It's not a difficult climb (ok for Bobby & me) except you must navigate over tree roots, boulders and it's slick in some spots.   Beautiful to say the least but not for families with little ones that can't walk on their own!

Under the water fall

We reach the summit and see the waterfall, a 25' cascading beauty.  There were lots of people so we had to wait about 10 min. before we could walk under the falls to the other side.  While waiting, one little girl went swimming in the pool, not us!   The water was maybe 50 degrees, Lily did put her feet in it for about 15 seconds, more than I would do!

Going down was much easier and only took us about 35 min.   We continued on our loop back to Gatlinburg, stopping at a few other historical buildings.   Once we reach the end of the loop, we are back in Gatlinburg, so we decide to go look around.  Visited a few shops, bought some fudge and divinity, then went to lunch at No Way Jose's. Good Mexican food.

Grotto Falls

The family

Got home around 3, family needs to go grocery shopping, and take naps.  They come back over for dinner at 6:30, fed them spaghetti.  After dinner, the girls go swimming, while guys watch TV and play games on their IPADS.   After swimming, we come home to play games.  Family leaves around 10, long day but so much fun!!!




August 16, 2014

Started the morning figuring out what we could do once my sister arrives later today.  They called around  ten and said they'd arrive around 2, so Bobby and I headed to the Tanger Outlet Mall.   Not sure what's going on with him, he bought 5 new things and I only bought 1, usually it's the other way around.

Sister finally arrived around 3, we went to meet them at the park model they are renting in the same park that Jack & Sherrill are in.   After visiting for about an hr, Lily wanted to go swimming.  So off to the pool we went, had fun playing shark and minnow, Lily loves that game.  Jack & Sherrill stopped by to meet the family and then we all went to dinner at Texas Road House.   Had a lovely visit with them.


After dinner the family decided to head to the Island (an amusement park area in the heart of Pigeon Forge).   Walked around looking at the stores, etc.   Had ice cream (shared 2 scoops between the 5 of us).   Found out they are having a retro party on Wednesday...going back to 1974 prices...should be fun.

Watched the dancing lights, similar to the Belagio in Las Vegas, for about 30 minutes.   They do a very nice job.

Tomorrow we are heading to Dolly World, as the weather is supposed to be awful on Monday.



August 15, 2014

 Met Jack & Sherrill for breakfast and then we headed to the Smokie Mountains NP.   First stop was the visitors center at Sugarlands, so I could get a map.   Then we took a hike to Cataract falls, short hike by very nice falls.  Small but at least it had water coming over it.

Next we headed to Gatlinburg, took another road thru the NP (11 mile one way loop) to see Grotto waterfalls, but traffic was so heavy we could not find a parking spot.  We decided to continue on and see it later in the week when hopefully there will be less traffic.

Got home around 2, Bobby is doing laundry while I cleaned house, caught up on my blog, etc.

It's a sad day, as we learned that two friends passed today, Terry Smith from HRVR and Mary Jo Edenhauffer (we used to boat with them when we were in Tyee Yacht Club).  May they rest in peace!






August 14, 2014

Took the scenic route (missed a turn) from Bristol to Pigeon Forge.   I must say, the Blue Ridge Parkway, which was to our east, is beautiful.   Virginia is absolutely gorgeous, I realize we hit it when the temps where mild and humid low, but it's so green and beautiful.  Certainly reminds us of Oregon.

Once we were settled in at our campground (Creekside RV) we, ok I did, decided to hit the visitors center.  Once I had collected my goodies, we headed to see Jack & Sherrill.  They've been staying in this area since May 1st and will show us the short cuts, etc.

We had a great visit with them, then they took us to a local bar that served nacho's.   Food was good!   Afterwards they came over and visited for a little while longer.  Jack was tired, just arrived from Rio earlier this morning.


August 13, 2014

Bristol Raceway HQ's

Welcome to Bristol

Another leg to our trip is over, we left Charlottesville, VA and headed to Bristol, TN.   I drove the first 2 hrs, it was fairly easy.  Not much traffic other than the big trucks.

We arrived at Shamrack Campground around 1:30, got set up and headed to Bristol Raceway to get a tour.  Found out no tours do to Bristol race that's occurring on the 23rd.   They are preparing the facility so we did not get a guided tour but we were allowed to walk around the facility and look at the track.  Had a great view from about 2/3 of the way up the grandstand.   This is a 1/2 milevoval track so there are no bad seats on this track.  Some of the drivers were practicing yesterday, to bad they weren't here today!

Bristol Dragstrip

Bristol Racetrack

Next door is the drag strip so we looked at it too!  Would be exciting to see them race too!

We'll probably just stay in tonight unless I find something exciting to see in the area.  We are only here one night, heading to Pigeon Forge, TN tomorrow.