Today was a long day as we hung around the Escapee's long enough to take a tour of their facilities and the Rainbow park.
They have quite the mail forwarding facility. Something like 1000+ mail forwarding clients. The park is home to a good number of folks who have set up home on the small lots they have created within the park. The lot owners can build what they want, how they want so there was a good number of different architectures represented in the park. This is probably not for us, but was interesting non the less.
Made it back home late, after dark, not fun but we were too close to home to call it a day. Hindsight says we should have stayed an hour or two out of town so that we have time to unload what we need to at a reasonable hour.
This is the end of our second trip. 50 days, most of them spent in Tennessee. All in all a good trip, no major issues, lots of things seen and learned....
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Day 49 Nov 20 - Road to Texas, Day 4, Livingston, Tx
Today's stop is the Escapee's Livingston Rainbow park. This is a soo- soo park, certainly not up to KOA standards but was acceptable given that we were only looking for a single night and the price was under $25.
Would have been a good nights sleep except for the golf cart 'reverse" gear alarm that decided it needed to go off at about 1am. Its one of those piercing things that once you release something is screaming you cannot get back to sleep.
So, get out of bed, go outside to try to find out what it is. Once I realized it was "not:" the propane tank it still took a bit to realize it was a golf cart next to it. No emergency phone number, even the local police cruiser did not have a contact number. Finally realized it was the reverse alarm. Problem solved. Of course the office heard about the lack of emergency number the next morning. Not something one normally thinks of, a park emergency phone number.
Would have been a good nights sleep except for the golf cart 'reverse" gear alarm that decided it needed to go off at about 1am. Its one of those piercing things that once you release something is screaming you cannot get back to sleep.
So, get out of bed, go outside to try to find out what it is. Once I realized it was "not:" the propane tank it still took a bit to realize it was a golf cart next to it. No emergency phone number, even the local police cruiser did not have a contact number. Finally realized it was the reverse alarm. Problem solved. Of course the office heard about the lack of emergency number the next morning. Not something one normally thinks of, a park emergency phone number.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Day 48 Nov 19 - Road to Texas, Day 3, Tabasco
Today was a short drive day. About an hour and a half down to Breaux Bridge La. Just outside of Lafayette. We are staying at the Cajun Palms Rv Resort, a rather large park that apparently is packed in the summer time, but they are definitely on the off season at the moment.
We decided to stay here so that we could go visit the Tabasco bottling plant. That little red bottle that contains the fiery hot sauce. Of course being our usual dawdling selves we almost did not make it down to Avery Island in time for the last tour. As it was we had to choose between the tour and the Country Store, with the tastings and the all things Tabasco. We were good tourists and choose.... the tour.
The island is a huge salt dome that rise up out of the surrounding area. The founder had brought some peppers from Mexico or so it is thought and experimented with them and eventually came up with the now famous red brew. Tabasco sauce is sold in over 160 countries today.
They crush the peppers, remove the seeds, add a little salt, grind them up, put them in pre-used Jack Daniels whiskey barrels (all booze removed) and let them ferment for approx 3 years before the sauce is mixed with what ever and bottled. Today's batch was bound for France.
After the factory tour we took a quick drive around the gardens and bird sanctuary the family has built on the island. We crammed what should have been an entire afternoon into about 1-1/2 hours. Not good.....
Finished off with a pleasant meal at a local restaurant. Good Cajun music, not bad Cajun food. Food could have been a bit better but had to balance that with the atmosphere of the place. Miss R had her picture taken in a "real" phone booth. Once of those aluminum and glass things that used to sit on every street corner almost......
Tomorrow we shall head out again...
We decided to stay here so that we could go visit the Tabasco bottling plant. That little red bottle that contains the fiery hot sauce. Of course being our usual dawdling selves we almost did not make it down to Avery Island in time for the last tour. As it was we had to choose between the tour and the Country Store, with the tastings and the all things Tabasco. We were good tourists and choose.... the tour.
The island is a huge salt dome that rise up out of the surrounding area. The founder had brought some peppers from Mexico or so it is thought and experimented with them and eventually came up with the now famous red brew. Tabasco sauce is sold in over 160 countries today.
They crush the peppers, remove the seeds, add a little salt, grind them up, put them in pre-used Jack Daniels whiskey barrels (all booze removed) and let them ferment for approx 3 years before the sauce is mixed with what ever and bottled. Today's batch was bound for France.
After the factory tour we took a quick drive around the gardens and bird sanctuary the family has built on the island. We crammed what should have been an entire afternoon into about 1-1/2 hours. Not good.....
Finished off with a pleasant meal at a local restaurant. Good Cajun music, not bad Cajun food. Food could have been a bit better but had to balance that with the atmosphere of the place. Miss R had her picture taken in a "real" phone booth. Once of those aluminum and glass things that used to sit on every street corner almost......
Tomorrow we shall head out again...
Day 47 Nov 18 - Road to Texas, Day 2. Four states in one day
Today we were in four states, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. That does not happen too often I bet..
We stopped over in Livingston, La. at the Lakeside Rv Park. http://www.lakeside-rvpark.com/ A nice park that is situated on a small lake, or pond as they are called in Minnesota.
After last night we opted for a space 200 yards from the nearest camper..... (kidding) but it was just another normal, uneventful evening.
We stopped over in Livingston, La. at the Lakeside Rv Park. http://www.lakeside-rvpark.com/ A nice park that is situated on a small lake, or pond as they are called in Minnesota.
After last night we opted for a space 200 yards from the nearest camper..... (kidding) but it was just another normal, uneventful evening.
Day 46 Nov 17 - Time to head home to Texas, it takes a village
Well, it's time to head back to Texas or so it seems. So, its on the road again. Looks like about four days to get back home, at our rate anyway.
First night stop is in Pensacola at the Pensacola Rv Park. Not to be confused with the Pensacola Beach RV Park. It was to have been just a stop in the night. But...
We pull in to our spot and discover a family next door. The 2-1/2 year girl old was playing outside, which of course excited Rosalie to no end. So, we let them play while we were getting setup. It turns out the mother had been sick for about 24 hours. They had planned to leave that morning but due to the mother's illness elected to stay.
So, we invite little Piper over to play so dad could tend to mom. About 6:30 or so, dad comes over and announces he had called the ambulance. Mom is not looking so good it seems. Non responsive, disoriented. So, dad asks if we can watch Piper while he goes off to tend the mother at the hospital. So, two hours after arriving we are baby sitting for a few hours.
We have dinner, hear back from dad, it's going to be a couple of hours, so we settle in for a movie. Then we start to recall what it's like to have siblings. "She's touching me", "she touched me first". The newness had warm off on both of the little darlings.
About 10 or so dad returns and fetches the child. Life returns to normal in We Be Gone land....
We find out the next day that mom should be ok, probably a bad case of dehydration and fatigue. ( They had done 2 days at Disney World).
Apparently we have trustworthy faces, don't think I would have done the same. (I bet dad caught hell once mom recovered... "You left our daughter with complete strangers??? You *&*%^$)
Glad we could help, hope it's not contagious......
First night stop is in Pensacola at the Pensacola Rv Park. Not to be confused with the Pensacola Beach RV Park. It was to have been just a stop in the night. But...
We pull in to our spot and discover a family next door. The 2-1/2 year girl old was playing outside, which of course excited Rosalie to no end. So, we let them play while we were getting setup. It turns out the mother had been sick for about 24 hours. They had planned to leave that morning but due to the mother's illness elected to stay.
So, we invite little Piper over to play so dad could tend to mom. About 6:30 or so, dad comes over and announces he had called the ambulance. Mom is not looking so good it seems. Non responsive, disoriented. So, dad asks if we can watch Piper while he goes off to tend the mother at the hospital. So, two hours after arriving we are baby sitting for a few hours.
We have dinner, hear back from dad, it's going to be a couple of hours, so we settle in for a movie. Then we start to recall what it's like to have siblings. "She's touching me", "she touched me first". The newness had warm off on both of the little darlings.
About 10 or so dad returns and fetches the child. Life returns to normal in We Be Gone land....
We find out the next day that mom should be ok, probably a bad case of dehydration and fatigue. ( They had done 2 days at Disney World).
Apparently we have trustworthy faces, don't think I would have done the same. (I bet dad caught hell once mom recovered... "You left our daughter with complete strangers??? You *&*%^$)
Glad we could help, hope it's not contagious......
Day 45 Nov 16 - Small Road trip to St Joesph's Island
Looks like the rain has passed so we headed out for a short road trip.
First stop is the local light house just down the road from Carabelle Beach, the Crooked River Light House. It's a small little preserve with a children's play area and a light house. Fortunately we arrived on a day that the light house was open for climbing. With just a bit of coaxing Rosalie was able to talk us in to going along with her (At least that's probably how she will remember it.) In the end we all three earned our courage badges.
Then we drove on to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. It on a finger of an island just down from Port St. Joe. We had considered trying to get a camp site at the park but it meant we would have had to move mid stay due to reservation issues. Probably a good thing, the grounds are a bit tight for a 38 foot, plus tow vehicle to get in there. But, we did walk the beach for awhile and managed to get out just before the sky opened up again.
First stop is the local light house just down the road from Carabelle Beach, the Crooked River Light House. It's a small little preserve with a children's play area and a light house. Fortunately we arrived on a day that the light house was open for climbing. With just a bit of coaxing Rosalie was able to talk us in to going along with her (At least that's probably how she will remember it.) In the end we all three earned our courage badges.
Then we drove on to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. It on a finger of an island just down from Port St. Joe. We had considered trying to get a camp site at the park but it meant we would have had to move mid stay due to reservation issues. Probably a good thing, the grounds are a bit tight for a 38 foot, plus tow vehicle to get in there. But, we did walk the beach for awhile and managed to get out just before the sky opened up again.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Day 44 Nov 15 - Another rain day? What gives???
The weather gods are not smiling on us these days. Today was supposed to be partly sunny, but we had light drizzle all day. Pretty much a stay in day, a bit of grocery shopping, fetching a refilled propane tank.
The outlook is for more rain.... Perhaps we will get lucky on our last day here tomorrow...
The outlook is for more rain.... Perhaps we will get lucky on our last day here tomorrow...
Day 43 Nov 14 - A hands in the tanks aquarium visit and dinner with a long lost niece
Ok, she was not lost. Just have not seen her in a few years...
We had made plans to meet Dentia for dinner just down the road in Panacea Fl. so, we googled Panacea and discovered that there is a hands on aquarium just a couple miles from where we were to meet.
The aquarium is called Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories Inc. http://www.gulfspecimen.org/. This is a private organization that has several touch tanks. We were able to touch/hold fiddler crabs, starfish, horseshoe crabs, spiny urchins, snails, mussels, etc. The sharks, stingrays and eels were for looking only though. It was not a spiffy shiny aquarium you will see in the large cities. Seemed to be very much a low budget operation, but interesting and well worth the visit.
Afterward we met Denita for dinner at nice local restaurant. The Greek Flounder was very good. It was great to see her again. Looks like Florida definitely agrees with the girl. Wishing her good luck with her new career.
We had made plans to meet Dentia for dinner just down the road in Panacea Fl. so, we googled Panacea and discovered that there is a hands on aquarium just a couple miles from where we were to meet.
The aquarium is called Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories Inc. http://www.gulfspecimen.org/. This is a private organization that has several touch tanks. We were able to touch/hold fiddler crabs, starfish, horseshoe crabs, spiny urchins, snails, mussels, etc. The sharks, stingrays and eels were for looking only though. It was not a spiffy shiny aquarium you will see in the large cities. Seemed to be very much a low budget operation, but interesting and well worth the visit.
Afterward we met Denita for dinner at nice local restaurant. The Greek Flounder was very good. It was great to see her again. Looks like Florida definitely agrees with the girl. Wishing her good luck with her new career.
Day 42 Nov 13 - A rain day, laundry, cleaning, boring....
It's not all fun and games on the road. Must do those mundane things on occasion, laundry, cleaning, etc. But it rained today so we probably would not have been out much anyway...
Day 41 Nov 12 - An afternoon on St Georges Island state park
This morning was started with a sunrise walk on the beach. 20 mins out and 20 back again.
It was a nice relaxing stroll. The fishermen were either getting started or finishing up, not sure which.
This afternoon we headed 20 miles down the road to St Georges Island and to the Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. It was a great afternoon of shelling and walking the sand. We did not find anything outstanding but we did enjoy the walks down the beach and the lunch at the park pavilion.
Dinner was at the Blue Parrot in the main town on St Georges. The name had us recalling the great New Years Eve in Playa Del Carmin lo those many years ago...
It was a nice relaxing stroll. The fishermen were either getting started or finishing up, not sure which.
This afternoon we headed 20 miles down the road to St Georges Island and to the Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. It was a great afternoon of shelling and walking the sand. We did not find anything outstanding but we did enjoy the walks down the beach and the lunch at the park pavilion.
Dinner was at the Blue Parrot in the main town on St Georges. The name had us recalling the great New Years Eve in Playa Del Carmin lo those many years ago...
Day 40 Nov 11 - An afternoon on Carrabelle beach
We finally were able to get to the beach and spend a few hours just soaking up the sun. It was a bit windy, the water a bit chilly but the entire team agreed, it was nicer weather than what we left in the smokies. In fact we heard they had snow in Nashville... Burrrrrrrr
An ok dinner at the local 2 Al's Restaurant. It was close, not too impressed except with the seafood gumbo.
An ok dinner at the local 2 Al's Restaurant. It was close, not too impressed except with the seafood gumbo.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Day 39 Nov 10 - The beach, the beach my kingdom for a beach......
We finally made it to Carrabelle by about 4pm.
Got in with time to get set up, have a quite libation and still make it across the road to walk through the small surf a bit. It sounds like we have a couple of great days ahead. Time to dig out the shovels, pails and castle blueprints....
It looks like a great stretch of white sugar sand beach..... bout time..
Got in with time to get set up, have a quite libation and still make it across the road to walk through the small surf a bit. It sounds like we have a couple of great days ahead. Time to dig out the shovels, pails and castle blueprints....
It looks like a great stretch of white sugar sand beach..... bout time..
Day 38 Nov 9 - Travel day - Cartersville to Tifton, Ga
Not there yet. A one night stop over at the I-75 RV park. http://i75rvpark.com/ in Tifton, Ga.
A small park still under development. Very friendly manager, a very adequate stop over park. Not sure I would want to spend a week there though. It's pretty small, no trees, no play ground or other amenities. Still would recommend for a stop over.
A small park still under development. Very friendly manager, a very adequate stop over park. Not sure I would want to spend a week there though. It's pretty small, no trees, no play ground or other amenities. Still would recommend for a stop over.
Day 37 Nov 8 - Travel day - target Carrabelle Beach resort, Florida
Finally after about 1:00 am we called it a night and just decided to head out. We need to go through Atlanta anyway so we decided to get on the road. Any place south would be warmer.
We stayed overnight at Cartersville, Ga at the Cartersville/Cassville-White KOA http://koa.com/campgrounds/cartersville. An ok spot for a stay over. Nothing special to note.
We heard back from one potential park, the Carrabelle Beach RV Park. They have room, we have the desire so we are re-targeting our route just a bit east to Carrabelle Beach, somewhere south of Tallahassee.
http://www.rvcoutdoors.com/carrabelle-beach/
2 day, 3-4 hours from Pigeon Forge.
We stayed overnight at Cartersville, Ga at the Cartersville/Cassville-White KOA http://koa.com/campgrounds/cartersville. An ok spot for a stay over. Nothing special to note.
We heard back from one potential park, the Carrabelle Beach RV Park. They have room, we have the desire so we are re-targeting our route just a bit east to Carrabelle Beach, somewhere south of Tallahassee.
http://www.rvcoutdoors.com/carrabelle-beach/
2 day, 3-4 hours from Pigeon Forge.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Day 36 Nov 7 - Guess we better take in at least one show in Pigeon Forge - Dixie Stampede
A rainy day in the Great Smokies.
It rained on and off most of the night, but did manage to clear up in the afternoon. So, we spent the morning catching up on the cleaning chores and starting to get ready for our travel day tomorrow. Clean the camper, truck, get propane (again).
We finally decided to take in one of the local shows. Dolly's Dixie Stampede. It was a horse centric dinner show. A bit of musical entertainment before the main event, then off to the arena for a no utensil dinner (none offered) and entertainment. They are started their Christmas show, so that was refreshing (sort of).
We spent far too much time into the night trying to figure out were to go next. Some place on the north west Florida coast, beach side where we can wake, step out with the cup of coffee sit on the porch and watch the dolphins play in the bay...
(nope, have not found it yet.)
It rained on and off most of the night, but did manage to clear up in the afternoon. So, we spent the morning catching up on the cleaning chores and starting to get ready for our travel day tomorrow. Clean the camper, truck, get propane (again).
We finally decided to take in one of the local shows. Dolly's Dixie Stampede. It was a horse centric dinner show. A bit of musical entertainment before the main event, then off to the arena for a no utensil dinner (none offered) and entertainment. They are started their Christmas show, so that was refreshing (sort of).
We spent far too much time into the night trying to figure out were to go next. Some place on the north west Florida coast, beach side where we can wake, step out with the cup of coffee sit on the porch and watch the dolphins play in the bay...
(nope, have not found it yet.)
Day 35 Nov 6 - Junior ranger Rosalie, another hike, a bit further, a bit easier - Grotto Falls
The junior ranger in our group has been busy again, badge number 5. This one from the Great Smokey Mountains national park.
The girl has been studying and learning about the parks and what they have to offer. Said it before and saying it again, the junior ranger program is a great one to get the kids involved in.
After the swearing in and the requisite ceremony we headed off to Grotto Falls for an afternoon hike back and up to the water falls. It was about 1.4 miles one way, up most of the way but not such an elevation rise as is the Clingmans Dome trail. When you arrive at the falls you can stand behind the falls and pretend your hiding out. Ok, so it's not all that large, still a nice view when one arrives.
Wildlife sighted: On the return trip, a team of pack lamas returning from resupplying a wilderness camp further along the trail. They move fast and quietly, they almost ran over us before we knew they were there.
Another tail gate lunch and we headed back to camp. We did get turned around in our directions just a bit. Almost made it to North Carolina before we realized we were driving the wrong direction.... Where's that boy scout when you need him????
The girl has been studying and learning about the parks and what they have to offer. Said it before and saying it again, the junior ranger program is a great one to get the kids involved in.
After the swearing in and the requisite ceremony we headed off to Grotto Falls for an afternoon hike back and up to the water falls. It was about 1.4 miles one way, up most of the way but not such an elevation rise as is the Clingmans Dome trail. When you arrive at the falls you can stand behind the falls and pretend your hiding out. Ok, so it's not all that large, still a nice view when one arrives.
Wildlife sighted: On the return trip, a team of pack lamas returning from resupplying a wilderness camp further along the trail. They move fast and quietly, they almost ran over us before we knew they were there.
Another tail gate lunch and we headed back to camp. We did get turned around in our directions just a bit. Almost made it to North Carolina before we realized we were driving the wrong direction.... Where's that boy scout when you need him????
Day 34 Nov 5 - To the top of the world, almost - Clingmans Dome Road
Today was short hike day, short but sweet as the saying goes. It may have only been 1/2 mile and was totally paved but it was up, up, up.
Clingmans Dome is a hike up to the top of the park. This trail terminates at the highest point in the park, then continues up an observation tower. Everyone on the trail seemed to agree it was worth it. That and we had a great day for it, sunny, warm and clear for many miles.
Lunch on the truck tail gate and it was back down the mountain to try to get Rosalie's latest junior ranger badge, but alas we did not make it back to the visitors center in time so that must wait until tomorrow..
Todays wildlife sighting: a small cub black bear climbing down from a small tree, an owl perched on a branch.
Clingmans Dome is a hike up to the top of the park. This trail terminates at the highest point in the park, then continues up an observation tower. Everyone on the trail seemed to agree it was worth it. That and we had a great day for it, sunny, warm and clear for many miles.
Lunch on the truck tail gate and it was back down the mountain to try to get Rosalie's latest junior ranger badge, but alas we did not make it back to the visitors center in time so that must wait until tomorrow..
Todays wildlife sighting: a small cub black bear climbing down from a small tree, an owl perched on a branch.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Day 33 Nov 4 - A trip into the park, Cades cove
We ran out of propane in one tank the other night, so one of the first orders of business was to replenish our supply. Would hate to run out totally on these cool nights.
Then off we went back into the Smokies. Today's trip was to Cades Cove, one of the most visited areas of the park. This drive has an 11 mile one way circle trip around a valley between the mountains. Scattered around this loop are the remnants of the former residents.
The park was purchased/developed in the 1930's in the midst of the depression. Creating the park displaced a number of locals. The Cades Cove route visits some early homesteads, as well as a few churches that are still standing. It's was interesting showing Rosalie the different building styles when comparing the sod homes of the South Dakota Badlands to the log cabins of Tennessee. I don't think she understood what we were getting at. Perhaps osmosis will kick in at some point.
A late start back put us in the mountains after dark. We had hoped to take a short cut back, but alas we missed the turn. Thought for sure we would hit the Atlantic at some point.... But we did make it back
Then off we went back into the Smokies. Today's trip was to Cades Cove, one of the most visited areas of the park. This drive has an 11 mile one way circle trip around a valley between the mountains. Scattered around this loop are the remnants of the former residents.
The park was purchased/developed in the 1930's in the midst of the depression. Creating the park displaced a number of locals. The Cades Cove route visits some early homesteads, as well as a few churches that are still standing. It's was interesting showing Rosalie the different building styles when comparing the sod homes of the South Dakota Badlands to the log cabins of Tennessee. I don't think she understood what we were getting at. Perhaps osmosis will kick in at some point.
A late start back put us in the mountains after dark. We had hoped to take a short cut back, but alas we missed the turn. Thought for sure we would hit the Atlantic at some point.... But we did make it back
Day 32 Nov 3 - Stay in the camp day, wash cloths, trip to Lowes/Kroger
After yesterday and last nights harrowing escape from the mad throng of tourists we decided to hunker down for the last day of the weekend hoping the crowds would thin during the week.
Probably was a good choice as it was chilly today. I guess we cannot say cold as those in the north country will beg to differ..
So, not much to report, a trip to Lowes to find a couple of trailer parts then on to the grocery store, then laundry and finally enjoying an evening camp fire, our first in a few days.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit warmer and less crowded.
Probably was a good choice as it was chilly today. I guess we cannot say cold as those in the north country will beg to differ..
So, not much to report, a trip to Lowes to find a couple of trailer parts then on to the grocery store, then laundry and finally enjoying an evening camp fire, our first in a few days.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit warmer and less crowded.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Day 31 Nov 2 - Sleeping late (who's surprised?) and an afternoon drive
We watched a late movie last night and choose to sleep in late today. After having the morning coffee and breakfast we headed out for the Great Smokey Mountains Park.
First order of business is always a stop at the visitors center to checkout the junior ranger program. This park was no exception. We think it helps to get Rosalie more interested and involved. All of the park rangers that we have met within this program have done a marvelous job in teaching the kids. Ranger Gott was no exception.
He went out of his way to help us out. We came to the park just as they are winding down their summer activities, which means not so many junior ranger programs. But, Ranger Gott filled in with an impromptu mammals discussion for Rosalie and a couple of other kids. Now we just need to complete the packet, go through the swearing in and Miss Rose will have badge number 5. The entire team is pretty excited about it....
The park is nice, the leaves are still turning at the mid to lower elevations so we did not miss it all. It rained and sleeted during parts of our drive, temp down to 36, so we did not do any hiking. It is supposed to be a bit warmer and sunny tomorrow so hopefully we can get some hiking in over the next couple of days.
It's a good thing we had the couple days of solitude at Falls Creek. Pigeon Forge is a mad house. Bumper to bumper traffic, few stop lights to allow cross traffic to proceed, lots of people. But, I guess we did get here during one of the busiest weekends of the year. Something about leaves dieing....
First order of business is always a stop at the visitors center to checkout the junior ranger program. This park was no exception. We think it helps to get Rosalie more interested and involved. All of the park rangers that we have met within this program have done a marvelous job in teaching the kids. Ranger Gott was no exception.
He went out of his way to help us out. We came to the park just as they are winding down their summer activities, which means not so many junior ranger programs. But, Ranger Gott filled in with an impromptu mammals discussion for Rosalie and a couple of other kids. Now we just need to complete the packet, go through the swearing in and Miss Rose will have badge number 5. The entire team is pretty excited about it....
The park is nice, the leaves are still turning at the mid to lower elevations so we did not miss it all. It rained and sleeted during parts of our drive, temp down to 36, so we did not do any hiking. It is supposed to be a bit warmer and sunny tomorrow so hopefully we can get some hiking in over the next couple of days.
It's a good thing we had the couple days of solitude at Falls Creek. Pigeon Forge is a mad house. Bumper to bumper traffic, few stop lights to allow cross traffic to proceed, lots of people. But, I guess we did get here during one of the busiest weekends of the year. Something about leaves dieing....
Day 30 Nov 1 - On the road again, bound for Pigeon Forge, Tn
Another travel day. Today headed for Pigeon Forge and the Great Smokey Mountains.
We have enjoyed our time at Fall Creek Falls, great colors, wonderful scenery and fabulous solitude. We had the entire circle to ourselves the last couple of days. (which it turned out was a good thing)
But alas true to our name, we be gone...
An uneventful 3+ hours has us in Pigeon Forge just before dark. We have a nice corner site with a pile of leaves all set up for Rosalie to jump and play in, which being true to form she did.
We have enjoyed our time at Fall Creek Falls, great colors, wonderful scenery and fabulous solitude. We had the entire circle to ourselves the last couple of days. (which it turned out was a good thing)
But alas true to our name, we be gone...
An uneventful 3+ hours has us in Pigeon Forge just before dark. We have a nice corner site with a pile of leaves all set up for Rosalie to jump and play in, which being true to form she did.
Day 29 Oct 31 - A rainy day, almost missed Halloween
For Halloween evening we had learned of a Chili cookoff/Halloween festival at a small town not too far from the park. Unfortunately it rained most of the morning/early afternoon and we found out the festival was being postponed until Sat. Well... We were leaving on Friday, so that would not do.
We decided to head down to Pikesville at the foot of the mountain and see what we could find. After driving around the town (it's pretty small) we did see a sign at one of the churches and did run across a few trick or treaters.
We spotted a likely family so Susan jumped out and did her Gigi thing, asking the mother if she and the dear princess could tag along. Fortunately she must have had the appropriate "I'm an out of town tourist" look as the mother ok'd the tag along. Turns out we hooked up with a local family who knew their way around and they took good care of the princess and her fairy god Gigi. We ended up the trick night at the church where the kids were lined up in the gym passing by about a dozen or so candy stations.
A marginal night turned out to be better than we could have hoped for thanks to some friendly Pikeville folks and a wonderful Gigi looking out for her princess.
We decided to head down to Pikesville at the foot of the mountain and see what we could find. After driving around the town (it's pretty small) we did see a sign at one of the churches and did run across a few trick or treaters.
We spotted a likely family so Susan jumped out and did her Gigi thing, asking the mother if she and the dear princess could tag along. Fortunately she must have had the appropriate "I'm an out of town tourist" look as the mother ok'd the tag along. Turns out we hooked up with a local family who knew their way around and they took good care of the princess and her fairy god Gigi. We ended up the trick night at the church where the kids were lined up in the gym passing by about a dozen or so candy stations.
A marginal night turned out to be better than we could have hoped for thanks to some friendly Pikeville folks and a wonderful Gigi looking out for her princess.
Day 28 Oct 30 - A hard days hike
Today we went back to the main falls at Fall Creek Falls park. This one does indeed have a trail to the bottom of the falls. It's billed as a short but strenuous hike. 1/2 hour to get down, an hour back up.
So, being the intrepid hikers that we are we headed out. The first part was a piece of cake, next part not too bad either. Then we were down to where the steps were just the rocks along the hill side, around the rather really large boulders. Then we could finally hear the falls, not a roar this time of year, but we did hear them before we saw them.
Finally we arrived at the bottom to a beautiful plunge pool/grotto affair. A few more treacherous steps down the rock debris and we were at the water. A bit too cold for swimming, which the sign forbid anyway so we were in luck.
After enjoying the view for awhile we head back. The trip back was not too bad, Rosalie was doing great until some wise guy we met along the way just "happened" to mention how he thought Rosalie might need to be carried up the hill. But, as we have come to learn Rosalie is one tough 4 year old. Yes, she did take the hint and wanted a ride but when one was not forth coming she trooped along with the rest of us. She walked the entire trail down and then back up again without incident. Unfortunately once at the top she fell after having repeated the victory dance a few times.
Dr Gigi to the rescue once again...
All WeBeGoners were done gone tired after that workout....
So, being the intrepid hikers that we are we headed out. The first part was a piece of cake, next part not too bad either. Then we were down to where the steps were just the rocks along the hill side, around the rather really large boulders. Then we could finally hear the falls, not a roar this time of year, but we did hear them before we saw them.
Finally we arrived at the bottom to a beautiful plunge pool/grotto affair. A few more treacherous steps down the rock debris and we were at the water. A bit too cold for swimming, which the sign forbid anyway so we were in luck.
After enjoying the view for awhile we head back. The trip back was not too bad, Rosalie was doing great until some wise guy we met along the way just "happened" to mention how he thought Rosalie might need to be carried up the hill. But, as we have come to learn Rosalie is one tough 4 year old. Yes, she did take the hint and wanted a ride but when one was not forth coming she trooped along with the rest of us. She walked the entire trail down and then back up again without incident. Unfortunately once at the top she fell after having repeated the victory dance a few times.
Dr Gigi to the rescue once again...
All WeBeGoners were done gone tired after that workout....
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Day 27 Oct 29 - An afternoon of hiking and learning
Today we headed off to Piney Creek falls, one that we missed during yesterdays tour. This falls is not the largest but is the most picturesque. We decided to see if we could hike to the bottom of the falls. We went down this trail, that one, then a third but, alas we did not find what we were looking for.
Turns our we had our falls confused. There is a trail to the bottom of another, but apparently not this one. But we did get in some nice hiking, a goodly amount of woodlands lessons for Rosalie, and a bit of exercise for all.
Topped off the day with a stop at one of the play grounds for the little one to blow off what steam she had left after all the walking.
A nice day...
Turns our we had our falls confused. There is a trail to the bottom of another, but apparently not this one. But we did get in some nice hiking, a goodly amount of woodlands lessons for Rosalie, and a bit of exercise for all.
Topped off the day with a stop at one of the play grounds for the little one to blow off what steam she had left after all the walking.
A nice day...
Day 26 Oct 28 - First full day in Fall Creek Falls
We started off our park tour as we have most of the time, by taking in the orientation movie at the information center. We find these movies interesting and very informative. It's nice to get an idea of what we are going to see and what it took to get the parks to where they are today. Fortunately some very forward looking ancestors.
We were advised repeatedly that this was a Tennessee park that was not to be missed. I think everyone on the WeBeGone team is in agreement, we are glad we heard about the park and took the time to stop in. (Thanks Tom S.).
The leaves here are probably about mid way through their turning. Not all have but there are plenty of reds, yellows, oranges and golds to go around. The creeks are not running that high so the falls and cascades are not at their peaks but the colors up and down the mountain side are a sight to see for sure.
We had met a few folks in Chattanooga and when we mentioned we were coming here it was unanimous that we were making a good choice. This is Tennessee's largest and most visited state park.
We were advised repeatedly that this was a Tennessee park that was not to be missed. I think everyone on the WeBeGone team is in agreement, we are glad we heard about the park and took the time to stop in. (Thanks Tom S.).
The leaves here are probably about mid way through their turning. Not all have but there are plenty of reds, yellows, oranges and golds to go around. The creeks are not running that high so the falls and cascades are not at their peaks but the colors up and down the mountain side are a sight to see for sure.
We had met a few folks in Chattanooga and when we mentioned we were coming here it was unanimous that we were making a good choice. This is Tennessee's largest and most visited state park.
Day 25 Oct 27 - On the road again, to Fall Creek Falls state park
Bidding a fond farewell to Chattanooga as we headed out to the next stop, Fall Creek Falls state park.
It was a short day as we headed north out of Chattanooga toward Soddy Daisy, Dunlap, Pikeville then on to the park. http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/fall-creek-falls.
After a few tries at backing in we finally were able to get camp set up. Set up the chairs, popped a top and enjoyed an early fire. Starting what hopefully will be a few relaxing days before hitting Pigeon Forge and the commercialization that we will find there.
It was a short day as we headed north out of Chattanooga toward Soddy Daisy, Dunlap, Pikeville then on to the park. http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/fall-creek-falls.
After a few tries at backing in we finally were able to get camp set up. Set up the chairs, popped a top and enjoyed an early fire. Starting what hopefully will be a few relaxing days before hitting Pigeon Forge and the commercialization that we will find there.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Day 24 Oct 26 - A bit of civil war history
Our last full day in Chattanooga.
Leroy decided he needed to go take in a bit of the local civil war history. He left the ladies at the campground and headed out early to visit the site of one of the decisive battles of that great war. The Chickamauga battlefield on the outskirts of Chattanooga. http://www.nps.gov/chch/index.htm
The Chickamauga battles lasted two days and lead to a confederate victory. The south then went on the lay siege to the Union stronghold of Chattanooga for about a month before the Union was able to establish a new supply line and get in reinforcements. Once resupplied the Union went on the offensive and managed to remove the confederate troops from Lookout Mountain. That opened up the path for their subsequent march on Atlanta. It was interesting to see the monuments erected by the various regiments and to see all of the states represented, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio figured prominently and was represented by several of the monuments. One cannot walk through that area without wondering what it must have been like back in 1863 during these battles. What suffering, what heroics...
The ladies were not idle. They were busy getting the laundry done and Gigi had one of her many opportunities to sharpen up the doctor skills in repairing Rosalie. (Just a skinned knee).
The afternoon was spent with a drive to Lookout Mountain Point Park. This is also a national historic place. This is on the top of Lookout Mountain overlooking Chattanooga and commemorates the battle of Chattanooga where the Union was able to remove the confederate troops, destroy the blockade and eventually march on to Atlanta.
The park has some gorgeous views of down town Chattanooga and the Tennessee river.
http://www.aboutnorthgeorgia.com/ang/Point_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Lookout_Mountain
A trip to Wal-mart for supplies and back home..
Chattanooga was a wonderful stop. Would recommend it for anyone passing this way...
Leroy decided he needed to go take in a bit of the local civil war history. He left the ladies at the campground and headed out early to visit the site of one of the decisive battles of that great war. The Chickamauga battlefield on the outskirts of Chattanooga. http://www.nps.gov/chch/index.htm
The Chickamauga battles lasted two days and lead to a confederate victory. The south then went on the lay siege to the Union stronghold of Chattanooga for about a month before the Union was able to establish a new supply line and get in reinforcements. Once resupplied the Union went on the offensive and managed to remove the confederate troops from Lookout Mountain. That opened up the path for their subsequent march on Atlanta. It was interesting to see the monuments erected by the various regiments and to see all of the states represented, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio figured prominently and was represented by several of the monuments. One cannot walk through that area without wondering what it must have been like back in 1863 during these battles. What suffering, what heroics...
The ladies were not idle. They were busy getting the laundry done and Gigi had one of her many opportunities to sharpen up the doctor skills in repairing Rosalie. (Just a skinned knee).
The afternoon was spent with a drive to Lookout Mountain Point Park. This is also a national historic place. This is on the top of Lookout Mountain overlooking Chattanooga and commemorates the battle of Chattanooga where the Union was able to remove the confederate troops, destroy the blockade and eventually march on to Atlanta.
The park has some gorgeous views of down town Chattanooga and the Tennessee river.
http://www.aboutnorthgeorgia.com/ang/Point_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Lookout_Mountain
A trip to Wal-mart for supplies and back home..
Chattanooga was a wonderful stop. Would recommend it for anyone passing this way...
Day 23 Oct 25 - Tennessee Aquarium
Day two of the Rosalie centric activities was a visit to the local aquarium. http://www.tnaqua.org/Home.aspx
We spent a couple of hours in the Aquarium, then off to see an IMAX film about the Monarch butterfly migration and then another hour with the fish. Rose's favorite was of course the penguins. Probably not much of a surprise.
Then back to the camp to bundle up. It's been getting down into the upper twenties the last few nights.. Burrr.....
We spent a couple of hours in the Aquarium, then off to see an IMAX film about the Monarch butterfly migration and then another hour with the fish. Rose's favorite was of course the penguins. Probably not much of a surprise.
Then back to the camp to bundle up. It's been getting down into the upper twenties the last few nights.. Burrr.....
Day 22 Oct 24 - Creative Discovery Museum. Dinner down town
Today was the first of two Rosalie days. Days where the adults get to be bored by kid stuff rather than the kid bored by adult stuff.
We really do try hard to throw in some things we think she would enjoy with each of our stops. We hope it helps her to survive those long days of touring presidents homes, tow truck museums and such. Hopefully our strategy is working if only just a bit.
Today's adventure was the Creative Discovery Museum of Chattanooga. http://www.cdmfun.org/
Pretty much your standard children's museum with lots of hands on activities.
Then off to a nice dinner downtown to round out the day.
We really do try hard to throw in some things we think she would enjoy with each of our stops. We hope it helps her to survive those long days of touring presidents homes, tow truck museums and such. Hopefully our strategy is working if only just a bit.
Today's adventure was the Creative Discovery Museum of Chattanooga. http://www.cdmfun.org/
Pretty much your standard children's museum with lots of hands on activities.
Then off to a nice dinner downtown to round out the day.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Day 21 Oct 23 – National Tow Truck Museum, Raccoon Mountain Pump station
Its amazing what you will find on http://www.roadsideamerica.com/.
We were looking in Tennessee and found that there is a Tow truck museum as well as a Tow truck manufacturer just outside of Chattanooga. While we did take in the museum one needs to be in the Towing industry to be allowed a tour of the manufacturing plant, Miller Industries.
The museum is interesting for car buffs and such, not so much for a couple of the members of the webegone gang though. They were gracious in going along though..
http://internationaltowingmuseum.org/
Then a quick trip up the Raccoon Mountain pump station road. Unfortunately the visitors center was closed for construction. Still a nice 12-15 mile drive up Raccoon mountain. http://www.tva.gov/sites/raccoonmt.htm
The TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority)built this hydro electric plant to help meet peak demand usage. Hot summers and cold winters. They have a storage pond at the top of the mountain and another at the bottom. During peak demand the turn on the spigots and let the water run down the mounting to turn the hydro generators, and into the pond below. In the evening when power demand slackens they pump the water back up the mountain for the next days usage. Recycling the water is the name of the game.
Back for a rousing dinner of hot dogs, mac-cheese and authentic fire house chili.
We were looking in Tennessee and found that there is a Tow truck museum as well as a Tow truck manufacturer just outside of Chattanooga. While we did take in the museum one needs to be in the Towing industry to be allowed a tour of the manufacturing plant, Miller Industries.
The museum is interesting for car buffs and such, not so much for a couple of the members of the webegone gang though. They were gracious in going along though..
http://internationaltowingmuseum.org/
Then a quick trip up the Raccoon Mountain pump station road. Unfortunately the visitors center was closed for construction. Still a nice 12-15 mile drive up Raccoon mountain. http://www.tva.gov/sites/raccoonmt.htm
The TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority)built this hydro electric plant to help meet peak demand usage. Hot summers and cold winters. They have a storage pond at the top of the mountain and another at the bottom. During peak demand the turn on the spigots and let the water run down the mounting to turn the hydro generators, and into the pond below. In the evening when power demand slackens they pump the water back up the mountain for the next days usage. Recycling the water is the name of the game.
Back for a rousing dinner of hot dogs, mac-cheese and authentic fire house chili.
Day 20 Oct 22 – Ruby Falls, Pot Roast to Die For with Tommy/Virginia
Today's highlight was a day trip to Ruby Falls, one of the caves in the area.
From the website:
Located over 1120 feet beneath the surface, Ruby Falls is the nation’s largest and deepest waterfall open to the public. Hundreds of gallons of water rush over by the minute and amaze visitors.
From the website:
Located over 1120 feet beneath the surface, Ruby Falls is the nation’s largest and deepest waterfall open to the public. Hundreds of gallons of water rush over by the minute and amaze visitors.
http://www.rubyfalls.com/
After the falls we retired back to the camp for a fre followed by some "Pot Roast to Die For". A pot roast recipe we tried out on the John's when we were in Minnesota. Seems to have worked just fine again. It was nice to have the warmth of the fire and pot roast, me thinks winter is trying to sneak in through the door here in the south...
After the falls we retired back to the camp for a fre followed by some "Pot Roast to Die For". A pot roast recipe we tried out on the John's when we were in Minnesota. Seems to have worked just fine again. It was nice to have the warmth of the fire and pot roast, me thinks winter is trying to sneak in through the door here in the south...
Day 19 Oct 21 – Arrive in Chattanooga, dinner down town, drive up Lookout Mountain
Made it to Chattanooga with out too much trouble. Only got lost once.
We met up with Susan's sister and her partner, Virginia and Tommy. They were on their way back home when we called and suggested they stop by for a couple days. We hit the obligatory BBQ rib joint then drove up to the top of Lookout mountain for a look see, Quite a view from up there.
Leroy took everyone by a hang gliding launch site where he had flown from oh so many years ago. 1000' or so off the valley floor. He took Rosalie's hand and strolled up on the concrete launch pad. You would have thought he was going to launch himself and little Rose off the cliff the way the others made out. Seems not everyone is comfortable standing on the edge looking down... (Leroy note: no we were not in any danger what so ever.... The six tons of concrete was going no where.) http://www.hanglide.com/
Back to home base for the night. http://www.raccoonmountain.com/
We met up with Susan's sister and her partner, Virginia and Tommy. They were on their way back home when we called and suggested they stop by for a couple days. We hit the obligatory BBQ rib joint then drove up to the top of Lookout mountain for a look see, Quite a view from up there.
Leroy took everyone by a hang gliding launch site where he had flown from oh so many years ago. 1000' or so off the valley floor. He took Rosalie's hand and strolled up on the concrete launch pad. You would have thought he was going to launch himself and little Rose off the cliff the way the others made out. Seems not everyone is comfortable standing on the edge looking down... (Leroy note: no we were not in any danger what so ever.... The six tons of concrete was going no where.) http://www.hanglide.com/
Back to home base for the night. http://www.raccoonmountain.com/
Day 18 Oct 20 – Day 2 at Barton Spring and a visit to Jack
Today was a lazy day of sorts, we went to visit the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg Tn. Home of the world famous Jack Daniels Tennessee Sour mash whiskey. An interesting tour to learn how the whiskey is made. True to form you don't know whether to believe that Jack was only 16 when he registered his distillery or if that was a bit of PR lore....
A bit of window shopping, lunch and headed back to the lake via a small one lane country road. Love those back roads...
A bit of window shopping, lunch and headed back to the lake via a small one lane country road. Love those back roads...
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Day 17 Oct 19 – Day 1 at Barton Spring, Normandy Fire Department Chili
Today we leave Nashville behind. The camp ground was gearing up for the Christmas season. They decorate the grounds, invite the local TV/Radio stations, charge $25 a car load and do it up big.
We headed out to our next stop, a TVA camp ground just out side of Tullahoma Tn. We wanted to tour the Jack Daniels distillery just down the road a bit in Lynchberg and this seemed to be the closest camp ground in the area.
We decided to take the back roads and ended up going through Bell Buckle Tn. during their busiest day of the year. There were signs for parking a mile outside of town (or so it seemed). The small main street was wall to wall people. We think we may have scraped a couple of folks as we were squeezing our way through. They did not seem to mind though.
Then as we passed through the little village of Normandy we noted a sign for the local Fire Department Chili Dinner, so of course we had to go back once we were set up. Acceptable chile, great price. It looked like they had a great turn out for the fund raiser. We left with an extra Chili to go.
Camp ground: http://camprrm.com/2013/06/barton-springs-campground/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)