Hi-
We are sitting out in the sun, and it 5:45. Really waiting for clothes to dry-had to do a couple of loads of wash, but some will be to put some winter clothes away, hopefully for a while. Russ & I went into Austin this morning and spent most of the day. We walked and walked and walked. Then I came back and did some jump roping-just to see if I still could. Oh, and I hear the banjo in the camper, so Russ must be practicing. I think its the first time he's taken it out of the case, but it has alot of mileage on it, taking it from the truck to the camper. Since we are in this park for a while, he'll use it more. Hope the neighbors don't mind. Well, we walked and went into the Capitol Building here in Austin. Its kind of a beige and I saw someplace that it is marple, or granite, another thing I'll have to check on at a later date. I do know that I had to see where the House of Representatives meet and I figured it would be HUGE-seeing we are in TX. Then I realized that NH has the largest House of Representatives in the country, so we didn't bother finding it. We had a mission to find a particular item in the gift shop.
Have to stop now, as I need to do the laundry. Will get back to this later.
Back again on Monday morning. Its chilly out. Know I shouldn't complain but its 55 out. Listening to the weather for up north though, and ths is good.
Back to Austn-we walked along 6th street looking for a place to dine. I'm so glad that restaurants have menus outside. We ended up at JACKALOPE-don't think they have a website. Heck, I think we found the only table that both the chairs and the table were level. Food was good but since it was lunch, no margaritas.
We had originally planned on going on the DUCK tour when we got into the city, but when we got to the Austin Tourist Center, they are not running as the river has been lowered. We did walk to the river-its the Colorado River, and we both thought that a DUCK boat could have maneuvered. January apparently isn't a big tourist month, so Austin lowered the river to do some cleaning. What month do they do that to the Piscataqua?
Russ washed the outside of the 5th wheel earlier this morning (I was still in bed). Now he's going to find a car wash to was the truck. We'll head back into Austin later today-so we can spend some evening time on sixth street-where the action is. Thought we were leaving this area tomorrow, but we have two more nights here. Have fun and keep shovelling!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday, Jan 29 in San Marcos
Hi-Its Linda....
We arrived yesterday in San Marcos, TX. Its between Austin and San Antonio, so we thought this would be a good idea. Its a very nice park, although we haven't spent much time in it. Yesterday, the outside temp on the sunny side was over 113, but that was the sunny side. The other side was much more comfortable. I was able to put on my shorts, just to hang around. We were considering going out for a while last night but decided against going into Austin. We'll try that later. Today we went into San Antonio and met up with Russ's sister, Allane, her husband, Steve, and their 3 grandchildren (2 boys-1 girl). They are here from ME to take care of the kids, while Mom and Dad are travelling for a few days. We got together at the Alamo, and had a very abbreviated trip through it. Three children, ages 6, 3-1/2, and 2-history wasn't too important. BUT, fortunately there was a 'cattle drive' going through town, and we were able to watch that. We all enjoyed that-then we did lunch. Elijah (age 6) sat with his 'Pappy' and Uncle Russ and they were discussing all sorts of 'manly' things-like the grey tanks in a camper. I'm not going explain what they are if you don't know. Oh, and since we ate our lunches, we had ice cream too!
Allane & Steve and three exhausted little ones headed back to Cibolo (where they live) and Russ & I went back to the Alamo. We had been told by our friend Joey Paradis that it is right in the middle of San Antonio, and it is. For about a block in the city, time stood still. It is very impressive, and lots to read and absorb. Something else tht I have to do some more research on.
Then we went to the River Walk and went on a cruise. The River Walk is the San Antonio River, which meaders through the city, with sidewalks, restaurant, shops, bars, hotels, and such along those sidewalks. Its a great place to roam through. There are boats that go through, naturally with tour guides. It was fun-this is the type of cruises we get to go on.
Tomorrow we plan on going into Austin. Austin has Duck Boat tours, and we may try that, or just find a parking garage and roam. It appears that we have to go to SoCo (South Congress Street) and also 6th street. Fortunately we brought the GPS with us-she has been very helpful.
Oh, yes, and while we drove down to San Antonio, we were amazed at all the Texas Road House and Long Horn restaurants. We're in Texas-there's beef cattle all over the place-why chain restaurants? Its like the Red Lobster in Newington years ago that didn't last long.
We are having a great time-still-hope you are enjoying listening to us chat about it.
Love to all-linda
We arrived yesterday in San Marcos, TX. Its between Austin and San Antonio, so we thought this would be a good idea. Its a very nice park, although we haven't spent much time in it. Yesterday, the outside temp on the sunny side was over 113, but that was the sunny side. The other side was much more comfortable. I was able to put on my shorts, just to hang around. We were considering going out for a while last night but decided against going into Austin. We'll try that later. Today we went into San Antonio and met up with Russ's sister, Allane, her husband, Steve, and their 3 grandchildren (2 boys-1 girl). They are here from ME to take care of the kids, while Mom and Dad are travelling for a few days. We got together at the Alamo, and had a very abbreviated trip through it. Three children, ages 6, 3-1/2, and 2-history wasn't too important. BUT, fortunately there was a 'cattle drive' going through town, and we were able to watch that. We all enjoyed that-then we did lunch. Elijah (age 6) sat with his 'Pappy' and Uncle Russ and they were discussing all sorts of 'manly' things-like the grey tanks in a camper. I'm not going explain what they are if you don't know. Oh, and since we ate our lunches, we had ice cream too!
Allane & Steve and three exhausted little ones headed back to Cibolo (where they live) and Russ & I went back to the Alamo. We had been told by our friend Joey Paradis that it is right in the middle of San Antonio, and it is. For about a block in the city, time stood still. It is very impressive, and lots to read and absorb. Something else tht I have to do some more research on.
Then we went to the River Walk and went on a cruise. The River Walk is the San Antonio River, which meaders through the city, with sidewalks, restaurant, shops, bars, hotels, and such along those sidewalks. Its a great place to roam through. There are boats that go through, naturally with tour guides. It was fun-this is the type of cruises we get to go on.
Tomorrow we plan on going into Austin. Austin has Duck Boat tours, and we may try that, or just find a parking garage and roam. It appears that we have to go to SoCo (South Congress Street) and also 6th street. Fortunately we brought the GPS with us-she has been very helpful.
Oh, yes, and while we drove down to San Antonio, we were amazed at all the Texas Road House and Long Horn restaurants. We're in Texas-there's beef cattle all over the place-why chain restaurants? Its like the Red Lobster in Newington years ago that didn't last long.
We are having a great time-still-hope you are enjoying listening to us chat about it.
Love to all-linda
Friday, January 28, 2011
January 27, 2011-still in Mineola, TX
Hi-Its Linda-
We are still in Mineola, and will be here for another night-then on towards Austin. The weather is getting warmer by the day, and today, I was able to put my sandals. It feels so good-I know I am rubbing it in. We sat here last night watching the weather reports for up north. Sorry guy, it feels good here!
We have been enjoying the company and hospitality of Joey & Brenda Paradis and having a great time. Joey, as I mentioned before, was a childhood friend of Russ's and they have been doing quite a bit of reminiscing. Brenda originally is from Nashua, NH, but lived in the Kittery area for years, so they know alot of people that Russ also knows. Some of these people I just know the names, but its been fun listening to old stories. Joey & Brenda are both musicians, so last night they played and sang for us. You can imagine how much Russ enjoyed that and I did also. They are now working for a company where they travel quite a bit. They have suggested lots of places in Texas and the area to visit. I'm writing everything down, and keep tellng Russ that we don't have to see everything this trip-we'll be doing this another year for sure.
Yesterday we went into the town of Mineola, and visited the AMTRAK train station which has a museum. Interesting-there was a hand written ledger of some type that the person who was working and writing in it on December 7, 1943 (I think that was the year) annoted that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor.
Mineola also has a city historical museum. It was not open yesterday, but there was a woman there, who had no problem opening the door so that we could spend more than 2 hours there. Although we don't know the town, it was interesting to see everything that had been collected. So many of the items are things that both Russ & I have seen at our grandparents homes, and the old pictures were so much like pictures we all have. Mineola has a movie theater which has played movies continuously for 90 years-the longest in TX. Seems like it might be longest it more than just TX.
Well, tomorrow we head to Austin and San Antonio. We plan on camping someplace between the two cities and spend a week. That sounds great-I can get some SUN! Also, Russ's nephew Ben & his family live outside of San Antonio and his sister Allane & Steve will be visiting. It will be nice to get together with them. Have I mentioned that we are having a really good time!
We'll talk to you later-HAPPY SHOVELLING!
The man agree's, Russ
Thanks Joey!!! Brenda is a keeper!! It was soooo Great to see you both!!!
We are still in Mineola, and will be here for another night-then on towards Austin. The weather is getting warmer by the day, and today, I was able to put my sandals. It feels so good-I know I am rubbing it in. We sat here last night watching the weather reports for up north. Sorry guy, it feels good here!
Yesterday we went into the town of Mineola, and visited the AMTRAK train station which has a museum. Interesting-there was a hand written ledger of some type that the person who was working and writing in it on December 7, 1943 (I think that was the year) annoted that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor.
Mineola also has a city historical museum. It was not open yesterday, but there was a woman there, who had no problem opening the door so that we could spend more than 2 hours there. Although we don't know the town, it was interesting to see everything that had been collected. So many of the items are things that both Russ & I have seen at our grandparents homes, and the old pictures were so much like pictures we all have. Mineola has a movie theater which has played movies continuously for 90 years-the longest in TX. Seems like it might be longest it more than just TX.
Well, tomorrow we head to Austin and San Antonio. We plan on camping someplace between the two cities and spend a week. That sounds great-I can get some SUN! Also, Russ's nephew Ben & his family live outside of San Antonio and his sister Allane & Steve will be visiting. It will be nice to get together with them. Have I mentioned that we are having a really good time!
We'll talk to you later-HAPPY SHOVELLING!
The man agree's, Russ
Thanks Joey!!! Brenda is a keeper!! It was soooo Great to see you both!!!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
FINALLY in Texas
Hi-Its Linda
We left Arkadelphia RV Park this morning around 10:25. We just don't move very quickly in the morning. I was just so nice to take a warm shower in a warm bathhouse, and be able to wander around and get everything ready, without heavy coats on. I even managed to get rid of my winter socks and Merrells and put on sneaker socks and sneakers. Really felt good. Temperature is in the high 40s but compared to NH, we are doing good. Our stop today was scheduled to Mineola, TX, where we were going to meet up with a childhood friend of Russ's who he hasn't seen in quite a few years. We are now in their driveway, but unfortunately, not everyone is retired, and they are on there way home from work. They'll be here soon.
We finished our trip through Arkansas, and the scenery was so much different than from yesterday. Yesterday, there were lots of fields, but everything seemed to be soaking wet-didn't look like there could be any farming done there. There must be dry time, as we saw big field irrigators, looking very strange standing in mud. Today, everything was dry and green.
We got to Texarkana and when reading the AAA book, were told that Texarkana is divided in two by Texas and Arkansas. The Post Office & City Hall are for both cities in the two states with two separate zip codes. I know there is a reason, but I'll have to check further on that later. We did pass by HOPE, AR which is the birthplace of President Bill Clinton. Just took a picture of the road sign on Route 30. Travelling in cities is difficult towing a 31 foot 5th wheel. We've seen signs for birthplaces of other presidents, but this was the first one for a living president.
At 11:50 we rolled into Texas and had our first sighting of PALM TREES. I was so excited. We also passed by Elk Meadow Game Ranch and oil rigs in people's backyards. I had seen them in OK when I went there with Laurie & Erin, but hadn't seen them in TX.
We left Route 30 and passed through Quitman, TX. I liked the name. We also passed by Sissy Spacek Drive in Quitman. Another think I have to check on.
Not sure how long we will be staying here, but it is completely different that the TX I saw while visiting the Lents in Corinth. There is so much country-real country around here. Russ and I walked after we got here for about an hour and had one car pass us. We have seen a school bus and UPS truck go by but that's all. Russ thinks that an acre of land would be pretty cheap around here, but then who would come to our Christmas party? Then I would really miss NH and all our good friends.
We are still having fun, but Russ did ask what we are going to do for the next two months. I told him that I would be happy with a warm spot so I could get my sandals on.
More to come.......
We left Arkadelphia RV Park this morning around 10:25. We just don't move very quickly in the morning. I was just so nice to take a warm shower in a warm bathhouse, and be able to wander around and get everything ready, without heavy coats on. I even managed to get rid of my winter socks and Merrells and put on sneaker socks and sneakers. Really felt good. Temperature is in the high 40s but compared to NH, we are doing good. Our stop today was scheduled to Mineola, TX, where we were going to meet up with a childhood friend of Russ's who he hasn't seen in quite a few years. We are now in their driveway, but unfortunately, not everyone is retired, and they are on there way home from work. They'll be here soon.
We finished our trip through Arkansas, and the scenery was so much different than from yesterday. Yesterday, there were lots of fields, but everything seemed to be soaking wet-didn't look like there could be any farming done there. There must be dry time, as we saw big field irrigators, looking very strange standing in mud. Today, everything was dry and green.
We got to Texarkana and when reading the AAA book, were told that Texarkana is divided in two by Texas and Arkansas. The Post Office & City Hall are for both cities in the two states with two separate zip codes. I know there is a reason, but I'll have to check further on that later. We did pass by HOPE, AR which is the birthplace of President Bill Clinton. Just took a picture of the road sign on Route 30. Travelling in cities is difficult towing a 31 foot 5th wheel. We've seen signs for birthplaces of other presidents, but this was the first one for a living president.
At 11:50 we rolled into Texas and had our first sighting of PALM TREES. I was so excited. We also passed by Elk Meadow Game Ranch and oil rigs in people's backyards. I had seen them in OK when I went there with Laurie & Erin, but hadn't seen them in TX.
We left Route 30 and passed through Quitman, TX. I liked the name. We also passed by Sissy Spacek Drive in Quitman. Another think I have to check on.
Not sure how long we will be staying here, but it is completely different that the TX I saw while visiting the Lents in Corinth. There is so much country-real country around here. Russ and I walked after we got here for about an hour and had one car pass us. We have seen a school bus and UPS truck go by but that's all. Russ thinks that an acre of land would be pretty cheap around here, but then who would come to our Christmas party? Then I would really miss NH and all our good friends.
We are still having fun, but Russ did ask what we are going to do for the next two months. I told him that I would be happy with a warm spot so I could get my sandals on.
More to come.......
Monday, January 24, 2011
Arkansas
hi
we made it from Nashville to Arkadelphia, Arkansas. we are staying in a good sam's rv park tonite. we got here around 2pm and finally got to hook up water and wash dishes in our own sink. Quite an accomplishment!!!! it was 67 earlier and the sun was out for the first time that I really noticed. We stood out in front of the truck and just enjoyed being outside and fairly warm. A couple from canada pulled in beside us and we all chatted for an hour. very nice folks and I got some pointers from an experanced RV'er. They have a house on wheels, it even has a fireplace. over kill but nice.Expect to head to see Joey and Brenda Paradis tomorrow, abut 80 miles east of Dallas. It hs been years, he was my best friend when we were going to 2nd or 3rd grade.This travelling is fun, we don't go too far in any one day but I know we have found every bump between home and here. we actually stopped at Walmart and got food and are having chicken,salad, and who knows what for supper. cooked in our home and we will be able to wash the dishes and use our own "facilities". It sounds so simple, but it will be soooo nice not to have to head across the parking lot for "conviencies" I will let Linda proof read and clean this up and add the important stuff. love you all and wish you could be sharing this in person.
I just corrected some of his spelling, but I think he included everything. He's in the kitchen 'cooking' the chicken. We are having so much fun-and I'm seeing more of his now as there's no workshop for him to spend his time in and I haven't done any quilting. I'll look for a quilt shop at some time.
Wish you were here, but we would have to double bunk and that wouldn't be much fun. love-linda
we made it from Nashville to Arkadelphia, Arkansas. we are staying in a good sam's rv park tonite. we got here around 2pm and finally got to hook up water and wash dishes in our own sink. Quite an accomplishment!!!! it was 67 earlier and the sun was out for the first time that I really noticed. We stood out in front of the truck and just enjoyed being outside and fairly warm. A couple from canada pulled in beside us and we all chatted for an hour. very nice folks and I got some pointers from an experanced RV'er. They have a house on wheels, it even has a fireplace. over kill but nice.Expect to head to see Joey and Brenda Paradis tomorrow, abut 80 miles east of Dallas. It hs been years, he was my best friend when we were going to 2nd or 3rd grade.This travelling is fun, we don't go too far in any one day but I know we have found every bump between home and here. we actually stopped at Walmart and got food and are having chicken,salad, and who knows what for supper. cooked in our home and we will be able to wash the dishes and use our own "facilities". It sounds so simple, but it will be soooo nice not to have to head across the parking lot for "conviencies" I will let Linda proof read and clean this up and add the important stuff. love you all and wish you could be sharing this in person.
I just corrected some of his spelling, but I think he included everything. He's in the kitchen 'cooking' the chicken. We are having so much fun-and I'm seeing more of his now as there's no workshop for him to spend his time in and I haven't done any quilting. I'll look for a quilt shop at some time.
Wish you were here, but we would have to double bunk and that wouldn't be much fun. love-linda
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sunday in Memphis
Hi-its Linda. Russ wrote yesterday, but he's on vacation today. Actually, he's planning our route for tomorrow as we are leaving Memphis and headed across the Mississippi-remember when we all felt so smart when we could spell that. As Russ said, we were planning on going to Beale Street last night and fortunately they run a bus from the campground and the Heartbreak Hotel so we took advantage of it. It was cold, and apparently not a busy, hopping time of the year. We figured we stop at one establishment, have a drink and meander further down the block. There's music every place so we stayed in the first place (and I don't know the name of it) for a while and then kept walking. Every place has a person out front trying to drum up business. Did I say it was cold? Well one, place a guy was putting a scarf around his neck and since he was bald, I told him he needed something on his head-did I really say that? I sounded just like my Mother-I love you Mom!
We ended up at BB Kings bar/restaurant where the music was hopping. They had a 17 year old guitarist playing who was great. He apparently picked up the guitar at age 12 and started playing at BB Kings a year later. If only Russ could play the banjo like that! Dinner was good-Russ had some barbecue and we had drinks that we could keep the glasses. He likes his chick drinks!
That was last night-the picture that I hope you see is from today when we went on a tour of the city. Intimate tour-only one other couple. We went back to Beale street and one of those guys from the restaurants took our picture-Memphis to the right of us and BB Kings to the left. We went to the Peabody Hotel and watched the ducks come out of the elevator and run the red carpet to the fountain in the middle of the lobby. Yes, that's what I said and that's what they did. It was cute, as apparently they have 'special' people follow them each day and today it was a 7 year old and her sister. It was cute. Then we went briefly to the Sun Studio where EP (Elvis Presley) recorded his first record. We also went through the are of St. Jude's Hospital & the pavillion for Danny Thomas & his wife. I know my folks always contributed to St. Jude's and I did for a while, but after seeing it, I think I will have to start again- Oh, yes, we saw the hotel that Martin Luther King was killed at. We first went by the spot where the shots were fired (who was that guy) and when I saw the motel, I knew where we were. It has been made into the National Civil Rights Museum.
Oh, on that tour, the other couple was from CT and she is a quilter! They are headed to FL-they are meandering also.
This afternoon, we toured Graceland. I am so glad we did. We were only on the first floor, but everything is as it was in the 70S-rather tacky but current then. All the gold records and clips from him in the early days on different shows. There were no pictures of him in his later years, once he had gotten so huge-I remember when he died and I thought he was realitively old. He was only 42. He was scheduled to perform in Portland shortly after he died and I only know that because a woman I worked with had tickets for that performance. She probably still has those tickets.
Tomorrow we are headed for Arkansas-its only across the river, and Russ is busy looking for camping areas. We may make it to Texas the next day. We are having fun-laughing alot and enjoying the views. No snow right now and that's great. Hope all is well with everyone else! love-linda
We ended up at BB Kings bar/restaurant where the music was hopping. They had a 17 year old guitarist playing who was great. He apparently picked up the guitar at age 12 and started playing at BB Kings a year later. If only Russ could play the banjo like that! Dinner was good-Russ had some barbecue and we had drinks that we could keep the glasses. He likes his chick drinks!
That was last night-the picture that I hope you see is from today when we went on a tour of the city. Intimate tour-only one other couple. We went back to Beale street and one of those guys from the restaurants took our picture-Memphis to the right of us and BB Kings to the left. We went to the Peabody Hotel and watched the ducks come out of the elevator and run the red carpet to the fountain in the middle of the lobby. Yes, that's what I said and that's what they did. It was cute, as apparently they have 'special' people follow them each day and today it was a 7 year old and her sister. It was cute. Then we went briefly to the Sun Studio where EP (Elvis Presley) recorded his first record. We also went through the are of St. Jude's Hospital & the pavillion for Danny Thomas & his wife. I know my folks always contributed to St. Jude's and I did for a while, but after seeing it, I think I will have to start again- Oh, yes, we saw the hotel that Martin Luther King was killed at. We first went by the spot where the shots were fired (who was that guy) and when I saw the motel, I knew where we were. It has been made into the National Civil Rights Museum.
Oh, on that tour, the other couple was from CT and she is a quilter! They are headed to FL-they are meandering also.
This afternoon, we toured Graceland. I am so glad we did. We were only on the first floor, but everything is as it was in the 70S-rather tacky but current then. All the gold records and clips from him in the early days on different shows. There were no pictures of him in his later years, once he had gotten so huge-I remember when he died and I thought he was realitively old. He was only 42. He was scheduled to perform in Portland shortly after he died and I only know that because a woman I worked with had tickets for that performance. She probably still has those tickets.
Tomorrow we are headed for Arkansas-its only across the river, and Russ is busy looking for camping areas. We may make it to Texas the next day. We are having fun-laughing alot and enjoying the views. No snow right now and that's great. Hope all is well with everyone else! love-linda
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Memphis-22 January
Saturday morning still in Tennessee
We are now in Lawrenceburg, TN. Came off from our mountain yesterday, after the sun came out and we hoped the roads were safe and drove about 75 mile to Lawrenceburg. We did meet the owner of the 'wilderness campground' and he told us that the reason he started to build it was because he really wanted to travel around the country in a travel travel and his wife wasn't interested. So, since he had alot of time on his hands, he figured the travellers would come to him! They aren't as much as he would like, but he has something to keep him busy. I'm feeling very fortunate that Russ was willing to travel. If not he would have wanted to buy the gravel pit out in back of the house and open the Wildnerness Campground in Barrington, NH. Oh, the owner (Don Spencer) did tell us it was real busy the last weekend in October when the Lynchburg Barbecue Cookoff was held. They had so many people in the campground "that you couldn't stir them with a stick". I just love some of the expressions people have.
Well, once we got to Lawrenceburg, we met Rick Goodfriend, his wife Rory, and their daughter Monica (in the Walmart parking lot). Rick was our photographer or our wedding (I think I mentioned that earlier). We had lunch, chatted quite alot and then they led us to the campground we are in. Although we knew Rick (and he even came to a Christmas party of our's back in 2005), we had not met Rory and Monica. Russ & I settled in to get the camper set up and heat started. Another cold day in southern US. Last night Rick & Monica came over for more conversation. I am so glad that Russ has maintained contact with people in different places so that we have people to visit with.
Oh, and yesterday we stopped at a craft shop just a little down the road. Owner was not there, but Gramma was along with her husband. Her best quote was that Russ has an accent, but I don't!
Well, Russ is pestering me to get going and I need to go to the bathhouse to take a shower. I sure hope the heater is working and the water is warm. We really need to find some warm weather cause I want to wear some sandals!
Headed to Memphis-I think the folks on the wagon trains got across TN faster than we did, but we are having fun!
hi all,
as linda said, it was great to see Rick and meet his family. woke to a colder rv this am as the propane tank had run out and i haden't set it to auto tranfer to the other tank. I didn't want to take the chance that I wouldn't remember to check them. going to try and have them both filled/topped off before we leave in a while. I expectto hear a screem in a couple of minutes, as Linda just headed to the shower and it is only 32 here and when see steps into that water before it get warm, better her than me. i did it last nite. got three stations on the tv this am and it's eather car sales, cartoons, or weightloss so I am lowering the antenna and getting ready to head out. If we get a few minutes, I will try and upload some pictures. Big thanks to our bestest friends at home for watching and working to keep the homestead safe and sound. love you all. Russ
Thursday, January 20, 2011
January 20 in the Wilderness of Lynchburg, TN
We are now in Lynchburg, TN which is a dry county but the Jack Daniels Distillery is located just down the street. Back to that later.
We spent last night in Sevierville, TN. The plan was that we would go to a show in either Pigeon Forge or Gaitlinburg, but there were no shows going on during the week. Apparently its, not a big season this time of the year. Pigeon Forge is sort of like driving through York Beach or Hampton Beach, only on steroids. Must be a real hopping place during the summer. We drove down the 'parkway' to Gaitlinburg, which goes through the Smokey Mountain National Park. This was a beautiful ride, through the woods, with tall hills on both sides of the road. Gaitlinburg is a touristy mecca, but not much was open. We did have a lovely dinner at the 'Cherokee'. Oh, Russ said that Gaitlnburg is like a 'southern Bar Harbor'. Would be a great place to visit sometime other than January. Unfortunately, not much was open at this time of the year.
Oh, it was Dolly Parton's 65th birthday, and Dollywood is in Sevierville. We didn't see her!
SO-today we are in Lynchburg, TN. We spent quite a bit of time looking online for a camping area near Lynchburg. We found the RV Wilderness Park in Lynchburg. It is just down the road from the distillery. It was a fun tour, but a dry county and no sampling. The town is adorable, just a little square where if you spend more than $10.00, and show your tour receipt, you get a Jack Daniels shot class. We now have a few.
So, we are in the RV Wilderness Park in Lynchburg and we are the only ones here. Wilderness is just what it is, but there are showers and we do have electricity, and we have not paid the rent. There's no one around! It is better than a Walmart parking lot (which there isn't one here). Off tomorrow, unless w have too much snow to Pulaski, TN, to meet Rick Goodfriend. He was the photographer at our wedding, and lives somewhere in the area. We are meeting him in a Walmart parking lot. Sometime we will get to someplace WARM!
hi all, what the heck is this white stuff doing in TN!! they say they shut down everything when they get 2 inches. glad we have 4wheel drive. almost needed it to get up to where we are parked. i want it just warm enough so we don't have to lug water in a pail and can't use the rv to the fullest. I'm not complaining, we hear it's alot worse up north. Note we got a "free" shot glass in town for going to the Jack Danials tour and spending $$$ at the store. it's 33 degrees. we are now 1 hour earlier than EST. I am so fortunate the Linda's city girl has gone away and she is dealing with the "rustic wilderness" quite well. I do love that lady. Russ
We spent last night in Sevierville, TN. The plan was that we would go to a show in either Pigeon Forge or Gaitlinburg, but there were no shows going on during the week. Apparently its, not a big season this time of the year. Pigeon Forge is sort of like driving through York Beach or Hampton Beach, only on steroids. Must be a real hopping place during the summer. We drove down the 'parkway' to Gaitlinburg, which goes through the Smokey Mountain National Park. This was a beautiful ride, through the woods, with tall hills on both sides of the road. Gaitlinburg is a touristy mecca, but not much was open. We did have a lovely dinner at the 'Cherokee'. Oh, Russ said that Gaitlnburg is like a 'southern Bar Harbor'. Would be a great place to visit sometime other than January. Unfortunately, not much was open at this time of the year.
Oh, it was Dolly Parton's 65th birthday, and Dollywood is in Sevierville. We didn't see her!
SO-today we are in Lynchburg, TN. We spent quite a bit of time looking online for a camping area near Lynchburg. We found the RV Wilderness Park in Lynchburg. It is just down the road from the distillery. It was a fun tour, but a dry county and no sampling. The town is adorable, just a little square where if you spend more than $10.00, and show your tour receipt, you get a Jack Daniels shot class. We now have a few.
So, we are in the RV Wilderness Park in Lynchburg and we are the only ones here. Wilderness is just what it is, but there are showers and we do have electricity, and we have not paid the rent. There's no one around! It is better than a Walmart parking lot (which there isn't one here). Off tomorrow, unless w have too much snow to Pulaski, TN, to meet Rick Goodfriend. He was the photographer at our wedding, and lives somewhere in the area. We are meeting him in a Walmart parking lot. Sometime we will get to someplace WARM!
hi all, what the heck is this white stuff doing in TN!! they say they shut down everything when they get 2 inches. glad we have 4wheel drive. almost needed it to get up to where we are parked. i want it just warm enough so we don't have to lug water in a pail and can't use the rv to the fullest. I'm not complaining, we hear it's alot worse up north. Note we got a "free" shot glass in town for going to the Jack Danials tour and spending $$$ at the store. it's 33 degrees. we are now 1 hour earlier than EST. I am so fortunate the Linda's city girl has gone away and she is dealing with the "rustic wilderness" quite well. I do love that lady. Russ
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Snow storm in Craigsville, VA
Hi-We arrived in Craigsville, VA, yesterday afternoon from Hershey, PA. Travelling down Route 81, I knew that we had to go through Maryland (for a total of 10 miles), but when I took a picture of the 'Welcome to' sign, it was to West Virginia. So we were in four states yesterday.
We had a great weekend in PA with everyone. Jen, Russ & I went out for dinner at a nice Italian restaurant. Sat down and were waiting to order, when Russ realized that everyone else had a brown bag on their tables-BYOB or 'bring your own wine'! I survived!
Saturday AM, we went to Gavin's indoor soccer game. That was fun-Gavin's team lost to the 'premier' U-10 girls team, 'but only by one' (Gavin's words) We hadn't been to an indoor soccer game in forever (Erin was probably Gavin's age). After that we took Gavin to basketball. Hershey has a skills practice for the different age groups and alot of participation from volunteers. It was fun to watch all these first graders with completely different level of skills. Of course, Gavin is a star! That evening we had dinner and Christmas with Tim, Jaime, Gavin & Peyton. Sunday, I went to Tim's game at Penn State Harrisburg-which his team won.
Russ replaced some slats on Gavin's bed. All sorts of interesting stuff!
Yesterday (Monday), we left Hershey and headed to Craigsville, VA. Approximately 25 years ago, Russ & buddies came across a broken down van the Kittery Circle. That's when he met Ron Sprouse. Since, then Russ and Ron have exchanged Christmas cards, with notes, and that's about it. This year, Ron's wife, Rosie, wrote a lovely note and said to call if we were in the area. Russ did, and now we are sitting in their hunting camp. They are nicest people. Their home is just down the road, but they brought us up dinner, and we sat, and laughed til I don't know what time it was. Now, we are sitting, waiting for the weather to warm up so we can head back onto the road and head for Tennessee.
Oh, I forgot to mention that Ron is a taxidermist and his hunting camp has his work on all the walls. Right now, I am sitting among 8 deer heads, a bobcat, several racoons, four bears, one boar, and five turkeys-oh, and a confederate flag!
We had a great weekend in PA with everyone. Jen, Russ & I went out for dinner at a nice Italian restaurant. Sat down and were waiting to order, when Russ realized that everyone else had a brown bag on their tables-BYOB or 'bring your own wine'! I survived!
Saturday AM, we went to Gavin's indoor soccer game. That was fun-Gavin's team lost to the 'premier' U-10 girls team, 'but only by one' (Gavin's words) We hadn't been to an indoor soccer game in forever (Erin was probably Gavin's age). After that we took Gavin to basketball. Hershey has a skills practice for the different age groups and alot of participation from volunteers. It was fun to watch all these first graders with completely different level of skills. Of course, Gavin is a star! That evening we had dinner and Christmas with Tim, Jaime, Gavin & Peyton. Sunday, I went to Tim's game at Penn State Harrisburg-which his team won.
Russ replaced some slats on Gavin's bed. All sorts of interesting stuff!
Oh, I forgot to mention that Ron is a taxidermist and his hunting camp has his work on all the walls. Right now, I am sitting among 8 deer heads, a bobcat, several racoons, four bears, one boar, and five turkeys-oh, and a confederate flag!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
January 13, 2011
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