October 22-24 From Smokies to Alabama to Florida

We left the campground in the Smokies about 8:00- have about 400 miles to go today.  It is windy and cold again but it was fun seeing the Smokies.  Would like to return sometime when it's not so crazy busy.  We still want to see North Carolina but ran out of time- some other trip!  We drove through Chattanooga (heavy truck traffic), then passed through a corner of GA before hitting Alabama.  We arrived at Sherling Lake Campground (another city property) in Greenville, AL about 3 p.m.  It was humid and 86 when we got there- after setting up we turned on the AC and Kirk and Joe washed the gunk and bugs off the campers while I walked the dogs.  Nice campground- grassy and lots of trees. Spacious pull thru sites, nice rest rooms but no extras.  It was about half full with people like us who were just passing through. It was a warm night- kept the windows open but still did not sleep well. I was surprised at how hilly and forested Alabama is.

On Friday we drove about 133 miles to Kevin's house in Mary Esther, FL.   We passed lots of cotton fields and truckloads of peanuts!  It was great to see the gulf when we got to Navarre. We emptied the frig's into Kevin's and prepared campers for storage- closed all drains and put lots of dryer sheets all over to repel bugs.  Kevin had to work from 4-7 so we drove over to Emerald Beach campground where we'll spend the month of January. It's about 10 minutes from Kevin's place.  Walked around- it's pretty small, between the gulf and a busy road.  Nice clean place with a beautiful beach and fishing pier.  We stopped at County Line Pub for a beer (mystery $2 beer night) and ended up staying for appetizers and then pizza. Kevin met us there after work. This is the bar where he comes to watch Packer games- sports caps and military stuff all over the place!

On Saturday after breakfast Kirk, Kevin and Joe took the campers over to Eglin AFB to store them. I walked the dogs and read by the pool while they were gone.  Joe left to go back to Cincinnati.  The three of us drove to Fort Walton Beach to eat dinner at Rick's Crab Trap- kind of a diner like place but the food was good.  I had grilled shrimp and Kirk had fried mullet.  We came back to Kevin's and watched a very interesting movie about Antarctica before crashing.

On Sunday 10/25 we left Kevin's about 6:15- it is 1270 miles to home.  We drove until 6 p.m. and stayed at a Fairfield Inn in Effingham, IL- dog friendly place.  Ate dinner at the local Cracker Barrel.  On Monday we drove 500 miles- stopped at Portage for lunch and fuel- and got back home by 2:20.  It was a great trip, although Kirk says we can't go away for so long in the fall when the leaves are falling!  It was great to see Kevin too and I'm sure he was happy to see Lexie. We'll be back in December!

October 19-21 Great Smoky Mountains

On Monday 10/19 we left Nashville about 9:40 and drove 195 miles to the Whispering River RV Resort in Walland, TN.  When we pulled into our site Larry (Kirk's brother) and Beth were sitting there waiting for us! We had no idea they would be there! This is a great campground that lies next to a river and in between bluffs on each side. The sites are grassy and spacious, all were pull-thrus. They had a big field where we could walk the dogs.  We made chili for supper and even though it cooled off by sunset we did sit outside by the gas firepit until about 9:00.  It was a windy night- the temp got into the low 30's. They also had a outdoor pool and a nice shower/laundry building (in the barn).  Every morning the valley was covered in fog/mist but it cleared up by mid-morning.

On Tuesday Joe and Nancy went to Cincinnati since Nancy's daughter was having medical issues. Larry and Beth joined us to go exploring. We went to Cade's Cove (11 miles scenic loop in the Smoky Mt. National Park). It was so busy that it took us one hour to cover 4 miles, so we ducked off on a gravel road to get out of there- enjoyed the view better from up on top of the hills anyway. We got as high as 3100 feet and ate a picnic lunch up near the top. October is the busiest time in the Smokies- due to the trees changing color.  We stopped at Cades Cove Cellars winery for some tasting and bought a bottle of blackberry wine.  In Townsend we went to the GSM Heritage Center- a nicely done little village of 1800's buildings and a small museum. We had a great meal at the camper, and sat around the campfire again until the wind picked up and we got too cold.
On Wednesday (my birthday!) Beth made breakfast before they headed out.  Kirk and I drove to Gatlinburg via Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge is a zoo- almost worse than Branson. Tons of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.  We parked in downtown Gatlinburg and took the Sky Lift (chair lift) up the mountain that we thought went to the ski hill but it didn't.  Nice view from the top, after we came back down we walked to the tram that did take us to the Ober ski hill. We got there just in time for the 1:00 Oktoberfest show in the restaurant.  German band, music, singing, dancing.  The meals we had were pretty good, not as good as those in Amana though.  Afterwards we took a ride on the Sky Coaster- each of us had a sled that went down a track like a roller coaster, down the mountain.  It was fun but scary! We drove back to the campground taking the Gatlinburg bypass- it was about an hour total.  Joe was back so we went to Smoky Joe's BBQ for dinner- good food in a country style family restaurant. Nice owners- talked to them about hog hunting. Imagine that!

Going up the mt. on my sled!

Nashville continued

The weather has been cooling down- it was a high of 62 Saturday, 59 on Sunday.  We went to the Hermitage and took the General tour of Andrew Jackson's home.  This included both live guides and an audio guide.  We added on a horse-wagon tour of the grounds. Spent about three hours there- it is very interesting and I enjoyed it even though we had been there before.

Picking cotton!

After the tour we had a late lunch at the campground before heading to the local sports bar to watch the Packers beat the Chargers- sat with other people and had a great time!

October 16-18 Nashville TN

On Friday 10/16 we left Land Between the Lakes about 10:00 since we only have to drive 95 miles to Nashville.  We arrived at Two Rivers Campground about 11:30. Small place, needs some upkeep on the sites and roads. It was very handy, right next to Camping World- since we needed to get a new camper battery- the original one was defective.  After getting set up and doing laundry we drove over to Opryland Hotel. The guys dropped us off to avoid paying the $24 parking fee- they found a spot further out that was free.  We walked around this huge hotel for 1 1/2 hours looking at the beautiful plants, trees, and rivers!  After walking the dogs we called for an Uber driver to take us downtown Nashville. It was crazy downtown due to college homecoming and a Titans game this weekend.  We had a hard time finding a place to eat but ended up at Margaritaville.  The food was so-so, drinks are expensive! Entertainment was alright but not great.  We walked around and stopped into The State bar, the band here was good. Then we went to Legends for a couple of beers. Could not get into Tootsies or Wild Horse Saloon- so we left for home about 9:30.  Quiet night, we could not hear the traffic on the highway out front.

On Saturday Kirk and I had breakfast at Bob Evans' down the street, then did some grocery shopping.  After lunch we all went to the Antique Archeology store (from the show "The Pickers").  It was fun looking around at all the old stuff. Kirk bought a t-shirt.  They even had live music performing there! It was packed. Lots of people in town this weekend!

We got another Uber ride to the Country Music Hall of Fame downtown.  We spent over 2 hours there- lots to see!  They change the exhibits regularly so it was new for us too. We then walked over to Tootsie's which was really packed at 5:00 so we didn't stay too long. We went to 2nd Fiddle where there were seats and then The Stage. Could not get into Wild Horse Saloon, they had a two hour wait, so we went to BB King's for great ribs, pulled pork, baked beans, slaw, fried green tomatoes.  The blues band was great too.  Very filling and enjoyable meal.  We got home by 8- the dogs were so happy to see us!

October 14-15 Land Between the Lakes

We left Branson on Wednesday and headed north on 65 towards Springfield MO then east on 60.  We stopped for fuel in a little town called Mountain View and saw a beauty salon called Curl Up and Dye! Thought that was hilarious!  We drove through lots of pretty country and part of the Mark Twain National Forest- hilly with lots of hardwoods.  We had some trouble finding a place to fuel up later in the day- pretty small towns around here.  We crossed the Mississippi River two times- on very narrow and scary metal bridges. Arrived at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area about 5 p.m.  This is a huge area that straddles Kentucky and Tennessee.  We set up in the Dogwood loop at Piney campground (south end) where we had full hookups and a huge site with lots of big trees.  Joe and Nancy are up the road a little ways.  This is one of several campgrounds, with 384 sites.  Seems to be very popular with the locals- they allow people to camp up to nine months at a time so there were some sites with lots of stuff.  There were lots of kids around- they have this week off of school.  With the huge reservoirs surrounding the park I guess it's very busy during the summer.
On Thursday we drove around the park. Stopped at the civil war site of Fort Henry, ate a picnic lunch near the lake, then went to the 1850's Living History farm which was very interesting- original cabins had been moved here and they were furnished and people were there demonstrating life back then.  Well worth the $5.00 admission!  We then drove through the Elk/Bison prairie loop- saw one nice bull elk and several cows and calves. Did not see any bison- they were in a hidden area.  There are about 50 elk and 50 bison on 750 acres.  They also have a planetarium on the property.  After a crock pot dinner we sat outside and enjoyed the evening- nice calm night.  Would definitely come back here again!  For more info go to: http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/

October 11-13 Branson MO

We left Amana on Sunday morning and passed an Amish farm holding services- there must have been 40 buggies (and their teams) parked there!  As we entered Missouri the temps rose to 85 degrees.  After 8 hours of driving we arrived at Branson Landing RV Park which is city-owned and right next to the river (Lake Taneycomo) right in town.  Very tight spaces- I took the dogs for a walk while Kirk tried to squeeze in with help from the staff.  They had some pretty big trees which were making it very difficult to park!!  Handy location- we walked to the Fish House Restaurant which was on a pontoon setup moored right next to the Bass Pro Shops.  The decor inside was awesome- lots of fishing related relics including entire boats hanging from the ceiling! The food was good too.  Nice evening after a long drive, got back to the camper at 8:45 and it was still 74 degrees!
On Monday Kirk and I drove along the "strip" in Branson to check out all the attractions, theaters, restaurants, etc.  We described it as "Wisconsin Dells on steroids"!  We drove to the ABC Campground where Bill and Deb Eastwood were staying for a week in their new camper. Visited with them until lunchtime, then came back to camper to do a load of laundry.  We met Bill and Deb and Joe and Nancy at the Branson Belle (paddlewheel boat)

for a late afternoon dinner cruise. The show was excellent- very talented musicians, singers and dancers doing a variety of musical styles.  After dinner we had a chance to go up on the deck and enjoy the view of the reservoir. It was a lovely warm day.  After we got back to the campground Kirk and I walked over to Branson Landing (a shopping mall just past the Bass Pro Shops) to see the water fountain/laser light show that runs every hour for about 5 minutes.  Enjoyed a few drinks at a dueling piano bar before returning to our campsite.  Evening cooled off- we slept well without A/C.
On Tuesday we took the Branson Scenic train tour which was 1 3/4 hours going south into Arkansas. Not too much to see except hills and trees. It was relaxing though.

After we got back we did a quick trip through the Farmer's Market in the city lot next door, then we met Bill and Deb at Outback for dinner before going to see The Haygoods show.  Very talented family with a good variety of music. Lots of pyrotechnics and laser lights too.  Interesting fact- none of the attractions we went to in Branson served alcohol (other than the two restaurants). Bible belt, you know!

October 9-10- Amana Colonies

On Friday October 9 we left WI with our fifth wheel to see some of our beautiful country with the goal of landing in Florida to store the camper until we get back in December.  After spending a night with Kelly and Billy and Anna, our first stop was Amana Colonies, in Iowa (7 German religious colonies established in the 1850's).  The people who settled here were unhappy with the church in Germany so they started moving to America and their original colony was in New York.  They outgrew their space there so moved on to Iowa.  We stayed two nights in the Amana RV Park- large park in the middle of a corn field but with nice large spots, and some day they'll have some nice shade trees!  The downtown is all small shops and restaurants, but there is still a woolen mill where they make beautiful blankets, scarves, and other items. Since we were there on a weekend we didn't see the looms in operation.  There is also a furniture/clock shop where they make beautiful items (like the Amish- all hand-made). The showroom is huge and the clocks were amazing!  Too expensive for us but I know they sell a lot!  We ate German food both nights we were there, at the Ronneburg Restaurant.  Great food at amazing prices!  Love that sauerbraten, schnitzel, spaetzle, and red cabbage and all the other sides! German beer was great too!
There was a corn husking competition at our RV park on Saturday, showing the way the settlers harvested the corn by hand, with teams of horses driving wagons.  We also saw the heritage museum, leather shop and toy shop.  Also checked out the Millstream brewery and a winery, and sampled some of each.  Nice town to spend at least two days- we did take the drive to the other colonies but there wasn't much to see in those, except a bakery in Middle Amana which sold out their stock in less than 20 minutes on Saturday morning!  The weather in early October is great- and the fall decorations in the town were lovely too. We missed the Oktoberfest by a week- I guess it's really busy then.  For more information go to: http://www.amanacolonies.com/.

Lots of garden ornaments

Moving on to Arkansas

On Friday 4/10 we got up early and left Beaumont TX in light rain. Joe and Nancy were still sleeping. They are headed in a different direction.  It took us 7.5 hours to get to Hot Springs Village AR where my cousin Bill and wife Laurie live.  They met us at the gate and led us to the campground in the center of the village.  10 sites, with electric and water hookups for $18 per night.  After setting up and walking the dogs we went to their friends' house for cocktails, then out to one of the golf clubs for a fish fry, which was very good.  We then went to another friends' house for cake. Got back to our site and hit the hay about 9:30- we were bushed!
On Saturday we went to Bill and Laurie's for breakfast and then headed to the Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. The azalea bushes were all blooming, but unfortunately we missed the thousands of tulips and camellias.  Saw some purple wisteria vines in bloom.  Beautiful day, sunny and mid-70's- after an ice cream cone, we spent a few hours at the campsite, then had dinner at Bill and Laurie's.  Had a great time visiting, they are always fun!

Azalea bushes and tulips that were done blooming

Laurie and Bill Herman

Wisteria Vine- they grow on trees and get quite large

Beaumont TX and the Gulf

We had planned to head northeast from here but the weather reports were calling for severe weather that way, so we took Hwy I-10 east. Got around San Antonio and Houston OK, since it was mid-day. Got to Beaumont near the Gulf around 4:30- checked in at Gulf Coast RV Park- nice newer park with large grassy pull-through sites and concrete roads and a nice pool and rec hall.  Went to Lloyd's for dinner- a local seafood place. Joe and Nancy had the 1# crawfish boil for $8.00, but Nancy didn't like how spicy they were so Joe ended up eating both.  Kirk had gumbo and I had grilled shrimp with creole rice.  Nice dinner- good prices.  We walked the dogs when we got back, it was 78 and humid at 8:00.  During the night I woke up to the sound of loud music.  Went outside, and could not hear where it was coming from.  Kirk went out and discovered it was coming from our portable radio that was stored under the camper! So weird that it took that long to turn itself on! He had to unpack the whole under-storage area to find it. 
On Thursday we drove down south through Port Arthur to the gulf.  We actually drove through an oil refinery to get there. Stopped at Sabine Pass Battleground (civil war battle), then went to Sea Rim State Park where there is 5 miles of nothing but grassland and beach.  We walked the boardwalk they had set up in a marshy area- saw one alligator and one snake.  The beach was filthy with washed up garbage, and the water was brown. You could not make me go in there! We also saw several jellyfish washed up on shore, along with a dead alligator carcass.  Nasty.  Drove back and had lunch at Tony's BBQ place in Port Arthur, good and cheap.  When we got back Joe and Nancy took a drive while Kirk and I went to the pool.  Ended up staying there talking to people. The water was cool but the air was so warm I didn't mind.

Alligator on the grass in the middle

Boat lift at Port Arthur

Second snake spotting on our trip!

Fredericksburg TX Continued

Kirk and I took the dogs to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area 18 miles north of town.  It was cloudy and a little cooler which was perfect for walking. We did not want to try hiking to the summit with Lexie so we stayed on the loop trail around the base of this 500 ft. high hunk of pink granite - second largest in North America.  We enjoyed the wildflowers (bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, red poppies, yellow coreopsis) and the dogs liked getting out and being able to take a dip in the creek.  There weren't any other people on the trail we took so they were able to be off leash. 

After eating lunch at the camper we picked up Joe and Nancy and drove to Wildseed Farms east of town.  Acres of wildflowers- so pretty!  They had several huge gift shops and were quite busy. By the time we left it had gotten sunny and warm.  We drove south to Kerrville, where we enjoyed looking at some really pretty homes on the hillside, and ranches with exotic deer, cattle and goats.  The roadsides are covered with the same flowers we saw at the farm.  We checked out two RV parks in Kerrville before heading back to camp for dinner.  Nice day!