FRIDAY, NOV 17. DAY 3 OF DRIVE HOME. MARKHAM, ON
Today was another long day of constant driving. It was smooth sailing through Customs but when we got near Toronto, traffic ground to a halt. We just had to wait it out and slowly we made our way across the city and home safely and in one piece.
It was a very pleasant holiday. The Panhandle has the most beautiful beaches and I would definately return someday in the future.
THURSDAY, NOV. 16. DAY 2 OF DRIVE HOME. WAPAKONETA, OH
Today was another long day of constant driving. It was smooth sailing through Customs but when we got near Toronto, traffic ground to a halt. We just had to wait it out and slowly we made our way across the city and home safely and in one piece.
It was a very pleasant holiday. The Panhandle has the most beautiful beaches and I would definately return someday in the future.
THURSDAY, NOV. 16. DAY 2 OF DRIVE HOME. WAPAKONETA, OH
Our deluxe accomodation at Walmart last night came with free wifi, clean bathroomS and shopping. We had lots of company in the far parking lot.
We got away at 8:00am and drove smack into rush hour traffic.
The day passed uneventfully, except for running over a large piece of tire that a truck had just lost. We moved our clocks ahead in the afternoon. Arrival at the Walmart was at 6:00pm. The temperature declined quickly as we drove north today and I had to fish my warm coat out of the closet. Gotta get used to winter weather again, I guess.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 14. DAY 1 OF RETURN HOMEWell, as lucky would have it, one of the trailer tires pressure was quite low and when Carl went to fill it up he discovered that the air pump was broken. A little ways away we found a Tire Shope and they pumped up our tire and then we were on our wayaround 9:30.
It was interesting seeing the cotton fields in Alabama as we drove through the state.
The price of gas dropped quite a bit after leaving Florida. We filled up at the Costco in Birmingham and kept going north until we reached Nashville and our Walmart site for overnight.
TUESDAY, NOV 14. PANAMA CITY BEACH
We're coming home. Tomorrow morning we leave here and plan to go as far as Nashville, Tennessee. Day 2 will get us to Wapakoneta, Ohio and Day 3 (Friday) should see us back to Markham.
At the library we caught up on our email, posted my blog, and downloaded the newspaper. After that it was time to hit the beach. We soaked up a whole afternoon of sun, sand, water and got a few bug bites.
Todays early dinner was pizza from Nick's (trip advisor #2). The pizza was good and we now have leftovers.
MONDAY, NOV. 13. PANAMA CITY BEACH
In a slow start to the day we completed a leisurely walk around our RV park. We met some other folks by the pond. They were feeding the turtles (9 of them) Cheerios and the turtles quite liked them.
After the walk we went to find the Pier (longest one on the Gulf?) and then the beach. I forgot my shorts and when we were walking in the sand my rolled up jeans got soaked from the waves.
After a little rest, we walked across the street to the Pier Park (a retail and restaurant plaza). At a German restaurant in the plaza, we ordered schnitzel and had an early dinner. Sunset viewing completed the daylight hours.
Today brought another 2 hour drive moving us to Panana City Beach. Some of the drive was along the coast and some was slightly inland.
We checked into PineGlen Motorcoach & RV resort at 11:30ish. This resort is in a more wooded area. We have a pond with a fountain in front of our site and another pond behind us. Very pretty!
Earlier this week we had made an appointment for a tour of the Bear Creek Feline Center and I had been looking forward to seeing their cat sanctuary. The Feline Center welcomed us and we sat outside and got to know each other while we waited for everyone in the group to arrive.
The small group split up and we went into the cages with the African Servals. The cats came to investigate us and we got to stroke them and take pictures. We met another Serval and then two more in the last cage. None of them minded having their backs stroked by several people.
The bobcat at the next stop was very busy with his cardboard box and catnip and wouldn't play in his bathtub. Apparently he usually likes the water. Gee, touch choice, a bath or catnip!
I got to command and feed a Florida Panther some chicken through the fence. Another panther played tug of war with a very large rope and then he got his dinner.
The Siberian Lynx wasn't feeling very cooperative but we did get a few good pictures. There are a number of lynx and they get exercise by running along the fence with the household dog. We were allowed into the lynx cage with a single lynx and he sat very still while we were photographed with him.
In a different panther cage, individuals were allowed in briefly to stand by the door and take pictures of the big cat.
Lastly we saw the Jaguarundi. These guys have a bad attitude and don't seem to be tameable. The proprietor told a story of a jaguarundi that he had hand raised. At one point, it attacked his leg and then his head and face before he was able to dislodge the small cat.
A visit to the store to pay our bill concluded the almost 3 hour tour. It was an unusual tourist stop and we both enjoyed the change.
It was dark when we returned to our trailer to make dinner.
SATURDAY, NOV 11. PENSACOLA HISTORIC DISTRICT
Historic Pensacola outdid itself. It was a beautiful day and for $7 we got a guided tour of 4 historic buildings,
entry to the Florida State Museum,
and entry to an number of other historic buildings.
There was even a storyteller on the porch of one of the houses. In the midst of al lthis history is a brewery that Carl had to stop and sample.
By 4:30 we had done and seen it all.
Earlier in the week, we had been told to try McGuires Irish Pub in Pensacola so tonight seemed like a good time to go there. Boy, were we surprised at how popular this place was. The lot was packed and we had to wait 1/2 an hour to get a table. After the wait we were seated and our order was taken quickly. The restaurant is huge and there are dollar bills stapled to all the walls and ceilings. Dinner lived up to its reputation and we both left with full tummies returning back to our trailer for the evening.
FRIDAY, NOV 10. PENSACOLA AIR SHOW VIDEO
FRIDAY, NOV. 10. PENSACOLA
Veteran's Day foiled our plans for today to visit Historic Pensacola Village so it was decided to finish off visiting the Naval Air Museum. This time when we entered the Naval Station we were waved through and told to stay to the right. Police and traffic guards waved us on further until it became evident that we were going to the Air Show whether we wanted to or not. Going with the flow, we unloaded our lunch and lawn chairs and followed the crowd. After going through security we were loaded onto a bus and shortly dropped off at the Air Show. We plopped our chairs onto the pavement and sat down to watch the show. During that time, we saw a trunk outfitted with a jet engine race an airplace; the plane won. Several vintage planes did climbs, loops and rolls.
Some parachuters showed off by decorating the ski with colour on their way back down to earth.
The grand finale was the Blue Angels flying air show. They showcased various airplane maneuvers in formation in the Boeing F18 planes. It was really interesting to watch.
The bus line back was so long that we walked back to the car and drove back to our trailer. Sometimes, you just need to roll with the punches. It worked out well today.
THURSDAY, NOV. 9. DRIVE TO NAVARRE.FLA
We dragged our feet this morning as we only had a couple of hours to drive east along the coast to Navarre. We got set up at our new home by 1:30 and went to look around the Santa Rosa Rv resort. This is a really nice place located on the water with a pier, pool, showers, gym, laundry and beach.
After our walk, I set about doing some more research and planning where to spend the next few days.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8. GULF STATE PARK
The last thing we wanted to do in this area was to walk the pier. Our campground fee gave us a free pass to the pier. We spent several hours there watching the birds and people fishing. We saw dolphins chase fish, sand sharks, a friendly pelican and 2 sting rays (caught by fishermen). It was quite warm on the pier until a breeze came up but still a pleasant way to spend some time.
TUESDAY, NOV. 7. NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM IN PENSACOLA
It was all over the news this morning that the Blue Angels (flight show) were going to be practising at the Naval Museum in Pensacola so we drove over there to ogle the planes. At the gate of the Museum we got sent off into the reject line for a vehicle inspection. Upon arrival at the inspection site, we were asked why we were there. We explained and then they quickly sent us on our way without the inspection.
The Naval Aviation is monstrous. The guided tour took from 11:15 to 1:45. The guide was fun and experienced. This gentleman had actually flown 2 of the planes that were in the museum.
At two o'clock we headed outside to watch the Blue Angels practice their flight show. It was spectacular to watch and listen to the sounds they make. Afterwards we returned to the museum and closed the place.
A stop at the Walmart grocery store on the way home topped up our groceries and helped us organize our stay at home dinner. While we were at Walmart the associate was just marking down the pies and we couldn't resist when the nice lady told us about the new price. Dinner and dessert turned out to be delicious.
MONDAY, NOV. 6. DAUPHINE ISLAND AND MOBILE
We have been fortunate to enjoy unseasonably warm weather these past few days. We are here for 4 days and there is lots to do and see. There are lots of historic sites to see within an hours drive.
At the ferry to Dauphine Island there was a wait of about an hour on the shore. Dotting the landscape throughout Mobile Bay were many natural gas platforms.
The ride over to the island took 1/2 hour and was quite smooth. The Estuarium was just off the road from the ferry landing. It is a public aquarium focusing on the 4 ecosystems of coastal Alabama. We saw lots of fish, rays, and watched an octopus go after a hermit crab (their favourite food). The timing of our arrival was fortuitous as they were feeding the fish in three large tanks and they only feed 3 three times per week.
The ride over to the island took 1/2 hour and was quite smooth. The Estuarium was just off the road from the ferry landing. It is a public aquarium focusing on the 4 ecosystems of coastal Alabama. We saw lots of fish, rays, and watched an octopus go after a hermit crab (their favourite food). The timing of our arrival was fortuitous as they were feeding the fish in three large tanks and they only feed 3 three times per week.
Closeby was the Fort Gaines Historical Site. This fort was one of two guarding Mobile Bay during the Civil War. Fort Gaines is a 5 sided brick rrampart with bastions. We saw cannons, kitchens and a blacksmith shop. The site is quite well preserved.
A half an hour north to Mobile brought us to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. On site are WWII heroes the USS Alabama (9 battle stars) and the USSDrum (earned 12 battle stars). The submarine tour was quick; descended one level, tried not to bang our heads eight times and then ascended at the other end.
The ship had 3 tours and each was 30 minutes long. We finished right at 5 (closing time). There was lots of see and read. It was quite interesting. The USS Alabama never sustained any damage in her engagements.
It got dark really early, by 5:30 and we drove back to have dinner at the Sea n Suds. My fried shrimp was amazing and we left stuffed. Today was a really long day and we did SO much.
SUNDAY, NOV. 5. ORANGE BEACH
We lost another hour overnight due to Daylight Savings Time. The day warmed up quickly and it didn't take long until we needed the AC in the trailer.
On foot, we explored the park facilities and found 2 tennis courts, a swimming pool (closed today), a nature center, amphitheatre and laundry facility. The laundry area was where we found the best wifi in the park so far.
At the Orange Beach Visitor Centre we got lots more brochures and information. Now we were able to find the beach and, what a beach! White, fine sand that goes on and on. We had quite a good walk here.
Our next destination was the Wharf restaurant and entertainment complex. It was very quiet mid afternoon. A theatre and a large ferris wheel stands in the middle of the buildings.
By this time we were getting hungry and on the advice of the lady at the Visitor Centre set out for Sea n Suds for a late lunch. Upon arrival, a CLOSED sign greeted us so we had to regroup. Plan B (from a coupon book) was a mexican restaurant. I ordered the shrimp quesadilla and Carl had a burrito. My quesadilla was to die for with tons of shrimp and cheese. There were no leftovers.
Laundry occupied the rest of the evening. It cost $2 to wash and $1.25 to dry at the park laundry facilities.
SATURDAY, NOV. 4. DRIVE TO GULF SHORES, ALLaundry occupied the rest of the evening. It cost $2 to wash and $1.25 to dry at the park laundry facilities.
Today was another travel day. The highways were quite empty today and there were not any unexpected traffic delays. It was a very nice day. The temperature got progressively warmer as we went further south to the Gulf State Park at Gulf Shores. We checked into the Park, located our site, set up and then made pizza for dinner.
FRIDAY, NOV 3. BIRMINGHAM, AL. 
The CAA guidebook said that the Vulcan Park and Museum is a GEM so off we went to verify. Vulcan Park is at the top of Red Mountain. The showpiece of the park is the 60 ton, 56' high Vulcan statue depicting the mythological Roman god, Vulcan. Vulcan pays tribute to the city's iron industry. On site, there is even an open air balcony for views of Birmingham. The museum in Vulcan Park is really well done so, between the Visitor Center, giant statue and views of the city, I would have to agree that this stop is indeed at GEM.
Burmingham was a heavily industrialized city so more history was exposed at the Sloss Furnace National Historic Landmark. Built in 1862 to produce pig iron, these blast furnaces were the bacbone of the city industrial era until the 1970's. A self guiding brochure interprets history and describes how the furnaces operated. I didn't find this stop as interesting as the first one.
With the afternoon moving on we decided not to start any more tours and instead went to Costco. There was lots of free sampes for tasting and we also ended up buying dinner there after our own shopping was completed.
We returned to the RV park by six o'oclock and then unpacked our groceries and got ready for another day of driving tomorrow.
THURSDAY, NOV 2. DRIVE TO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
We spent the day in the truck leaving behind Tennessee and entering Alabama. Here we had to change our clocks back an hour to central time. It was cloudy all day with a few rain showers here and there.
We arrived at 5 o'clock to the RV place. It is a lovely parking lot with full hook ups and beside a stadium. It is super clean and new looking. Great place for a short stay when you are touring the city. Carl set up the facilities and we were good to go. We stayed in for dinner.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1. MOTOR CAR MUSEUM
We dragged our feet this morning so that we do an early lunch at Frank Allen's Market and Grill. The claim was that the burgers here were amazing and that locals ate here. The restaurant is inside a gas station. It turns out that the locals do eat here and the fries were really good. The burgers were only good; they were beefy and tasty but not the best we have ever eaten.
We moved on to the Muscle Car Museum to look at over 90 muscle cars. We heard some interesting car stories here.
One corvette had been sold new in pieces and then assembled but there has never been any fluids of any kind put into the car. The original car owner died and the family is now going to send it to auction where it is expected that it could potentially bring a couple of million dollars. WOW!
Another car, a rare Camaro was purhased for $75,000. It was delivered in a covered trailer, driven once and has been siting in this museum since then.
Here is Carl's favourite car in the museum.
This car was restored from a pile of rust sitting in a scrap yard.
Shopping comprised the rest of the afternoon starting at Harbour Freight, Big Lots, KMart and lastly Walmart for some groceries.
Tomorrow we are moving on to Birmingham, Alabama. I am not sure if we will have wifi there so, if you don't hear from us that might be why.
TUESDAY, OCT. 31. ROARING FORK MOTOR TRAIL AND LAUREL FALLS
The Roaring Fork Motor Trail was open today and we gathered driving instructions from the Visitor Center. It was a lovely sunny, coolish day today. The motor trail is a 5.5 mile loop: single lane, steep sided, 10 mph road up to the top of the Smokies and then back down. The road is interspersed with scenic pullouts, babbling brooks and historic restored homes. This shortish drive took us more than 2 hours to complete as we stopped to oooh and ahhh at everything. It was beautiful.
More nature surrounded us during a 2 mile return hike to Laurel Falls. The path is paved and slightly uneven and all up hill. The falls were quite picturesque so it was worth the walk. It was so much easier going back down.
Upon returning to our RV Park, we walked across the field to the Tennessee XXX Moonshine Company. We taste tested most of their flavours of moonshine for free. This place has smaller taster sized bottles so, we bought a few of the yummy flavours to go and walked back across the field.
We ate dinner at home since we are both getting a little tired of restaurant food. It actually does happen.
MONDAY, OCT. 30. GATLINBURG
The plan was to drive towards Gatlinburg and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail but at the Visitor Center we discovered that the road was closed today due to icy road conditions. We then backtracked to Cades Cove hoping for better luck spotting wildlife there than we had last time through the loop. From a distance we spotted elk and some deer but they were quite far away.
Upon exiting, at the Ranger Station we were told that the Nature Trail was still closed so we decided to go Gatlinburg to the Sugarbush Distillery Campany. What a hoot! This was so much fun. Stokes entertained us with stories as we worked our way through tasting 10 different flavours of their moonshine. All the flavours were pretty good but some were better than others. I liked the Dark Chocolate Coffee Sippin' Cream and Carl liked the Hazelnut Rum flavour. We ended up buying a jar of their product to bring home with us.
Gatlinburg was a VERY touristy town with restaurants, rides and retail all in a small strip with parking at a premium. Kind of reminded us of Banff.
Back in Pigeon Forge, we bought our tickets to the Comedy Barn theatre for the 8:15 show and then headed to dinner. We went to try Southern cookin at Mama's Chicken KItchen. It is an all you can eat place starting with soup or salad, then 3 meats and 5 sides. Boy, were we stuffed when we finished. We had to then pass a little time until our show began.
The comedy barn show was fun, lots of corny humour. There was country music, a juggler from Holland, tap dancers, a ventriloquist and comedy routines. We had a good time.
SUNDAY, OCT 29. ALCATRAZ EAST CRIME MUSEUM
The comedy barn show was fun, lots of corny humour. There was country music, a juggler from Holland, tap dancers, a ventriloquist and comedy routines. We had a good time.
HAPPY 27TH BIRTHDAY TO JUSTIN. HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO ADDISON RAYMAN.
It was very cold here today, temperatures ranging in the freezing zone. There was wet snow when we went to get into the truck. Today's only activity was a crime museum called Alcatraz East. We spent more than 6 hours exploring the various types of crimes and criminals from pirates to O.J. There was lots of reading!
By the time we emerged it was dinnertime. We tried Bennett's Pit BBQ Restaurant. Carl had the ribs and I had the pulled chicken. Both dinners were very good although sweeter than I am used to eating.
Looking forward to some warmer weather tomorrow so that we can continue touring in the sunshine.
SATURDAY, OCT 28. RAINY DAY AND DOLLY PARTON'S DIXIE STAMPEDE DINNER & SHOW
Sheesh, what a night! It was so windy that the trailer kept jiggling and that movement woke us up several time. By morning the wind had settled and it had turned rainy. It was the perfect weather for planning our next stops when we leave here on Nov 2nd. After much research it was decided to go to Birmingham, AL, then Orange Beach, AL and on to Destin, FLA. In Arizona, the lodging taxes are 13-17%. That is nasty, on top of their sales and city taxes.
In the late afternoon, we went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show. There was a short preshow in the saloon with three musicians playing country music and then we were moved to the arena where the main show occured.
There were bison, long horn cattle, Indians, Cowboys and settlers all incorporated into a story of how this area was settled. For fun there were also chicken chases and pig races and horse riding events. While the show was happening dinner was served. The first course was creamy vegetable soup and a cheese biscuit. There were no utensils allowed to eat the meal. After the soup, we each received a small chicken, 1/2 large baked potato, and 1/2 corn on the cob. The main course was followed by an apple turnover for dessert. The show was fun and we left pleasantly full so, I would rate the evening as a success.
FRIDAY, OCT 27. DOLLYWOOD DAY 2
What a beautiful day it was today. Down the hill we went to get the trolley again to go back to Dollywood. Upon arrival we started walking and ended up in Dolly's part of the park. We started with a visit to the Chasing Rainbows museum ( a Dolly Parton history). This museum has lot of Dolly's outfits and memorabilia. Outside the museum sits Dolly Parton's first tour bus. It was available for us to tour as well. What a ride!
I went on my first ride on the Rockin Roadway (a mild thrill ride) and Carl went on the Lightning Rod ( black diamond ride) coaster. More walking led to a ride on the Dollywood Express train called Cinderella. This train started its life in Alaska and still today runs on coal and steam.
The afternoon continued with a magic show and more high thrill rides for Carl. He rode the Daredevil Falls roller coaster and then the Firecatcher Express coaster. By the time we had walked every inch of the park it was past 4 o'clock and the trolley quickly took us back to the truck. Grocery shopping was necessary so we went to the Kruger store on the way back to the park. I made a delicious beef stir fry for dinner and then decisions had to be made about how to send a rainy Saturday tomorrow.
THURSDAY, OCT 26. DOLLYWOOD
It seems there is skiing here on the mountain in the winter time so we set off to see the hill. After driving all the way up there, we were told that we couldn't get in unless we paid $5 for parking. Well, that wasn't happening so, we instead we carried on with our other plans for the day.
At the Gatlinberg Visitor Center, we inquired about the trolley that goes to Dollywood. Dollywood is a 150 acre theme park that evokes the homespun fun and traditions of the Smokey Mountains. Before we got to the trolley hub we decided to have lunch. We ate at the Smokey Mounain Brewery. Lunch was very good and Carl liked his IPA so much that he bought a 6 pack of their beer to take home. There was one more thing we had to do before going to Dollywood. On the way into town, there was a building building that looked like it was upside down so we scooted over to take a picture of it. So cool!
Taking the trolley to Dollywood cost us .50 cents compared to $12 for parking so we figured this was a no brainer. We arrived Dollywood around 4 o'clock and they stamped the ticket for tomorrow as well. We started at the Craftsman's Valley where we watched fiddle makers, spoon carvers, sign makers and hat makers ply their crafts. Next, we caught a show at the Wings of America theater. Here we got to see Birds of prey up close and personal. I love these birds (eagles, owls, and hawks) because they are so amazing and beautiful.
We moved on to Wilderness Pass where Carl went on the Blazing Fury coaster ride. I held his hat!
There is a special exhibit called Great Pumpkin Luminights. There were many, many carved pumpkins all lit up at night. It was really nice to walk through the pathway and see all the different types of pumpkin carvings and exhibits. The darkness and our tired feet let us to head back to the trolley and then our truck and then the RV resort. Blog and tv consumed the rest of the night.
Tomorrow we are going back to Dollywood for the day.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 25. SMOKEY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Today started out cloudy, windy and cool. I pulled my warmest coat out of the closet. We gassed up in Pidgeon Forge for $2.16.9 and headed out to drive the North/South route through the park. The Great Smokey Mountain Park is half in Tennessee and half in North Carolina.
The Sugarlands Visitor Centre had a 20 minute informational film that we watched. Apparently, the GSM has one of the most diverse species of salamanders. The red cheeked salamander is unique to this region. Along the road during the drive up the mountain there are masses of rhododendrons. How beautiful must this be in the spring/summer when they bloom!
The Newfound Gap viewing area had spectacular views of the mountains (5046' above sea level). The Gap is a lowpoint in the mountain range and straddles the North Caroline/Tennessee border.
Off the main road and 7 miles up is the Clingman's Dome mountain. As we drove along, all of a sudden the trees appeared white and so pretty. The higher up we went the most frosty the trees got. It sure looked like winter at 6,641' above sea level. The view of the mountains from this altitude was incredible but it was really cold. The Visitor Center thermometer said 2oF.
Carrying on southbound, in North Carolina a strange phenomena emerged. The leaves here are showing more reds and even some purples. The colour of the hills is more vibrant and it made for much nicer viewing than earlier in the day.
The restored Mingus Mill is another Grist Mill from the late 1800's. Since it was on our way, we popped in to have a quick look around.
As we approached the Oconaluftee Visitor Center I noticed a commotion down the road. The commotion turned out to be a herd of elk sunning themselves in an open field beside the highway. We snapped some pics from the truck and then were on our way to the Visitor Center. This VC is at the end of the park and was our second last stop of the day. In addition to the VC, there was a restored Mountain Farm to tour. The buildings here have been saved and relocated from settlers homesteads in the Park. There were even live pigs and free range chickens.
The return drive was completed on the same road up and down the mountain range. The vistas were spectacular. We passed a restored school on the way back to our RV park so we decided to drive in on the single lane road and look around. The chalkboard was still intact as were the school desks.
Today was a full day of being tourists and we saw a LOT. We made our own dinner and then watched TV after that.
TUESDAY, OCT 24. SMOKEY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
It took a while to get going and then to find the Visitor Center near Townsend. Here we got a park map and some information about what to expect from the Cades Cove Loop.
The Cades Cove Loop is supposed to be a 2-3 hours scenic drive. As soon as we hit the loop we came to a dead stop and then cars proceeded very slowly. We later found out that some bears were out and the cars ahead were stopped watching them. The Rangers shooed them away so traffic could start flowing again. The only wildlife we saw were wild turkeys.
The Cades Cove area was settled in the early 1800's. The settlers cleared the land and established churches and businesses to support the community. Their lives in the valley ebbed and flowed and now people are no longer permitted to live here but, their history is still very much alive.
The John Oliver Place was a 1/4 mile walk to a restored historic home built in the 1820's. It was a small log home with 2 floors and a fireplace. The women slept downstairs and the men went upstairs.
Previously, at the Visitor Center, the guide explained that this was peak leaf season but, since it has been so dry, the colours were not as vibrant as usual. The overall impression we got was more of yellows and browns instead of reds and oranges.
Along the road, there were several old churches, a mill with several buildings and a number of restored homesteads.
We entered the Loop at 10:30 aned emerged at 3:30. This was quite a time for an 11 mile loop road. Toward the end of our tour we could feel the temperature dropping. It is supposed to be quite cool, going down to 6o overnight.
Super handy is a pizza restaurant called Geppetto's across the street. Internet reviews were mixed so we thought we would give it a try. We ordered a hawaiian pizza and it was fine Crust was thin, properly cooked and a good amount of ingredients. It wasn't as good as some of the ones we have had when travelling but our tummies were pleasantly full.
It was tv after dinner while we planned tomorrows scenic drive.
MONDAY, OCT 23. WAPAKONETA TO SEVIERVILLE, TN
Wapakoneta was left behind at 9:00 after a quick breakfast at McDonald's. The sky was cloudy and it rained for the majority of the morning. The rain caused a number of accidents that then caused many slow downs on the highway.
Lunch was again brought from home and eaten in the car.
The clouds lifted by mid afternoon and some blue skies emerged. I was hopeful that we would be able able to set up the trailer without it raining on us.
At a McDonald's stop I noticed some offerings we don't have in Canada. There is a Caramel Macciato on the menu and this is one of the items I like to get at Starbuck's when I go there. I will have to sample it another time when we stop earlier in the day.
At 4 o'clock the rain and clouds took over again. That happened at about the same time that another lane restriction slowed us down.
Getting off the highway at Sevierville we were astounded with the sheer number of restaurants and hotels on the strip. The traffic was bumper to bumper giving us lots of time to check out the tourist attractions. These included the Titanic Museum, the Muscle Car Museum and the Hatfield and McCoy feud dinner theatre.
Our Rv park is several kilometres away from the strip, nestled up into the mountains. It is a nice site and we soon had our home away from home organized. It was after six so we made a nice dinner of chili and endive (we still had some from Mrs. Lorber, unbelievable!). We have cable tv up here so we watched tv until bedtime. The temperature is predicted to be quite cool for the next couple of days so we will have to organize our activities accordingly.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 MARKHAM TO WAPAKONETA
I hate alarms! I have gotten so used to just waking up naturally. That said, even with the alarm it took us until 8:25 to get away.
A curiosity on the 401 caught our attention when 12 Ford Mustangs drove by us single file in the middle lane. Wonder where they were heading? By 10:30 I was passed out in the passengers seat, catching up on some of the sleep I missed earlier.
Entertaining us along the way were episodes of the Car Talk radio show. Someone called in, trying to get rid of a bad smell in their car. Apparently, a turkey had been purchased, placed in the car back seat and then forgotten when the car got dropped off at service. The car sat for a week and then when the mechanics opened the car, they got a nasty surprise. The Car talk guys advised &wait until winter and then sell it&. This drew so much interest from the viewers that an engineer wrote in to the show with a couple of solutions. The two most effective were: firstly, using an ozone generating machine and secondly, airing out the vehicle simultaneously placing Zeolite packages to absord the odours. I guess we can always learn new stuff.
We hit Customs in Michigan at 12:10 and waited for about 6 vehicles. As usual, Customs asked what fruits and veggies we had with us. This resulted in our beautiful backyard tomatoes being confiscated and then thrown into the garbage. What a shame!
At the Michigan Welcome Center we made a pit stop and retrieved our lunches from the frig so we could eat along the way. Home made food is always better than fast food. I had a delicious turkey sandwich.
A stop was made at an AT&T store to pick up a SIM card and buy some air time. I feel safer having a phone along in case of emergency.
Around Detroit, the I-75 is under construction for a long stretch and a huge detour ensued. I would bet that these roads are very busy during a weekday.
We arrived in Wapakoneta to the Walmart at 6:10. I asked for and was given permission to stay overnight in the parking lot. We parked and then bought some groceries. We warmed up our dinner of beans and bratwurst. I really like brown beans but we never eat them at home.
The evening was very quiet since we don't have electricity, just our battery for lights.
