Monday, July 29, 2013

Maybe next week, I'll get creative

Starbucks, in Pigeon Forge, TN is the go-to place near the Great Smoky Mountains in the Gatlinburg area. 

I can't seem to find any other place that offers a latte, wifi and reasonable parking.

After being on the road for a little more than a week, plans that I had to blog haven't fallen into place.

I'm at Starbucks today, and had plans to post last week. All those plans fell through because of being inside the park, taking it easy and not having access to wifi.

I just don't have it together to post  more than this message.
My next post is scheduled for next Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013.

Hopefully, I'll be home and will be able to post again.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Little lights add 'campy' look to outing



Its time to take my little Coleman, battery-operated lanterns out of storage, and pack them up for a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They give a good glow to the campsite at night.

We've been to the Gatlinburg area twice since our camping trip last July. And here we go again.

Its been an annual event for the past 40 years (OK, we may have missed one or two years). Over the course of that time we have camped in a tent, in vans and in two pop-up campers.

Sleeping on the ground just wasn't our cup of tea after the first outing in which it rained and we got our sleeping bags and clothes wet.

We then went to a "put-up" pop-up camper that was great for that period in our life. We unfolded the unit, put up the frame and then threw the canvas cover over the top, spread it out and tied it down.

It served well for a number of years. We passed it on.

Off and on we camped in four vans over the years, having built in beds and storage areas.

And in between there was a Coachman pop-up and now a Viking pop-up.

Those Coachman was great. Unlike it, the Viking does have an air conditioner.

In less than a week we'll hit the road, making a overnighter at our sons and then to Elkmont.

Its amazing what it takes to go camping for a week. Campers take everything, including the kitchen sink.

Just entering the park brings on a different feeling. And after the camper in set up, the chairs pulled out and coffee and tea are prepared - - it's all worth it.

Next post: Probably Thursday, July 25, 2013 if we can get out of the mountains and find a wi-fi site.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Pictures - this week, worth a 1,000 words


The heat has returned to south Mississippi.

OK, it's true that the Gulf Coast is hot, usually from mid May until sometime into November.

But last week, there was a small respite.

The temperatures didn't seem as hot and the humidity was down. Sort of pleasant going out in the mornings and later in the evenings.

But now, after the 4th of July, it's hot and humid with rain almost every day.

Trying to become creative in a hot and humid environment is somewhat debilitating (OK so I'm in an air conditioned place writing this, but it's still hot outside).

That's why this week, there is only going to be pictures which were taken during the past year.

Some are humorous, others not necessarily, but it helps to fill a void that I try to contribute to each Tuesday.

So here goes.










Next post: July 16, 2013

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

If it's Sunday, where is the pizza




Anytime is a good time for pizza.

At home, there is homemade pizza on Friday and Sunday nights. Then there's a green salad and a Coke makes the meal a true joy.


When traveling, pizza doesn't always fit into our schedule. But on a Sunday night in May, during our journey on the way back from the East Coast, that Italian goodness fit our schedule.

We were in Blowing Rock, NC having spent about 10 hours that day to get to our destination.


There were a number of interesting locations in the area, but since it was Sunday night -- what else but the Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers. 

Wifey and I walked about two blocks from our motel to enjoy our favorite Sunday night meal.


The tourist season hadn't apparently heated up that much in early May and we were able to get in and easily get a table.

This time is was just pepperoni and cheese pizza along with a Coke. That was it.

The interior was rather interesting, having wall art of various entertainers including Bob Dylan. 

And overlooking the interior from the second floor was the biggest entertainer of all time -- Mississippi's own Elvis. We felt at home.

Next post: July 9, 2013