September 17, 2020
We got a good start. We were on the road by 10:00 with a 2-1/2 hour drive north to Palmetto, FL. Yay! Dear friends, Rick and Susan, scouted out a fabulous resort a few days prior to our arrival. The Tides is a brand new resort that just opened in January. Turns out it is a sister-resort to the one we stay in in Naples, The Waves. Quite pricey at $100/night, but that seemed to be the going rate for that area. We were truly saved by not having to stay at our original choice. The website of The Fisherman’s Cove was truly deceitful showing only the good areas of the park, at the very entrance. Most of the “resort” was a habitat of run-down RVs and views of shoddy care of the property. We settled in and Rick and Susan met us for a swim at the beautiful pool at The Tides. Then the rain came, as we knew it would. We swam anyway! No thunder or lightning, so all was good. We enjoyed dinner at The Sea Hut and bid our friends goodbye for the evening.
September 18, 2020
With a full day ahead, we arose early and met Rick and Susan. Today’s adventure included a visit to Palmer Orchids. A twenty-acre farm, that is home to lush vegetation and two very large “orchid houses.” One for the sun lovers and the other shade. What an experience! Thousands of orchids, varieties of which we have never seen. Barry’s thought of “you don’t need another orchid” turned into you have to buy an orchid. We walked away with not one, but three. All will be added to my collection on our walkway to be admired for years and years to come. I love orchids! We grabbed a quick Thai lunch at nearby haunt of Rick and Susan’s. Great value and variety. It hit the spot, for sure! Back at their home we suited up for a Tritoon boat, snagged their Portuguese Water Dog, Coal, and headed out for a cruise. It was great! A mostly cloudy afternoon made for a perfect time for us, keeping the steamy heat at bay. We anchored and everyone jumped in the water for a swim. Excellent time had by all, even Coal. Dinner at Shore was outstanding. A three-year rebuild made for one of the most thought out designs we have ever experienced. The restaurant is huge. It includes a three tiered outdoor patio over looking the river and a beautifully lit dock that can be walked while waiting for seating. There’s even a bit of seating on the dock. The patio itself can be made into indoor seating with, I imagine, a flip of a switch that engages a full covering for total protection from the screaming sun or rain, and it is air conditioned! Adjacent to the restaurant is a store, belonging to the restaurant also. It was a wow experience all around. The food was simply delicious with nary a complaint. Back to the RV as tomorrow begins a new adventure.
September 19, 2020
With Georgia on our minds we took a quick walk and then started the prep for today’s run. We bid The Tides goodbye for now. Would return there without a problem, even considering their pricey sites. We jumped on 75 N, cruised for about 1-1/2 hours and the rain came, yet again…more rain. We noticed something awry with the passenger wiper blade not exactly rubbing against the window properly and with a blink of an eye it disengaged itself from the arm, and started flailing around. Not good and somewhat scary. Barry pulled into a service station and attempted a repair, but to no avail because it broke away again. I found some ribbon I had stashed away and it got wrapped around the, now, wiper blade amputee. An arm with no wiper blade. It did stop raining and as usual things work out and it will get repaired.
We arrived at Eagle’s Roost RV Resort in Lake Park, GA around 2:30. $39.45 plus tax per night, but with 10% Good Sam’s discount, $38.34. All of the shenanigans with the wiper blade added an hour of travel time, but that’s okay. We settled in and headed over to Camping World for a new blade. Along with the wiper blade Barry managed to re-up out Good Sam’s membership for 3 years at $79. Included with that deal was a $25 gift card for Camping World (of course to be used at a later date). It still was a pretty good deal, so he took the bait! Back at the ranch the “resort” (not a resort) was filling up quite nicely. We had dinner, stepped into our sneakers and headed out for a spin around the grounds. This absolutely is not a resort, but it is quite doable for even an extended period of time. It’s dated, but has every amenity one could as for any period of time. Play area for kiddos, a small pool, a store with mostly touristy items, a bath house, laundry and a small conference center. I would call it more of a campground. There are plenty of restaurants in the area and farmer’s market within walking distance next to the campground. The trees, and there are tons of them, are beautifully draped with Spanish moss. As dusk approached the park continued to accept more and more visitors. Some for the evening and others for a longer stay which was made apparent by items being set out around their sites. Very nice spot that we will keep in mind for future use!
September 20, 2020
The ride to Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, GA was pretty uneventful until the GPS took us off the highway and through a couple of neighborhoods to the back entrance of the park. A very ambitious greeter tried to squeeze us through an entrance he well knew would not end well. Very insistent, he continued to try to move us forward until we just absolutely refused. We had to detach the car, back the RV out of that entrance and proceed through the exit which was very ample in space. It’s what he should have done in the first place. When I said he should have never tried to squeeze us through he replied that it happens all the time. What an idiot. I suppose a challenge for him and anxiety for the RV owners. I did complain about the issue at the registration desk and with that in mind we were given a beautiful spot on the lake with a stunning view of Stone Mountain. Site 337 suited us quite well. $62 per night and a $7 “processing” fee. There also was a $20 entrance fee into the park, regardless of the fact we were spending the evening. By now it was 4:00, and closer to 5:00 by the time we were able to venture out. The sky ride to the top of the mountain closed at 5:00 so we went to the Gristmill via a beautiful wooden covered bridge and took a walk around the wooded area along the lake. Being Sunday the park was overflowing with visitors. Biking, walking, and picnicking was happening everywhere we could see. The park is splendid. So many activities are on going, including an entire area devoted to the pumpkin festival. And, again, too late for that because we found that area about 6:45. Closing time was at 9:00 and we did not feel it was worth the $30/pp fee to look at pumpkin and dinosaur exhibits. Maybe on our return trip we will stop and stay for a couple of days. I suppose a little more research would have made a difference. We tried to opt for dinner at a restaurant on the golf course but it, too, was closed. Dinner on the RV it is!
September 21, 2020
We awoke to a chilly 56*. The weather has been beautiful so far, but this is the coolest we have experienced so far. A high in the low 70’s is expected for our next week to come in The Smokies. We drove over to Songbird Habitat and walked the mile-long trail that meandered through a very peaceful space. Two deer were in the path just ahead of us but they allowed only a quick glimpse. We encountered them again and I was able to get a great picture! It was a nice, but possibility treacherous, walk with tons of tree roots running across the path. Be careful! We packed up once again and hopped on the highway continuing our adventure north. We ventured onto 285 N and into massive traffic. Georgia has very aggressive and rude drivers, much like Massachusetts. They would rather run you down than give an inch and show a bit of courtesy. Thankfully, that nightmare only lasted about a half hour. The rest of our run was on four lane roads a bit more conducive to my anxiety! On the northern Georgia roads there are many roadside veggie stands and lots of options for food, but not while traveling in a big rig. I anxiously await getting in the car and exploring such places!
Long and winding roads through the mountains led us to our resting spot for the next seven days…Gatlinburg/East Smoky Mountains KOA, Cosby, TN. $60 per night. A well-stocked store and small bundles of wood $5 delivered to your site. The welcome wagon was friendly and kind. The park is beautiful with ample sites equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. Each site has full hook ups. We were taken to site 74 where we snuggled in. We walked around a bit to discover the sites are not all the same. There are back-ins, pull-through, gravel and cement. We headed out for provisions at a nearby Walmart in Newport which was about 12 miles away. Tomorrow we will explore!
September 22, 2020
After looking at many options we decided to take a drive to Parrot Mountain and Gardens, Pigeon Forge, TN. We drove up a very steep driveway into a large parking lot where we were greeted by several parrots of different varieties sitting on perches. At the entrance we paid the $22/pp fee and started our slanted walk around this family-run paradise. Hundreds of various parrots, some caged some free. There are two areas filled with all sorts of birds that visitors can feed and hold. The nursery is home to baby birds looking for their forever homes. The plants are lush, healthy specimens throughout the garden for your viewing pleasure. Of course, there’s the opportunity to have your picture taken as you are donned with large cockatoos and macaws. Then you will exit the gardens through the gift shop and a small restaurant with the hopes of you making a purchase, as we did. The food was delicious and very affordable. It was a wonderful experience and could be enjoyed by all.
On to Smoky Mountain Deer Farm Sevierville, TN. and so much fun! $14/pp, $3.50 for a lg cup of corn and feed, $.50 per sliced apple. We made our selections and headed out to be entertained, and entertained we were! First stop was the goat pen. They knew why we were there…to feed them! They rush the fence pushing each other out of the way making sure they would be the one fed. It’s was so funny to watch them. You can enter the pen and attempt to pick one up, but they were so aggressive we opted out. We were warned…they know what you have and will have no problem taking it from you! Moving along we fed deer, horses, and donkeys that teach the new, incoming donkeys how to bang on the fence to get your attention demanding more treats! It was hysterical! Also on the farm was bunnies, emu, hogs and giraffes. Absolutely visit this farm. You will not be sorry you did.
We had a great meal at Joe’s Crab Shack, Sevierville. Pricey? Yes, but delicious and worth the money as we both chose Joe’s Classic. Crab legs, shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes. Delish 😁
September 23, 2020
Today we opted for the tourist trap, Gatlinburg! Do some research or speak with the locals where you are staying. We did not. There is no on-street parking on Parkway, the main drag of downtown. There are several all-day lots $15. There are several self-pay lots, pre-set for $12 for 10 hours. If we had scoped things out a bit we would have found free on-street parking one block over along the river.
You cannot go to town without walking the Skybridge. $18/pp 4-11 $25/pp (12-64). $21/pp 65+.At the bottom of the receipt we never noticed a coupon for $4 off for adult admission to Ripley’s Aquarium, which was our next stop. The chair lift up to the Skybridge was pleasant ride to the top and spectacular views. The walk across the Skybridge can be a bit intimidating, especially at the center of the bridge where there are glass panels enabling a view of 150 feet down. Yikes! The views of the city were far and wide.
We had a great lunch at Tom and Earl’s Back Alley Grill that offered a variety of salads, wraps and sandwiches. Great service and good prices.
We strolled down Parkway among the crowds of visitors. We were very surprised at the droves of people, young and old crowding the streets. This town was booming. We were very happy to see the prosperity and the dollars supporting local businesses.
Our next stop was Ripley’s Aquarium. Again, lines of couples, families, waiting to purchase tickets. A whopping $45/pp with tax to enter was downplayed by the cashier as this aquarium, in her opinion, was the best in the country. The cashiers are also trained in up selling. For $12/pp extra we would be able to enter other attractions free. None of which were of interest so that offer was declined. The aquarium is equipped with several pools, built-into-the-wall aquariums and a tube tank. All off them stocked with anything from guppies to sharks. The tube tank was quite nice as we chose the option of riding a belt that moved you along the tank with optimal views. Viewing a lazy swordfish lying on top of the tube was quite amusing. There were many unusual fish such as sea horses, jellies, and others we never knew existed. There also was a small penguin exhibit. And here again the only way out was through a gift shop.
We returned to the car via the West Prong Little Pigeon River. This is where street parking is free, if you can snag a spot.
Next adventure was the town of Cherokee, NC about 40 miles East of Gatlinburg driving The Foothills Parkway. And, yes, the main road going through the enter of town is riddle with shopping galore, and all with a Native American inspiration. Moving right along we drove to Soco Falls and climbed down the pathway which revealed a beautiful waterfall pouring down over the rocks. Another opportunity for great photos. We did continue to Mingo Falls, but the steep climb to the top along with rain wasn’t a pleasing thing to do so we passed. It was a long, fulfilling day for us! We also drove to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak of the Smokies, located in Sevier County, TN and Swain County, NC, with an elevation of 6644’. Breathtaking views and more photo opts!
September 24, 2020
We headed back through Cherokee with our sights set on Maggie Valley in search of more waterfalls and Deep Creek Trail. We passed, but did not visit, The Wheels Through Time Museum which houses vintage and rare motorcycles and cars. On our return to the campground we encountered stopped traffic along side the road. To our right was a huge field that was home to many antelope and two bucks! What a sight to see. People were pulling off the road to take photos. Some actually approaching the bucks pretty closely and the bucks didn’t seem to mind at all. Very pretty ride to and from Maggie Valley. We researched and found a bowling alley in Sevierville. Sevierville Bowling Center was not very easy to find as it was “hidden” in the Municipal Community Center. We drove around quite a bit before finally calling to discover this mystery. It was a small, 10 lane bowling alley with very hospitable and welcoming staff. At $3 per game it was a bargain and lots of fun and a bit of exercise.
September 25, 2020
Today’s adventure was the Smokey Mountain Adventure Tour. $250+ tax for two. A two hour adventure through the mountains on a Polaris ATV. It is a guided tour with very competent and experienced drivers. An adventure for Barry…yes. Not so much for me! I found cruising on the paved roads and some parts of the train quite enjoyable. When we got in to the thick of the mountains and extremely deep ruts, edge of the mountain and hairpin turns it turned from pleasant to terrifying. I will admit that most on the tour, there was eight vehicles, found it to be exhilarating. Not me or a woman in the vehicle behind us! Back at the RV a cocktail was in order to calm my frazzled nerves. We built a fire and just relaxed for the remainder of the day.
September 26, 2020
Our neighbors took the Roaring Fork Motor Trail yesterday and highly recommended we do the same, so that’s where we headed. Following the Historic Nature Trail Road led us to Roaring Fork and the 5.5 mile, one-lane drive along winding roads and nature’s beauty of rushing brooks and lush forest. There’s the ability to stop here and there along the Trail for photo opportunities of stunning views of the mountains, streams, mills and other preserved buildings. Be prepared to drive over several wooden bridges, also. As we were entering we saw a car making a u turn to obviously do it again. And after experiencing it ourselves it’s no wonder why. We were here on a Saturday so the road was heavily traveled. Perhaps choosing to go on a weekday may be a better choice.
Next we ventured onto Newfound Gap Road, 5,046’ elevation and the lowest drivable pass through the Smokies and meanders through the boarder of Tennessee and North Carolina. People, not us, climb some 3,000’ through cove hardwood, pine oak and northern hardwood to attain a forest of spruce-fir forest and it’s fragrance. It is called Newfound Gap because it succeeds Indian Gap, originally the lowest point. Clingmans Dome Road closes to vehicles from December 1-March 31 to allow for activities such as walking and cross-country skiing, but only if Newfound Road is not closed due to inclement weather.
September 26, 2020
Our last day in Tennessee and Cosby Nature Trail in Newport was our choice for the day. This trail is a wonderful one-mile trek starting from the parking area and campground. Tables and barbecues are provided among the shaded grounds. It is a self-guided hike through the forest, across bridges and over beautiful streams. Some of the streams can be crossed only by using the river rocks. When we were there there had been some rainfall so the streams were a bit high and covered most of the rocks. Water shoes would be a good choice for this trail. The last we encountered was so high that we had to turn back. Also in the area are some buildings that were part of 72 acres owned by Ephraim Bales in the late 1800s. He farmed 30 acres where he and his wife, Minerva, raised 10 children in a very small, two-room cabin. Very hard to fathom. They also had a corn crib, a barn and hog pen. These are just some of the more than 80 preserved historical buildings preserved among the Smoky Mountains National Park.
September 28-29, 2020
Today’s run to Franklin, NC was filled with long and winding roads through the Smokies, and thankfully only about two hours. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful fall day. We drove up the long drive to Cardinal Ridge RV Farm and were greeted by one of the owners, Ken. He showed us to our site, #2, which was right by the barn and office. The views were stunning. His wife, Kathleen, appeared and we were introduced. Lovely couple, indeed. As we were getting hooked up and settled in Ken mentioned he had recently had the water pump changed in their RV but was now on the fritz again. Barry offered to look at it due to all of his experience with water pumps and the boat. First thing in order, though, was a ride around the property in his ATV to show us several areas where we could bring chairs, rest, relax, read. The views were amazing and the ride was fun! We originally booked one night but asked if we could stay an extra because we needed more time in this place filled with such good karma. Barry and I walked around the property a bit to find a rooster and two chickens. We were advised by Kathy that there’s one more very old and blind hen that each morning she removes from her nest, puts on the ground, and she knows where her food and water can be found. Then, at night, she puts her back in her nest. This amazing couple also fostered fawns that lost their mothers and nurtured them till they were big enough to be set free on the farm in the hills. Kathy still feeds the deer each evening at dusk not knowing if some may be her rescues. In another area not far from the barn is a pond and a small barn for three swans. Over the years they have adopted six dogs and four finches which soon after had four more finches! She just can’t refuse a rescue, which each of her babies is, a rescue. Kathy also is an accomplished artist. Her work is magnificent murals, many of which were painted years ago for a large chain restaurant corporation. It could be that the murals are still hanging on the walls of these restaurants across the country.
The issue with the water pump was found to be a faulty relay, and that will be repaired tomorrow. Another reason to stay another night…to give a helping hand. We awoke to rain Tuesday morning, lots of rain. In fact, it poured all day. Barry and Ken headed out for the part and repair of the pump was completed quickly. Barry drove to town for provisions and I relaxed and caught up with writing while also watching Kathleen bring in two more RVs and settling them into their sites in the pouring rain.
It was a great two days, and although they asked that we please stay longer it could not be an option. If you are in the Franklin area and looking for a place to rest your head please choose Cardinal Ridge. You won’t be sorry you did, I promise.
September 30, 2020
Today was pretty non-descriptive. A four hour ride, uneventful, to Fair Harbor RV Park. $44 per night for a full hook up, pull through site. The park was very nice with welcoming hosts. The park is quite large with over 270 sites, a horse stable, a small lake and an adjacent goat farm. There’s also RV storage available. Nice park, good stop, would recommend.
Having issues with the jacks not wanting to totally extend, and with that the door won’t close! The jacks are lifted, and the door closes. Just like a boat…always an issue of which to contend.
October 1, 2020
Beautiful, sun shiny day. We packed up and headed out for our next destination, Eagle’s Roost, Lake Park, GA. $45.14 for an upgrade on a site in section B, which includes a patio and wrought iron table and chairs. Absolutely worth the extra $7. I caught up on laundry and Barry headed our for, yes, more provisions. The jacks on the RV are acting up a bit so with a bit of research he’s got a couple of ideas in mind for a remedy. The fluids were low so the reservoir was topped off. No success. He will have to continue researching and find a solution to the problem.
October 2, 2020
New destination today in Bushnell, FL. Florilow Oaks RV. Mainly, this park is for full-timers and snow birds, but they to take some transients and the sites are conveniently located for an easy in and out. Dottie, I believe the owner, was extremely friendly, welcoming and genuine. We took up camp right behind the office in a very spacious grassy area with full hookups, cement patio and pleasant surroundings. $38.14 per night was very acceptable. THE JACKS! DAMN JACKS! Partially down and now won’t move a lick. I contacted RV Collision and Restoration and spoke with a gentleman who said he could not only help but could show up in a half hour. Great! He arrived, with another young man, within the hour. By then Barry knew the motor was dead. Jay and his buddy brought out a huge wrench and tapped away at the motor. With the engine running and tapping on the jack motor it ran long enough to get those babies back in place. And, up they will stay until the motor can be replaced. $85, 5 minute resolution…thank you very much!
When you look on TripAdvisor to see that the top 10 restaurants include Subway and Arby’s it’s eyebrow raising. We chose a place called Coyote for Mexican, which when we got there was now Pico de Gallo. We were told Coyote was several owners prior to this management. The margaritas had an odd taste, unpalatable in fact. We both ordered the $10 special of steak and chicken fajitas. The proteins were very overdone but the flavor was there. Their house-made guacamole was delicious along with the tortilla chips. I’d say it’s hit or miss. The manager did take the margaritas off the bill and that was appreciated.
We took a walk around Florilow when we returned from dinner. What a great little spot. Very quiet and unassuming. Definitely recommend for adults and singles only. This is a 55+ park.
