Joining to shamelessly rip off your experiences for our trip from Asheville to Jekyll island in March. So get finishing mate, I’ve got restaurants to book up.
I would expect nothing less.
Hi, Mark!
Whilst dining on PB&J sammies.
This did not need to be said. Some things are beyond obvious, you know.
Then again... I suppose that is why you said it.
I will be using a lot of those links in the not so distant future, I'm sure.
I would never do that.
That was amazing! Thanks for the link!
Who knew that rulings and procedures reported in the IRB do not have the force and effect of Treasury tax regulations!
Riveting!
Oh, thank God!
I mean... I'm sorry to hear that.
at #2?
Not being 100% sure just how far away that was, I took a quick look on Google maps.
Dude. You went wayyyyy off course, there.
This is unfair and unjust.
There's just no rhyme or reason for it!
I've done that.
"Here's your van back. Let's see. It had 49 miles on it... now it has 4,500. Thanks!"
I love Gatorland!
But... but... they have chickens!
Oh? Is that a problem?
And yet both have bullsh.... er.... issues.
David has exceptionally long arms.
This is the second time in a month that Skyline Drive has been mentioned to me.
Oh!!! I always wondered about that.
This would not sit well with me.
Meh. Who cares. They rented the room. How many people are in it is none of their business. (provided you don't trash the place, or something.)
And that makes it all worth it.
I'll pass. But thanks anyways.
I noticed that. Not driving it, but just looking at the map to see where you're going. I was surprised at how wide it was.
Wow! That's.... incredible!!!! Holy cow!!!! Wowza!
That's pretty darned impressive.
Next time we meet, I'll tell you a story about that.
Not here.
Of course you did. I would've been disappointed if you hadn't
The place sells itself.
Like a heart attack in waiting.
No... that's a good thing.
Isn't it? And my supervisor wants me to actually work while I'm work. Sheer lunacy.
Well that works. restaurant idea no.1.
Yay a new trip report! I'm so ready to read about all of your adventures!
NO. WAY.
When my parents bailed out of California (for a myriad of reasons) that is exactly where they wound up from 1987-1992 or so. He saw more cases of Elephantitis and Black Lung than ever. They liked it there a lot and learned the foreign language that is Appalacia.
Been there; done all those.
Better than Folgers. Almost.
Well, I think it's pretty exciting when I can actually propel the thing I'm trying to. I"m not so sure any of my golf balls would ever get off the ground.
Very diplomatic. But, which ever side of the fence you sit on, the fact that he built.. from scratch... his own guns is pretty dang impressive.
Why does this not surprise me?
Like your waistline is going to pay for it.
I think the author stretched a bit for that one.
Her one source said: “Women have a lower center of gravity and I think (emphasis mine) that gives them a distinct advantage in shooting from the standing position. I think they have better balance.”
She may be right. She may be completely wrong, too.
I'm going to side with the author on this one and add that a lot of other sources also add that women are simply more patient than men.
Fact.
(Yes, I"m about to be flamed here.)
Hmmmm... I think that's more of an individual thing than a gender thing.
Ask me about myself and my wife, sometime.
Yes, a grand generalization I admit, so we can shelve this until April. It’ll be 3 ladies to one guy so we’ll see where the chips fall.
Oh..... craaaaaap.
I am in for a world of hurt, aren't I?
Mostly, but at times there is the potential for four ladies!
Can't wait to read about your awesome experience in Oklahoma
Finally around to catching up around these parts. AND...... Everything goes back to normal schedule tomorrow...
Happy Holidays all!
Here to follow along!
Hello Mark, just stopping in to say I'me here, just haven't read yet. I went on a bit of a digital diet over the holidays, trying to avoid work/computer/phone/email and focused on family time. Really enjoyed my break, but back to work today (I found out they won't pay me for staying home, shame really). I'll get caught up on your report in the near future. Off to start an actual diet now. The holidays are never kind to the waistline...
Let's call this support group meeting to order.
It's what we do. Until we get sick of it, anyway.
It's not like anyone comes here for deep profound insight.
If nobody did, these TR's would be much more boring.
You just can't get this stuff anywhere else!
No, that's D.C.
Just a bit. The Oklahoma part was obligation. The Florida part was fun (mostly).
I agree. But Alaska is really expensive, so I don't mind putting it off.
Literally checking off a box. If we'd crossed the OK border when we were in Texas in the spring, we wouldn't have needed to go that far.
So much fun!
Unfortunately, on this trip it was my own van taking the abuse.
I know I don't need to answer that.
That's Sarah, actually. But I was wondering if anyone would notice that.
In a positive context?
Aren't you glad you spent all that time reading the chapter now?
I'm not a big fan of getting water all the time, either. But when I do the math for 6 people and see that not ordering sodas saves us $18 at every meal, I become much more grateful for water.
I believe 99% of hotels operate that way. I've never had one turn us away from breakfast or anything like that. But there are a few sticklers for the rules out there.
Can't say I never offered you anything.
Actually, we were having a good time.
It is pretty amazing work. Kind of a cool hobby.
Sounds like a plan. I'll try not to forget.
Since you told me you never had good BBQ, I'm putting that on the list for next time we meet up as well.
How were we supposed to know? There were no introductions, you know.That's Sarah, actually. But I was wondering if anyone would notice that.
Best Western View of Lake Powell in Page, AZ. (Not to be confused with the Best Western Plus at Lake Powell, which is literally right across the street). We booked room with 2 Adults, 2 Kids. Even had to initial on the check in sheet that we had a party of 4. The next morning, the 5 of us walked down for breakfast, and saw a hostess at a podium outside the breakfast room checking people in. "Hey kids, let's head back to the room, grab our stuff, and have McDonald's for breakfast today!"I believe 99% of hotels operate that way. I've never had one turn us away from breakfast or anything like that. But there are a few sticklers for the rules out there.
And if they ever made an appointment with an ear doctor, they might have heard him!Wow--small world! I wonder if they ever met my uncle. He's been there a long time. If they ever had an appointment with an eye doctor, they may have seen him.
If I'd known there was a BBQ prize for reading, I would have learnt more in school.See that? Immediate payoff for reading along.
And then you keep doing it anyways.
You just don't enjoy it.
Reminds me.
Did you ever hear "Deep thoughts, by Jack Handey"?
Was on SNL back in the 90s.
Possibly my two favourites:
If you ever drop your keys into a river of molten lava, let 'em go, because man, they're gone.
and
One thing kids like is to be tricked. For instance, I was going to take my nephew to Disneyland, but instead I drove him to an old burned-out warehouse. 'Oh no,' I said, 'Disneyland burned down.' "He cried and cried, but I think that deep down he thought it was a pretty good joke. 'I started to drive over to the real Disneyland, but it was getting pretty late.
zzzzz... wha?
Yes! To whatever it was you said.
Sure you can. There's a link that you provided.
Sheesh.
Mostly??
No it's not! You can just drive over to it!
It's just over there. (points)
You fool!!
Uh... I mean... that's unfortunate.
I wonder... which is cheaper. Paying the rental fee or paying the repairs from the wear and tear.
Whoops! Sorry Sarah! I just assumed it was one of the boys and it wasn't Scotty, so...
Yes! Absolutely! Wonderful! Riveting!!
(He's buying! I think he's actually buying it!)
Makes sense.
Now... I don't remember if you and Scotty ordered water or not.
If you did..... now you're kicking yourself!
And those are the places that don't get your repeat business.
And a bad write up on your TR.
So three people will know!!
You never offered me anything.
Huh. I can say it.
I'll be.
It is! I'd like to see those.
Good.
Because if I'm eating BBQ and oohing and ahhing, I want you to say if it's good, really good, or the best.
How were we supposed to know? There were no introductions, you know.
Best Western View of Lake Powell in Page, AZ. (Not to be confused with the Best Western Plus at Lake Powell, which is literally right across the street). We booked room with 2 Adults, 2 Kids. Even had to initial on the check in sheet that we had a party of 4. The next morning, the 5 of us walked down for breakfast, and saw a hostess at a podium outside the breakfast room checking people in. "Hey kids, let's head back to the room, grab our stuff, and have McDonald's for breakfast today!"
And if they ever made an appointment with an ear doctor, they might have heard him!
If I'd known there was a BBQ prize for reading, I would have learnt more in school.
You got lucky! We've been to the Smoky's twice now and have yet to see wild bear. We have seen deer and snakes though. Although our trip through Cade's Cove was a lot faster than 2mph (we were there in September)
Thank you for the support.
YES!! I loved those!
If God lives inside of us, like so many people say...I hope he likes enchiladas, because that's what he's getting.
I refer you to the title of this TR.
(squints) You sure about that, bub?
We really wanted to see Big Bend. That took us many miles in the opposite direction.
Good question. Our van was still under warranty at the time. Now...it's not.
That's ok, she's not reading this.
We did order water! No sense in piling up the tab.
Well, that just shut me right up. Wait, no it didn't. I'm still talking.
All you have to do is drive to Abingdon, VA!
I'm always willing to try it so I can give a properly formed opinion.
If someone had asked me what the most-visited National Park in the United States was, I would have guessed one of the oldest and most famous (and spectacular) parks, such as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone. Maybe Yosemite, which gets notoriously crowded. But as it turns out, Great Smoky Mountains National Park gets the most visitors per year—in 2016, it welcomed over 11 million people.
a little over an hour from Asheville, NC
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN.
Or you can see crowds of tourists if you’re dumb enough to go in the summer, like us.
There is one main road that travels through the center of the park across the mountains, and at 7:30 there was hardly anyone on it. Of course, the visitor center wasn’t open yet, either.
The Smokies get their name from the mist that often hangs near the top of the trees all over the mountains.
Theoretically, you could keep going to Maine if you so desired.
Also, what led to the name “Sweat Heifer Creek”?
Never mind, I’m not sure I want to know.
We stopped to enjoy the views and use the restroom. The only problem was that a custodian was cleaning the women’s room at the time. He blocked off the door and disappeared inside. The boys and I went and used the men’s room and then came back outside.
Apparently he was cleaning each individual tile with a toothbrush.
My kids moved faster going to the bus stop on January 2nd.
And that was that. She never heard a peep from the guy in there.
Which is totally the right move, by the way. I mean, if I’m a guy using the stall, and suddenly I hear a woman’s voice announcing she’s barging in, I’m not saying a thing. There’s literally nothing you can say that improves the situation. Proper bathroom etiquette demands that you just remain silent and wait until she finishes and moves on.
For her part, it is appreciated if she withholds comment on the smell in the room.
In other words, I’d only have to carry him for roughly half a mile.
Remember how bright and sunny it was at Newfound Gap?
This was the view at the start of the path:
It was obvious that there was nothing to be gained by hiking to the tower except working off last night’s BBQ, and where’s the fun in that?
So we made the call to skip the view of fog and contented ourselves with photos of rocks instead.
Drew cam:
But seriously—2 to 4 hours to go 11 miles? We could beat that.
Just to my left, I could see an ant walking along the edge of the pavement, carrying food back to his nest. I tried to watch him as long as I could, but he blew past us and disappeared down the road.
And it must be an illusion, but the whole time I looked at this, I was convinced that the water channel was flowing uphill.
Julie managed to get this shot of a colorful dragonfly-type bug (firebreathus insectitus).
Some guy in a red pickup truck was determined not to exceed the unofficial 2-mph speed limit, no matter how many cars were in line behind him. And he was determined not to pull over and let anyone pass him, either.
the mama black bear and her cub walking through the woods.
That was the first time our family had ever seen a bear in the wild. And we saw it exactly the right way—from the safety of our minivan.
we could have at least rolled up the windows and locked the doors. I’ll take that over seeing a bear while hiking and trying to play dead (or worse, trying to make lots of noise to “intimidate” the bear). We all know none of those techniques actually work. Everyone giving those instructions is just trying to see if you’ll actually do it, so you can die with as little dignity as possible. Bottom line, if you’re up against a bear, you’re going to lose.
I’d recommend standing still waiting for the death blow like Ben Kenobi, because at least that looks cool. Especially if you are holding a lightsaber. But then again, if you have a lightsaber, why aren’t you using it on the bear?
But as it turns out, Great Smoky Mountains National Park gets the most visitors per year—in 2016, it welcomed over 11 million people.
Rope Drop worked like gangbusters, as it always does. There is one main road that travels through the center of the park across the mountains, and at 7:30 there was hardly anyone on it. Of course, the visitor center wasn’t open yet, either.
A side road leads to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park. There’s a half-mile trail that leads from the parking area to an observation tower. We have to pick and choose our hikes carefully with a 3-year-old in tow, and this one sounded like it would be do-able.
That was the first time our family had ever seen a bear in the wild. And we saw it exactly the right way—from the safety of our minivan.
Really? Interesting. I never would have guessed that. But interesting.If someone had asked me what the most-visited National Park in the United States was, I would have guessed one of the oldest and most famous (and spectacular) parks, such as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone. Maybe Yosemite, which gets notoriously crowded. But as it turns out, Great Smoky Mountains National Park gets the most visitors per year—in 2016, it welcomed over 11 million people.
Probably named by the same guy who named this:Also, what led to the name “Sweat Heifer Creek”?
Never mind, I’m not sure I want to know.
Next TR idea...Drew Cam Edition! I'd bet you could sell tickets for that one.Drew cam:
Much different than my first time seeing a bear in the wild. This is a true story, promise.That was the first time our family had ever seen a bear in the wild. And we saw it exactly the right way—from the safety of our minivan.
We made it to Newfound Gap, which is the point where the road crests the mountain range. There’s a parking lot and overlook as well as some hiking trails, including a piece of the Appalachian Trail. Theoretically, you could keep going to Maine if you so desired.
Finally, Julie couldn’t take it anymore. “Is there anyone else in the men’s room?” she asked. The other women in line seemed interested in the answer as well. I told her there was one guy using a stall. Julie told the other women she’d blaze a trail for them. So she marched up to the door, stuck her head in, and loudly announced, “Heads up! I’m coming in! The women’s room is closed!”
And that was that. She never heard a peep from the guy in there.
I’ll take that over seeing a bear while hiking and trying to play dead (or worse, trying to make lots of noise to “intimidate” the bear). We all know none of those techniques actually work. Everyone giving those instructions is just trying to see if you’ll actually do it, so you can die with as little dignity as possible. Bottom line, if you’re up against a bear, you’re going to lose. I’d recommend standing still waiting for the death blow like Ben Kenobi, because at least that looks cool. Especially if you are holding a lightsaber. But then again, if you have a lightsaber, why aren’t you using it on the bear?
Bill Bryson said:All the books tell you that if the grizzly comes for you, on no account should you run. This is the sort of advice you get from someone who is sitting at a keyboard when he gives it. Take it from me, if you are in an open space with no weapons and a grizzly comes for you, run. You may as well. If nothing else, it will give you something to do with the last seven seconds of your life.
Finally around to catching up around these parts. AND...... Everything goes back to normal schedule tomorrow...
Happy Holidays all!
It's what we do. Until we get sick of it, anyway.
Wow--small world! I wonder if they ever met my uncle. He's been there a long time. If they ever had an appointment with an eye doctor, they may have seen him.
Every parent of multiple children figures this stuff out eventually.
Folgers sure is cheaper, though!
She also noted that the findings were not statistically significant. So there's that.
I know from experience that you can't survive in public service without an inordinate amount of patience!
Then again, Julie has survived almost 20 years of marriage to me. I don't know where I stand on this issue.
Seems like a fair fight.