Creekside RV Park / Pigeon Forge, TN

Wednesday November 6th was moving day. We had a beautiful day to travel, it was sunny and warm and the roads were good and not busy. In Knoxville there was a bit of traffic but not bad. The worst part was driving through Pigeon Forge. It wasn't hard just lots of traffic and stop lights. The good thing was there is lots to look at. Arrived at Creekside RV park and it was easy to find. We had reservations but when we got to our site I knew it wasn't gonna work for us, not unless I cut down a tree. Jeff went back to the office and they gave us a couple other spots to try. We ended up getting spot #21. It was so hard to do. There was a concrete patio on the right that was raised. On the left side the water spigot and electric box. I know that doesn't sound to bad but the space in between the two was tight. Didn't give up though and after about 45 minutes we're in!!! Didn't hit the tree, patio, spigot or electrical box....SUCCESS!!!! We really felt we accomplished something. The best thing Jeff and I are still talking. Then when we went to plug in our surge/voltage protector it showed an error code. Yikes!!!! Jeff tried it at a couple other spots and it's our protector not there power. Jeff got on the phone and called the company. We had a similar problem during the summer and the company rebuilt it. Now they are sending us a new one. Looks like we'll be here an extra day at least. Now on to better stuff... The temperature was in the upper 70's. This is an RV park so sites are close. They offer free WiFi, cable, 50 amp, and laundry facilities. It's clean and everyone is so friendly.

Thursday we woke up to some rain. We decided to fix breakfast, waffles. We headed into town to check out the Zorb. It's were you get in a giant beach ball and they roll you down the hill. I was gonna try it but it was closed. Went on to Walmart to get apiece of memory foam for our bed. On the way home stopped at the Apple Barn. We got some apple cider...the real yummy kind. So happy!!! Traveled on to stop at 5 Guys for supper. Burgers & fries my favorite. Oh what a day!

Friday November 8th, it was really chilly when we got up. Jeff got online to purchase some tickets to the Motown show. We met some new friends so they are going to the show with us, on Saturday. Decided to drive up to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. On our way I happen to spot a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop. Pull over!!! The hot sign was on. We did and the doughnuts were hot and delicious !!! Onward to the park. Stopped at the visitor center, got a map and headed up the mountain to Cade's Cove. It was a long, winding, turning road. We were kinda disappointed, we didn't see much for all the driving we did. The fall colors had kinda already peaked. As you headed down the colors were better.  The good news.....when we got home our roast in the crock pot smelled good. Our supper was almost ready and really yummy.

Saturday the friends we met walked down to visit. We are going to the show with them tonight so we invited them over for vegetable soup.  We just hung around here most of the day and I made a dessert for tonight. Our company showed up for supper and we really enjoyed the soup and the company. The dessert was even good. After, we loaded up and headed for town. The traffic was a mess. Its a  good thing we left early. We parked and went in, found our seats and waited for the show to start. It was a really  good show and everyone seemed to enjoyed it. My new friend even volunteered me to dance on stage. Thanks Linda. It was a late night for us but well worth it. If you like going to shows and Motown then you'd like it.

Sunday we didn't really know what we were gonna do today. After seeing how pretty it was outside we decided to head back up the the national park. This time we bypassed Gatlinburg which was a great idea. The bypass was really a pretty drive. Headed up to Clingmans Dome. Made a few stops to check out the views, which were amazing. One stop was Newfound Gap which was were President Roosevelt dedicated the park. Seven more miles to Clingmans Dome. The parking lot was full but there were some spots along the road after the lot. The views were awesome from the parking lot but we decided to make the hike up to the viewing tower. The lady at the visitor center told us it was like walking on a treadmill set on level 12. I didn't really think to much about it but it was a really tough walk. It was only 1/2 mile but a long 1/2 mile. I'm gonna blame  the altitude for my lack of endurance. It was a beautiful view and the good news was on the walk down it was so much better.  Both Jeff and I enjoyed this trip so much more than the other. One thing, do this trip on a clear day. Back in the truck to head down the mountain. The traffic was thick. We noticed a bit of a traffic jam ahead. Everyone had there cameras out. When we looked over we saw a bear climbing up a tree. That was on Jeff's side and he was driving so he tried to snap a picture but then the traffic started moving. We were so excited to see that bear. It was one thing we wanted to see on our 1st trip and didn't. We continued down the road and then 2 cars were stopped right in the middle of the road and 2 people were pointing up a tree and there was a mama bear and 3 baby bears climbing  up a tree. How cool was that? Really cool! What a way to end that adventure. Decided to stop for supper at a pizza place called Big Daddy's Pizza, this was a really good place. The menu offered lots of different speciality pizzas or you could build your own. Pick your own sauce and toppings. That's what we did. Now home to check on our girls.(doggys)

Where Roosevelt stood and dedicated the Park

3 Baby Bears in Tree

Walkway to Clingmans Dome 

On the way up

Monday November 11th. Happy Veterans Day! This should be our last day here if our surge/voltage protector arrives like scheduled. Again no big plans. We made a trip to Walmart to get a couple things. Funny thing there is a scrapbook store located across from Walmart....gotta go there. Jeff waited in the car while I went in. It was a huge store and located next to that was a clearance scrapbook store. Nice!!  Left there and decided to go out for lunch. Stopped at Logan's Roadhouse kinda like Texas Roadhouse but didn't have to wait. Both Jeff and I liked our lunches. They even had a special on Monday/Tuesday 2 lunches for $14.99. We did that and they also give you a bucket of peanuts and hot rolls. Stopped to top off the gas tank. Before heading home we decided to do one more touristy thing.....the alpine coaster. You get in these sleds and they tow you a mile up the mountain. Then the fun begins as you ride the sled down a rail track. Kinda like your own personal roller coaster. Jeff said he didn't brake at all. I did a bit but only because they had signs that said slow... I laughed all the way down. That was a fun ride for sure. Now we headed back to our How. Stopped at the office to see if our box was here....yep..... Looks like we'll be on the road tomorrow.

Two Rivers RV Park/Nashville,TN

Monday November 4th we got an early start, on the road by about 8am. The driving weather was good but was a bit windy. There was a little construction but it didn't make much difference. We rolled into Two Rivers around noon after making one stop. Our site was 407 and was fine cause they are all about the same. They have laundry facilities so I went over to get that done. Next door there is a Camping World so we went there and picked up a few things. For supper we decided to go out. We tried Santa Fe Cattle Co. Jeff's was good, mine was horrible.

Tuesday got up early and finished up my laundry. I did some cleaning. Jeff went back next door to fill up our propane, Camping World has a special on propane refills on Tuesday & Wednesday...$1.99 a gallon. He was really tickled with that. Next went to Bass Pro Shop, Jeff's favorite place to shop. He got some biscuit & gravy mix. I saw a mall next door and had to check it out. The reason I wanted to go is I saw a Bed, Bath. & Beyond and I wanted to look for a creme brûlée torch. Found one so I got an early birthday present. This mall was really nice with lots of different stores. They also had a lot of different restaurants and Jeff wanted to try one. So we had lunch at Claim Jumpers. He had a chicken pot pie and said it was the  best he ever had. We went back to the campground to check on the dogs and took them for a walk. It's really nice today with temps in the 70's. To finish out the day we decided to go to the show. We drove across town a bit to a Carmike Theater. The reason we did that was because we had a popcorn refill bucket and it was really reasonable. Well we won't do that again cause the place was a dump. A little sketchy to say the least. The movie Last Vegas was good but the theater was not. Back to the HOW and ready to move on in the morning.

Rend Lake/Gun Creek Campground

Friday November 1st and we're on our way to Rend Lake, we've been here before and really liked it. Drove right to this place which is always nice. We had a spot picked out and it was still available so we grabbed it. Filled the tank with water and backed her in to site 50. It was a water site so the view was great. Went into town and picked up a few groceries. We watched the sun setting over the water quite a sight to see.

Saturday we were up early, still kinda nervous about Belle so we both are sleeping on the light side. We walked around the campground with the dogs, the trees are really colorful. I love fall. We spent the day watching some TV. Jeff did get some reservations made for Pigeon Forge.

Sunday November 3rd, Jeff's birthday, so I made him some homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast. The weather was great. We even seemed to have an extra hour since we fell back. Jeff spent his day out on the lake doing some fishing. The wind had died down so it made for a great day on the water. He even caught us some fish. Got enough for us to have a meal...yeah! We couldn't do FaceTime with the kids cause my phone won't work. We did get to talk and Hailey even sang him happy birthday. Moving down the road tomorrow.

Sangchris State Park near Springfield,IL

Thursday October 24th we loaded her up and headed toward our next stop on our way south. It was really windy and cold brrrr. We got on the road around 10:30. We called Sangchris State Park to make sure they had a spot for us and to get any special instructions. We had never been to this park before. She suggested the Deer Run loop. We had a bit of a problem when we arrived at the park. By the sign we took a right and as soon as we committed to the turn we knew it was wrong. There was a turn around not to far. Lucky cause we were kinda in the sticks. We made it to Deer Run loop saw the host and asked about water, sites, paying etc. We filled up with water cause no spigot on sites. As we were pulling around to our picked out site we kept hearing a funny noise. Backed her in and Jeff looked under the camper to see if he could see anything and he did. Houston we have a problem. It looks like the Morryde suspension has broken. Jeff took some  pictures and called the company. Morryde was more than helpful, Jeff emailed them a picture so they knew what part we needed. They said they would ship the part right out. That was kinda a problem cause there wasn't any office at this park to ship to. Lucky for us we had a friend here in Springfield so we had it shipped there. We had only planned to stay til Monday at the latest but I could tell that was gonna change. We talked with the hosts for some suggestions on where to take it to be repaired. There is the next problem... Seems that everyone wants there campers winterized, I don't think people do that themselves anymore. We called a number of places and all replied with the same answer...2 week wait at least. We still had a few ideas and the more places we called the more options we had. Finally found a truck & trailer place that was super helpful. It was close, not really out of the way, friendly and reasonable. So thankful for that. Our part was suppose to be here on Tuesday and it was. Called Arrow Trailer and they got us in on Wednesday to get it fixed.

Friday I had an important mission today that was to go visit those friends I mentioned earlier, they have a brand new baby we need to meet. It was nice to get our minds off our problem for a bit. Sam is 3 weeks old and so tiny, I just had to hold him for a long time. Getting my baby fix...love them!!! On our drive over I spotted a Smash Burger restaurant so on our way home we stopped there for supper. Yummy, never ate there before and I can tell you we will be stopping at more of those. The burger so good and the smash fries delicious!

Saturday it warmed up a bit. We found out our neighbor owns a camping store so we went to talk to them ...he's really busy too but told Jeff if he couldn't find anyone he could work on it after hours. We stuck around the campground still trying to figure out this repair thing. This loop had a Bon fire tonight and invited us.  Some people decorated there campers for Halloween. We visited with  lots of fine folk there. Went home and watched the St Louis cardinals win!

Sunday was a do nothing day, it did warm up a bit. The Cardinals lost tonight.

Monday we both needed to do something, we left the campground and drove to the repair shop to show them the pictures of our camper problem to give them an idea of what needs to be done. They said it shouldn't be a problem , yeah that's a load off our shoulders. Now let's go do some sight seeing. First stopped at the Springfield visitor center to ask about the Lincoln sites. Good thing to do, they gave us $5.00 off coupons for the museum and a pass to get free parking. We visited Lincolns home and some old homes in his neighborhood.  We also walked to see the new and old Capitol buildings. On the way home stopped at a quilt store...really nice lots of pretty fabric. 





Lincolns Home

Illinois State Capital

Lincolns Tomb

Tuesday Jeff went back into town to do more Lincoln stuff. He went to the tomb, and the museum... He said it was awesome experience...must see for historians. I stayed back and quilted the day away. While Jeff was away my friend called to say out part arrived. Jeff stopped and picked it up on the way home. We packed up everything we could cause we are suppose to be at the repair place by 7:45a.m.





I don't think either of us slept well, we aren't used to getting up and going that early. We got up plenty early but it was really dark, hard to hook up in the dark that's for sure. We got it done but we also had to dump in the dark, another tricky task. We got on our way and just to make things interesting we had really dense fog to drive in. Good news was it was really easy to get to. We went over to Starbucks to get coffee and just looked around the area. They had our HOW all fixed up and ready for the road by noon. The people there were so nice and very reasonable and we are very pleased with the service.

Happy Halloween! We couldn't move today cause it rained all day long. Not just a little rain but it poured....The day was really long so we are ready to move for sure!!

November 1st we had a terrible scare to start our day. Our schnauzer Belle woke up this morning and spit up and after that she went down and had a massive seizure. Both Jeff and I was trying to help but nothing we could really do. While calming her she bit Jeff's finger which started bleeding all over the place. After we got her calmed down and within a half hour she was back to normal. Got packed up and on the road. Rend lake here we come.





Waconda State Park

Monday October 21st was our first move to get ourselves south before the snow flies. We probably hit the road around 10:30. It was a little chilly and a lot windy. We didn't travel too far but we did make it to another state. We have stayed here before so we were familiar with things. We got a full hookup which was nice. We had planned to do some cleaning on the tanks and I wanted to get the laundry caught up. After getting set up we took advantage of the full hook up and took  nice long showers. So nice, I really like those full hookups.

Tuesday we were suppose to go meet a friends new baby but couldn't get hooked up. We had also planned to meet Jeff's sister and husband for lunch. That plan went good. It was really nice to see them and get caught up. We used to live by them when our kids were babies. The weather is cold and rainy. My kids called and said it was snowing in Cedar Rapids.

Wednesday it was nice enough outside to get our tasks done, but cool enough for soup. That's what we had for supper. Our son called and said that his root canal was a bust. He has to have someone else do it. Wasn't here very long so we didn't unload much so we are ready to move on down the road.

Last stop in Iowa....MC

On Tuesday October 8th we headed back in to Morgan Creek. Jeff had a little problem with the tire sensors. When we arrived at MC it was almost empty, I guess the camping season is winding down. We pulled into the same spot we used last time #22. It's really pretty with the fall colors. One thing that's horrible is these little black bugs...they bite and are so annoying. They are so thick. They are everywhere. Jeff got an invite to meet up with Justin to play tennis I stayed back. Jeff was the winner again.

Wednesday was kinda special it was our anniversary....our first year fulltime in our HOW. Boy that went quick. I had a full day planned, I went in to paint our granddaughters bedroom. While I was there I took advantage of there laundry facilities. Did have a minor mishap I spilled some paint, good thing she has hardwood floors. I don't know how I didn't spill the whole can. It's Wednesday so that means hockey practice for Ashton, we can't miss that because we won't get to see many more this year.  On our way home we stopped to see how sissy likes her new room. She told me that everything looks beautiful!

Thursday we hit the grocery store and picking up some things we can't get where we are going. Jeff went back to the HOW, I went to Seth's house to start my organizing. I told them I would help them but I'm running out of time. I got a closet and laundry room done today.

Friday Katie took the day off to help me with the final project the basement closet. Jeff came over to put together Hailey's new big girl bed. Then to finish off the night we met Judy at the rest area to stay the weekend. Our last get together before we head south.

Saturday we had a busy day planned, 1st I had to get my last Christmas present purchased at Toys r Us. Then to the movie  Captain  Phillips. It was really good and so was the popcorn. Came home for chicken stir fry for supper. Then we headed to the stable to watch the rough riders play.(hockey) It was going good then in the middle of the 2nd period there was a fight not that big of a deal but one of the guys went down and started seizing which was a big deal. It took awhile to get him transported and then forever to figure out what to do.  They ended up suspending the game, bummer . We left there disappointed and headed across town to cocktails, a bar were our son was playing. We had a great time there. We stayed out way later than were used to but it was really fun. We did have a little problem to deal with when we got home from the movie, our toilet has ran over and we had a mess to clean up. It could have been way worse.

Sunday after that late party night we just hung around home. Watched a movie, enjoyed a campfire and visited. I got Judy on her way home. Went to Justin's for supper.

Monday started getting things cleaned and organized for traveling. Paid up our mail forwarding service. The funniest thing today.... I carved my pumpkin with Jeff's power drill. That was awesome. Supper at Seth's (chili).

Tuesday ran some more errands. When we got home our toilet had overflowed again. This time it was worse... Trying to figure out an answer to that problem.

Wednesday I made homemade noodles for our family dinner on Sunday. I did laundry, all those wet towels for our toilet mess. We went to Ashton's hockey the last one for awhile.

Thursday, made some sugar cookie dough for later. Then Jeff and I filled out a couple applications for campground hosting next year, not sure if that's for us now but just gonna see what happens. To end this night we had a very yummy supper. Then I get a call from Seth, he needs meds because he  has a terrible toothache. Always a mother I ran over with meds in hand. Turns out he needs a root canal...yikes!!

Friday I baked those sugar cookies cause we have a date with a very special cookie froster. Hailey came out after daycare. She helped me make pizza for supper and frost those Halloween cookies. She was really into the frosting and decorating. We watched her movie TWICE and called it a night.

Saturday morning had breakfast and a campfire. It was really chilly out and windy. Hailey went home before lunch. We were suppose to go trunk or treating but that didn't happen.

Sunday we planned a family dinner, one last hurrah before we take off. I made a big batch of chicken noodles that really hit the spot. I had pumpkin dump cake for dessert. The kids had there pumpkins ready to carve so that was our next project. They turned out pretty good. It was hard leaving there house tonight. Ashton was giving extra kisses to last us awhile.

We made it to Palo

October 1st we headed out to Palo, and there state park Pleasant Creek. We timed that just right cause the price just went down to $11.00 a night. Jeff made reservations and had a spot with a good view of the lake. We parked at site #22. There aren't water hookups and  we only have 30 amp service. We are only gonna be here for a week and the water spigot is right across the street. When we left Morgan creek we took are time cause it's only about 15 miles to Palo. We set up and checked out the place, it's really a pretty park. They updated the 2nd loop and so we wanted to see it. They installed 50 amp service there. Seth invited us over to watch the opener of the Blackhawks...and the raising of the championship banner. When we got back the power was off and the frig was beeping. Jeff had to go out and reset the breaker, that's what we don't like about 30 amp service.

Wednesday was a warm day went for a walk then came back and did a bit if cleaning. Jeff took his kayak out to try fishing but didn't have any luck.

Thursday it was cloudy and rained a bit but cleared up so I went for a bike ride, Jeff also  jumped on his bike to go across the lake to try and fish again....no good. Had a yummy roast for supper.

Friday was a busy, full day. It looked a bit stormy to start but the big stuff missed us. I made some apple crisp which is always a fall favorite. Fixed some veggie soup for later. Then we went to Justin's cause we are going to the Amana Colonies to partake in Octoberfest. Wow there are some serious drinkers there. It didn't rain and we had fun with Justin&Georgie. I drove home, and had quite the light show with the lightening.

Saturday we got up early to take our dogs for there shots. Then we waited to hear from Jeff's brother who was coming up for a visit. We met them at Seth's house and visited  for awhile. Seth and Katie had to go somewhere else so we would meet up with them later. Justin and Georgie joined us for lunch at Bushwoods. It was yummy. It was really busy cause it's a sports bar and the Hawkeyes were playing. After lunch we went to a movie "Gravity" and it was really good. Went back to see Seth & Katie and the kids. Fritz & Shawn decided to come out to the HOW and spend the night. Good thing we had veggie soup for supper. We just did some visiting, which was really nice.

Sunday I had one thing on my mind.... Haileys birthday cake. I had made the cakes ahead I just needed to put it together. Well it went together really good, and I frosted it and princessed it up. Well Fritz and Shawn left and then we had to get ready to head in for the party. I looked over at the cake and it was settling and not looking so great. I started to get upset but that was nothing compared to what happened in transit. It didn't completely fall apart but I was about crying cause it sure didn't look like what I had envisioned. I tryed to repair it when we got there but I couldn't really fix it . I learned I'm never going to stack cakes again, going to stick with sheet cakes . The cake was perfect to Hailey, she loved it and Jeff kept telling me that that's all that mattered. The weather was really chilly but that didn't hinder our party. Hailey was excited over every single present and was a blast to watch. She loved her quilt and princess dress. The cake tasted better than it looked and the party was a huge success, I cant believe Hailey is 3 years old.... Oh how time flys!

Monday I needed to rest up cause I always get myself worked up about these cakes. We walked with the dogs. I gave Jeff a haircut. We watched some tv and had chicken noodle soup for supper. We picked up stuff for our move tomorrow.