Drove 99 more miles across Texas early today to arrive at Monahan Sandhills State Park before the hot sun. We have been excited for this state park because they let you sled down the dunes! They rent the sleds, sell wax, give you tips on sledding techniques (um… we’re from NH, we got this!), and then say “you can go anywhere you want in the sand dunes, just don’t forget how to get back to your car.” So we left the AC running for Murphy while we explored the dunes and had a blast sledding. The fun was balanced pretty equally with work… you go down, but then you have to come back up! I was a little worried about getting exercise with all the RV driving, but when every step you take up is in sand rushing down the dune you don’t get far fast, LOL. We played, got filthy, showered in the outdoor showers, worked up an appetite for an early lunch… luckily we have an RV in the parking lot for clean, dry clothes and a hot lunch! So much fun. Reminded us of our amazing summer in Africa 4 years ago, but in west Texas.
Our morning playgroundLawerence of Arabia is ready for desert sunLet’s go!This reminded us of playing in the Namib desert.Beautiful state park!Mat’s already emptying his shoes! Whee!Then the hike up…I love these smilesFilthy funWaxing up her board for a family race (dad won)I should have wondered if she’s ok but instead thought ‘that sand is going to be with us for the rest of the trip’Thank goodness for the showers! We left most of the sand back at the park.Basset problems – wet earsTurning in ranger program books for a state park badge.They have the largest oak forest in the USA, but these Harvard oaks only grow 3-5′ tall with 75′ roots and they grow acorns.Captain MatMy booReady to get back on the road
Then more driving. More oil. Just google Permian Basin oil boom to get a sense of our surroundings. Everything was so industrial and semi-permanent looking, and flat! And RV parks everywhere, but not the kind vacationers want. And medians on the highway are merely a suggestion here — trucks that don’t like the highway just drive right off to the frontage road, right over the medians. And we saw a huge highway sign that read “hitchhikers may be escaped convicts”. Nice. After a few more hours crossing Texas, we finally made it to Whites City, NM. We are definitely back in tourist territory with not 1, but 2 national parks within 30 minutes of here. We set up camp — twice (to get better shade and a flatter spot) — and then headed to Carlsbad Caverns National Park (minutes away) for the evening Bat Flight Program at sunset. Our 6th national park and 4th of the trip! We listened to a ranger program, sitting in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater, all about the resident bats right up until the stars of the show started leaving the cavern. We witnessed hundreds of thousands of bats fly out of the cave for their evening feeding. It was quite a spectacular sight. And we learned this is how they originally found the cave! Can’t wait to come back tomorrow and head down INTO the cave (with the hundreds of thousands of bats that return every morning!)
The nicest RV community we passed – they have shadeDust devils according to Capt.So much TexasThey are loving the drives!Whites City RV Park. Home for 2 nightsNeighborsScratched a new state off Crystal Betty’s map today!Our 1st visit to Carlsbad Caverns (my second, my grandparents brought me when I was a teenager!)The cavern entrance before the program started. No cameras allowed once it starts at sunset.Waiting for the ranger and the bats.
We had a great first night in New Mexico and an awesome thunder storm to make us feel cozy in the camper during the night. We were able to watch the lightning light up the desert sky from our bedroom window, another incredible memory. Saturday, July 24, 2021
Today’s goal: Drive another inch across the Texas map. Dallas to Big Spring, Texas. View from the window: shrubs, hundreds of massive windmills, and oil drilling and fracking machines and refineries as far as the eye can see. All that industrial equipment sprinkled across the barren landscape makes the 99 degrees feel even hotter somehow. So when a perfect sized water park popped up in the middle of nowhere (10 minutes from our RV park) we happily paid the $5 entrance fee to float around the lazy river, enjoy the 2 water slides and just happily swim for hours.
Back at our RV park we made our first taco night, played cards, and didn’t venture far from the air-conditioned RV, and not just because of the heat. Tonight’s accommodations are at the Whip In Rv Park just off the highway. You can just ‘Whip In’ and that’s about it. We have hook ups and a place to sleep on our journey west so it’ll do. No “campgrounds” to be found but plenty of RV parks – most with residents working in this rural area. Mat likes to read reviews before we book somewhere to find places that aren’t primarily residents for our 1 night stays. He did well (compared to many RV parks we passed today!) and we are parked under 1 of the 2 trees we saw in Texas today.
No storms in the forecast, no tornado warnings 👍Saw lots of this today.Saw LOTS of this.Common sight in west TexasWho wants to live on “Stinky Creek Rd”? They need a new publicist.Russ McEwen Family Aquatic CenterUnexpected fun. Perfect afternoon.Kids said they like Jellystone’s waterslides better but these were pretty fun too.Melting faster than she can eat it.Best $5 spent.Greetings from TexasThe Whip-In RV Park! Mat said the website looked nicer, LOL. It was like we were in a Griswald Vacation movie when we pulled up.Trees!My 2nd stew prepping dinner.My 3rd stew caught taking a break again.Using our induction stove for the 1st time.Taco night fits on our little table! Loving Crystal Betty.So picturesque. Again. Think we’ll have superpowers by the time we get home?Walk like an Egyptian. My goobers.Our guard dog… he’s impossible NOT to trip over. But so stinking cute.
Today’s itinerary: Drive Hot Springs, AR to Dallas/Fort Worth KOA in Texas. Another new state for the kids. The packing up on driving days has become pretty routine and towing Peggy behind the RV has worked out great so far. Today we stopped outside Dallas to disconnect Peggy so I could go food shopping while Mat continues on to the campground with Crystal Betty and crew. Which got me thinking…
Do you watch “Below Deck” on Bravo? Mat and I love it when we just want to watch a light 30 minute show. Days like this I feel like the Chief Stewardess only missing my super yacht. On the drives I have time to plan excursions and entertainment for my privileged guests (my daughters), I do the provisioning, I’m in charge of the interior when we set up and breakdown camp, and I make sure my 2nd and 3rd stews get their chores done (also my daughters). Mat is the Captain getting us from place to place safely and he’s also the Bosun in charge of exterior setup/breakdown. We split chef duties but, again, it’s usually me prepping (interior) and him grilling (exterior). Now if only Leonardo DiCaprio would show up for lunch!
Its’s nice to see Peggy tagging along with the fancy cameras.It’s not an RV road trip without a Walmart stop! Big parking lot was great for separating Peggy and Crystal.Not my best family selfie but Murphy’s really shortReminders that we’re not in New England anymore.To measure flood waters!
The drive was 320 miles but Mat and kids were all setup at the campground before 3pm which left lots of time to just enjoy camping. We decided before the trip that we weren’t going to do much city visiting this RV trip so while Dallas is very close by, we’re just passing through. We swam in the pool, played some games, and swam in the pool again until it closed at 9pm. It was just a fun family day. I enjoy seeing the country’s sights but I love enjoying campground life too. This Dallas KOA is right between 2 major cities but it was quiet and peaceful, had trees and shade, it was one of the nicer campgrounds we’ve been to. Tomorrow we continue on through Texas. This is a big state. It’s going to take us a few days.
Getting ready for the Summer Olympic synchronized swimming
Today we visited our 5th National Park as a family, 3rd of the trip. We had no idea what to expect and for good reason… it’s hard to explain this place. In one word Maddy called it: different, Emmy called it: boring, Mat called it: unique, and I called it: strange. So what did the USA decide to protect and make a national park 100 years ago (it’s the centennial anniversary this year)? The hot springs mineral water that was thought to have rejuvenating and healing properties, and the bathhouses built over it as a means to provide access to the people. When I think of national parks I think of the first, Yellowstone, and the Roosevelt Arch with the words “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People” so I get that they wanted to protect this area because of its special history as a precious resource. It was actually named a a federal reservation way back in 1832 before Arkansas even became a state. My problem with this park and the notion that it was protected ‘for the enjoyment of the people’ is that the government covered almost all access to the spring water under green concrete locked boxes and routed all the water to bathhouses that for a time only white people were allowed to access at a fee that attracted the wealthy. Today, 8 bathhouses stand along Bathhouse Row, and only 2 are actually bathhouses: the Buckstaff (the ONLY one that has operated continuously from 1912) and the Quapaw Bathhouse (re-opened in 2007). The only way to access the spring water today is to make an appointment (by phone or in person only) for fancy spa treatments at one of these 2 houses and they book very fast! The Quapaw has a “public mineral pool” that you can pay $20 a person to sit in, but that has very limited space due to Covid, and no one under 14 is allowed! So I found the whole experience ironic… the land was protected so the mineral water could be accessed by all for future generations and it’s nearly impossible to actually access! Which is why I think Emerson’s assessment of “boring” is fair, especially being under 14. The other bathhouses have since been turned into other things: one’s the National Park Visitor Center, one’s a cultural center housing art works, one’s a gift shop, one’s a boutique hotel, one is a brewery that makes it’s beer and homemade root beer from the spring water (that was a good stop but avoid the dill pickle beer!) and one is still empty. In the spirit of protecting a resource that promoted health and wellness they also protected the land around the town with 26 miles of trails, making this the 2nd smallest National Park.
Hot Springs National Park in the middle of townMat filled his water bottle with the very hot water.Bathhouse RowIf you want to experience the spring water book your fancy spa appointment here!Former Ozark Bathhouse, now Hot Springs NP Cultural CenterThe only other bathhouse, you have to be 14 or older.We went though this, the Fordyce Bathhouse, now visitor center and museum, multiple times to answer Jr. Ranger questions.
Despite the above review, we definitely found the fun. This was probably the best Jr. Ranger program because it did get the kids involved in a park that otherwise had limited activities for them. They had fun running up and down Bathhouse Row matching pictures of architecture to the right houses, looking for certain stained glass windows in the Fordyce Bathhouse museum, filling water bottles from the fountains with the hot spring water (so they did get to taste it even though they couldn’t soak anywhere). They worked hard for their pins under the hot Arkansas sun! Speaking of the Fordyce Museum: it was BIZARRE to walk through the old, preserved bathhouse that peaked in 1947. It had a feel of luxury with all the porcelain, marble and stained glass, but it also had the feel of a horror movie and asylums of the past as it felt sterile and abandoned! The various spa technologies and primitive exercise machines were interesting (esp. for this OT) but also resembled torture devices! Then again, the town is known for attracting MANY gangsters. They even have a Gangster Museum to celebrate their colorful history. Randomly, this place also attracted baseball players so you can take a walking tour to various spots significant to baseball history.
Our self guided tour through Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center…Welcome to Hot Springs National Park. So weird.Hundreds of tubs still here!Looks inviting doesn’t it?If this wasn’t called the “needling shower” this might look inviting.Weird they don’t do electric baths anymore! 😂 Vapor chambers. You get in, your head sticks out, then they add steam from the 143 degree waters. 🥵 The stained glass was pretty1940’s Hoyer Lift looks kinda the same as today!“Chiropody room” = feet roomMaking our own fun.I did find the exercise rooms and old equipment interestingThis has since been replaced by a balance ball.For a massage?After they cook you and manipulate you in weird contraptions you can rent a room to rest and recover.The gym.Not your typical tubGangsters paradise comes to mindDon’t be fooled by Emmy’s sweatshirt, she was going in and out of air-conditioning. It was HOTEarned another NP badge.
Our favorite bathhouse was Superior Bathhouse, home of the brewery. We had a fun lunch, sampled locals beers (one was pickled flavored and the videos of Mat and I trying it are pretty funny!). After exploring the national park sites in town we ventured to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for views of the town and Ouachita Mountains. While I’m sure the trails offer a beautiful views of wooded park, it was WAY TOO HOT to hike so we drove up to the scenic lookouts.
Superior Bathhouse. A brewery IN a National Park!Home made root beer got thumbs up.Enjoying the town. Too old to just do cartwheels, they have to stretch first.Some of their gangster history.The pupcake shop had cupcakes for humans too.This is how we explore NPs. At least this one.Along the “Hot Springs Baseball Trail”Make a wish! But don’t make it to be Big…One of only 2 places where the spring water is exposed. The cell phone tour told us it stays an average of 144 degrees!Emmy confirms its hot. But don’t worry, water boils at 212 degrees, she didn’t hurt herself.When mom wants one more picture but everyone is hot and getting tired, lol.We found cold water!The government’s green boxes all over town enclosing access to the springs.Hot Spring Mountain TowerMat and Maddy walked up (stepping over people’s puke), Emerson and I took the elevator up.She smiled but she was nervous. The tower did feel old and rickety.Hey there ArkansasHot Springs downtownHot Springs NP part of townArkansas is the Diamond State so we thought we’d learn more about their famous diamond and crystal mining.We made a detour on the way to the campground that I thought was a mining site but it was just a gem store (same name). Oops!So instead of mining we went home and read about it in the air-conditioning. Did you know Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds is the only place in the world where you can mine for diamonds where they naturally occur and keep them.?
The heat eventually chased us back to the pool and we never ventured back out even though Garvan Woodland Gardens was high on my to do list. The air-conditioned RV, games and quiet family time won out. Perfect. All in all it was a great day and I’m really glad we experienced Hot Springs National Park!
Hot Springs National Park KOAMurphy your butt is in the wayPoker night
Our cup of Americana is overflowing this morning. Benefits of staying in the Graceland RV Park is a short morning commute to next door. While we thought we were touring Elvis’s 13 acre estate we didn’t realize that 100+ acres next door had been turned into an Elvis theme park including warehouses of memorabilia, restaurants and diners, and of course, many gift shops. What a massive complex to celebrate the King of Rock and Roll. We had an early tour and were able to stay ahead of the lines and crowds all day which was nice. We hopped the bus to Elvis’s actual house with the iPads and headphones they handed out to everyone for the self guided tour of the house and property. I LOVED it! I love looking at houses anyway (Historic house tours, HGTV, Zillow, anything) so walking through this time capsule from the 70s was amazing. Shag carpet everywhere, on the floor, walls, ceiling!
Good morningThe theme park entranceThe technology for the tour was great.Elvis’s formal living room and music room in the backgroundAmazing 70s kitchenTVs and Mirrors everywhereEven the stairwell was mirroredLook at the upholstery on the walls and ceiling in the billiard room!Shag green carpet all aroundThe Jungle Room#plantgoalsElvis’s office where his multiple secretaries opened thousands of fan mail each day.It was a beautiful piece of propertyThe fan art people mailed to him. Must be weird to get so many depictions of yourself and family. They looked like a cute couple so we looked up Priscilla to learn more about her and learned she was 14 when she met 24 year old Elvis – yuck!!! Not so cute.We did not see the ghost of Elvis (if you’re wondering)Greetings from Graceland
After the relaxing paced tour we explored the exhibits back at the “Elvisland” complex… the car museum (so impressive), the media room, the jumpsuits, the icon exhibit where every celebrity under the sun praises Elvis, the exhibit of his war years, his collection of awards, his airplane… it just kept going! The kids seemed entertained and were great sports about the artist they have little interest in, but I definitely caught a couple eyes rolls every time we realized there was ANOTHER warehouse to walk through, lol. There were a few interactive exhibits that kept us all entertained. And lunch on-site was great. We all agreed you don’t have to be a huge Elvis fan to appreciate his career and massive influence he had on the music industry. A great stop on our cross country road trip.
Car MuseumYou can drive a golf cart simulation around Graceland’s propertyEmmy’s driving, watch outTrivia. We did not win. Red is wrong and green is right. We got lots of reds.Would you like Elvis to sing to you?He really should be wearing a mask if he’s this close.StudsHilariousThen we learned how to custom fit the outfit.If only they sold jumpsuits in her sizeThe ICON room. We found Dolly. They had dozens of star’s outfits that were inspired by Elvis’s bedazzled jumpsuits.People love ElvisSee my kids?My peopleThe Lisa Marie planeEverything on the plane was covered in plastic for preservation. Added a nice tacky touch to it all.
Back in Crystal Betty we crossed the Mighty Mississippi on the I-55. (Because months ago we read that a bridge inspector doing routine inspection of the I-40 that we would have crossed over found a crack so massive he called 911 to shut the bridge down immediately. Yikes!) And we entered Arkansas. A new state for all 4 of us! Our first impressions: humid, bumpy highways, vast rural landscapes sprinkled with numerous and massive churches of all kinds. Our Hot Springs National Park KOA review: smallest spots yet, little pool but cooled us all off, campground ran out of water for a bit, massively heavy bathroom door that caused bruising on more than one of us, and great location to the National Park.
Bye Tennessee, Hello ArkansasGlad the RV is air-conditionedDad resting with Murph after his bumpy drive“How bumpy was it? you ask”Picturesque tower, this must be our campground, lol.Emmy practicing her map reading skills. Learning so much on this trip.Our first fire. Finally!Best friendsEmmy made the perfect s’more. Another great day.
Our last morning in Nashville included provisioning (our 1st grocery run) and packing up to leave town. Next stop: Graceland RV Park in Memphis, TN. We arrived mid-afternoon and learned Memphis is home to the the National Civil Rights Museum housed in the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, so we hopped in Peggy to go check it out. Tickets to the museum were sold out for the day but the outdoor exhibits were still wonderful and worth the trip. They had 6 or 7 kiosks with videos ranging from the causes MLK fought for, to the sanitation strike that brought him to Memphis, and of course, the events that took place that fateful day, the aftermath and journey to turn the motel into a museum. It was very moving and I would definitely make the effort to get the tickets we couldn’t if you are ever in town.
Now home of the National Civil Rights MuseumIt was a very moving visit, to feel the history that surrounds you.It’s humbling to watch so many of the problems then are still problems today.Where the bullet came from across the street is also part of the museum today.The shirt seemed fitting for the occasion
Next stop Beale Street. As we drove through Memphis I kept thinking of the Marc Cohn song so I put it on for the kids. I kept finding pieces of the song as we explored but, again, like the large apple, I was the most entertained by these little gems. We tried to stop for milkshakes at the old fashioned soda fountain in A. Schwab General Store (open since 1876) but caught it at closing so settled for massive sundaes at Hard Rock Cafe (same thing right?) There are plenty of restaurant choices on Beale Street but when the rain started we ducked into the first place that seemed child friendly. To be honest, much of the Memphis we saw this afternoon was pretty run down and sad. You can feel the history that lives here but it definitely felt like just that… history. So much more to see in town, including record studio tours, more museums, and a massive Bass Pro Shop that many have raved about, including the nice mom we met at the pool, but the crazy heat drove us back to the pool for evening swimming, followed by a lively poker game with our girls who have yet to learn the art of the poker face.
“Put on my blue suede shoes And I boarded the plane Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues…”“…In the middle of the pouring rain…”“…W.C. Handy, won’t you look down over me?”“Yeah, I got a first class ticket But I’m as blue as a boy can be…”“Then I’m walking in Memphis…”“…Was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale…”“…walking in Memphis But do I really feel the way I feel?” song by Marc CohenThe ice cream we didn’t get…The ice cream we did get.Behaving on Beale StNot behavingMemphis version of the walk of fame.After consuming lots of sugar we found guitarsMore guitarsPretty guitar“No reptiles” allowed. PhewW.C. Handy’s houseSolsos being shadyMaddy almost missed the silly selfie.Greetings from MemphisMom’s winning.
If you’re still singing the Marc Cohen song “Walking in Memphis” in your head so was I, and when we left we DID turn onto Union Ave and tomorrow we’ll “walk right through” the gates of Graceland.
Today we took the backstage tour offered at the Gand Ole Opry and LOVED it. The hype video to start the tour was perfect for the kids who couldn’t recognize more than 3 country singers but could see the obvious emotions of all artists who got to play on the hallowed “circle”, a chunk of stage they saved from the original opry and built into the new stage at the new auditorium. The tour included all the dressing rooms the artist can choose from, the back stage, on stage, and in the audience. We were thoroughly entertained.
Back stage tour!$90k worth of guitars on the ceiling You can write to any member of the Opry and mail to the Opry address. Dolly is box 163.Dressing roomsEverything had to be re-done completely after this area was flooded in 2010 when someone opened the Cumberland River dam. oops.BackstageThe old Ryman Auditorium floor cut out and put in new auditorium. Standing on the hallowed circle. Artists say they won’t stand on it until they get invited to play.Mat’s 15 seconds of fameEmmy Lou found EmmyLou’s album. Everyone enjoyed this tour!This was a great stop on our road trip! I would recommend to anyone.Grand Ole Opry
After the tour we visited the near by Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel which is quite a sight. There are water features everywhere, a big waterfall, even a river with boat rides available. Emerson loved the hotel and added it to her list of places “we definitely need to come back too!” We had a fun lunch at Fuse and headed home for a rest.
Gaylord Opryland ResortSo cool!
I would have spent the afternoon downtown just exploring, listening to music and people watching but I got outvoted. Good thing too because thunder storms rolled in by afternoon, it poured, and the news channels reported flooding in much of downtown. So a relaxing afternoon at the RV was a good call. Watching the kids enjoy the camper is great and a relief. Since we didn’t explore the sights this afternoon we were more adventurous with our dinner and ordered authentic southern food from the local Cock of the Walk restaurant and tried fried catfish, chicken, coleslaw and hushpuppies (my southern friends are used to seeing hushpuppies on the menu but not my NE girls!) When the rain stopped, the kids jumped in the pool for some night swimming. Summer memories! Stay tuned, the kids made some funny videos this afternoon!
Murphy’s morning post. Checking things out.If this isn’t the cutest ad ever!Good morning from NashvilleMy Dollywood souvenirRainy afternoon funCamper lifeSouthern takeoutStorm’s over
We spent the morning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, aptly named, and could have easily spent the day. We woke the kids early, they were not excited after yesterday’s tiring day and late night, but this was our chance to see the park. I’m very glad we were up early because it became increasingly congested as the morning went on. We learned it’s the most visited national park in the country with over 12 million visitors each year and going up. We also learned it’s free to enter because “the land was purchased from private owners with the agreement that they and their heirs would be able to continue to visit the land without financial burden” according to the park ranger. They make it up elsewhere and this was the 1st place we’ve had to purchase the Jr. Ranger program book for a whole $2.50. (most national parks and sites have free booklets and activities to complete to earn a pin and so far the kids have earned/collected them from Glacier NP, Federal Hall in NYC, the Freedom Trail, Shenandoah NP and now GSMNP. Actually, only Emerson has Federal Hall because she filled out the whole booklet to earn it and Maddy didn’t, but when she realized she missed a pin opportunity she wanted to go back, lol).
We drove up to Clingman’s Visitor Center by 7:30am and walked the .5 mile to the lookout. It was paved and a gradual grade but it was still a workout. The lookout is atop Clingman’s Dome which is the highest peak in GSMNP at 6,643′ and the 2nd highest peak in eastern US. The morning temperature was low 60s up there and we were not dressed appropriately having been sweating since Virginia. It was a great structure that probably has amazing views of the Smoky Mountains but we wouldn’t know, it was too “smoky”. Mat and I laughed the whole way up because we were in a huge cloud and couldn’t see very far in front of you. The kids were good sports and enjoyed the foggy view from the lookout anyway. It was really beautiful in it’s own haunting and peaceful way. It was like someone had started painting the trees but hadn’t put the background in yet. Clingman’s Dome is the highest peak in the park in both Tennessee and North Carolina since the stateline goes right over it so we can check another state off on our road trip. Surprise, I wasn’t expecting to visit NC this trip. After our excursion in the very “smoky” mountains we waited in line to get into the Sugarlands Visitor Center (yup, a line to get in!) and enjoyed doing the Jr. Ranger program before heading back to the Ridge Outdoor Resort to pack up the RV and continue down the road. So many hikes and waterfalls to see in GSMNP, next time. Off to Nashville, TN in the afternoon.
We made it to campground by 3pm thanks to driving through a time zone. We set up camp, all 3 kids went to play in the pool, and I cleaned up, did laundry for the 1st and figured out our blog. I’ve been journaling but figured out how to add the pictures and share it. Now to find a not spotty network…
Mom’s awake even if kids aren’t.NP # 4 for the family, #2 for this trip.It’s like they want moms to stop and take pictures with the sign, they even built a stand for mom’s coffee.You don’t see this on the map everydayCold and tired (1 of them anyway)The wildlife we sawIs that you Mat?Psyched to be up early and trekking uphill in the fog.We like seeing the AT, it reminds us of home.Clingman’s LookoutHi guysA picture of the less foggy viewStill beautiful. See us on the ramp?Solso selfieIs this still considered a bear-proof trashcanBeautiful Park
Dollywood day and reunited with Crystal! Surprisingly, Camping World called very early with news… Crystal Betty’s fixed! Actually, they couldn’t re-create the problem and after thorough diagnostics couldn’t find anything wrong! They said RVs do that sometimes, act finicky and then work fine. Maybe this is a case of “turn it off and turn it back on” (a bunch of times) and it fixed itself. It was totally worth bringing in since Mat and I weren’t going to use the slide again for fear of it getting stuck out and therefore us getting stuck in one spot. And we learned how to manually crank slide in IF it were to happen again, something our camping world told us we couldn’t do with our one touch system (eye roll). So we have to give credit to the Knoxville Camping World, they saw our RV quickly and didn’t charge us a thing! Pretty typical Solso luck… maybe a few challenges but it all works out. Feeling very grateful for the resolution of this problem and happy for the extra 2 feet of space.
More importantly, Dollywood was a blast! Their on-site kennel was very sweet and clean, you drop off your dog and come back as often as you want during the day to walk your own pup. Murphy seemed to love Doggywood and didn’t mind going back after his walks. We were in the park for opening, with fast passes, and rode tons of BIG rollercoasters before lunch. At one point Emerson loudly screamed “I don’t want to do this” while we were paused at the top of a very large loop-de-loop, and Maddy sat out of the one that takes you straight up and drops you down, but otherwise they were happily trying the black diamonds (think ski slope ratings) to dad’s delight and all of the blue rated roller coasters! Our kids are old enough that we could spilt up for a bit so the kids did one of their favorites again while Mat and I tried the Wild Eagle – it was the smoothest roller coaster I’ve ever been on and super awesome from the front seat! Kids couldn’t be talked into it this trip.
More highlights of the day:
ALL the rides. The kids rode the Dragonflier rollercoaster 9 times! They would have gone a 10th time but their last ride was at 9:30 with fireworks starting over them, such a cool memory.
The Dolly exhibits: seeing her tour bus and her Chasing Rainbows museum (Emerson got the “Who was Dolly Parton?” book years ago and became an instant fan and Dolly’s popularity has since grown through the whole Solso house).
Getting in tons of rides before getting caught in the pouring afternoon rain! Emerson was giggling her head off as we ran through the park soaking wet.
Closing down the park with a fireworks and drone show – I’ve never seen anything like it, it was really cool.
Having so much fun that we kept putting off dinner until the fireworks show at 9:30!
Going home to our sweet Crystal Betty after a very fun (and tiring) day – 25,000 steps according to Maddy’s fit bit and 28,000 steps according to Emerson’s fit bit, that rivals any Disney day for us!
Dollywood theme was butterflies and Great Smoky Mtn (mining, logging, fire fighting, and old Americana feel… and a graveyard)Happy to be hereOur biggest Dolly fanNot very crowded!!Visiting Murphy at Doggywood, he’s ready to get out of the heat and go back to his air-conditioned digs.Dolly’s RV tour busDolly’s “coat of many colors” replicaDolly’s MuseumMaddy in front. Emmy right next to her on Dragonflier.First day we didn’t swim but we got wet! The thunder and lightning shut down rides for a couple hours in the afternoon so Mat was able to pick up CB and set her up at the campground.My peopleAfter the rainsEmmy and I rode that tall ride twice and now it’s touching the moon!Still not too old for her dad’s shoulders after 28k steps.My guys relaxing after a fun dayDay 5 verdict: a blast!
We left Luray, VA and made it to Pigeon Forge, TN. 385 miles breaking our self-imposed rule to stick to 300 miles or less a day but we want to get to Dollywood! The drive was uneventful, yay, except for passing numerous accidents in Knoxville. Kids are loving the down time the drive provides and find it more comfortable each day. Maddy was worried about getting carsick and sharing small spaces and she has recently admitted she’s not only enjoying the rides, she loves her shared loft space! Phew. No one wants to be stuck with a grumpy, moody 12 year old.
I was able to make a few more calls on the way and setup a shop visit for Crystal tomorrow while we have Dollywood plans and Murphy has Doggywood accommodations. Timing seems perfect and the shop agreed to get her in the very next day to accommodate our drive thru. Best case scenario, it’s a quick fix. Worst case, it might take longer to fix and we continue on our way without it. Worth a shot. So we spent the night in a pet friendly hotel along the very entertaining Pigeon Forge Parkway. While we could have dropped off Crystal in the morning (which would have avoided packing overnight bags) it would mean not being at Dollywood when the park opened and we have priorities.
Even though this was an ideal stop for Crystal, Mat and I both had a little separation anxiety without her. I think we’re bonding. And maybe a little scarred from past Camping World experiences and worried that they’ll lose her, or find more wrong, or spend too long looking at her and we don’t get her back tomorrow as planned… Wish us luck.
Foggy morningFound Dolly!Don’t see an upside down building everyday.
Solso Family Adventures 