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Our USA Adventure – Week 10

Our USA Adventure – Week 10

by | Aug 18, 2019 | Our USA Adventure 2019, Uncategorized

Our USA Adventure – Week 10

Our USA Adventure – Week 10: Bristol (VA/TN), Crossville, Nashville

This week we traveled from the Blue Ridge Parkway area around Floyd, VA to Nashville, Tennessee. On the way we had nice stops at Bristol, where the border dividing Virgina and Tennessee runs down the middle of State Street, and Crossville where we stayed at a fairly rustic but lovely park called the Davey Crockett RV Park. Bristol is known as the Birthplace of Country Music so of course we had to visit the Country Music Museum – a fascinating place we would love to return to. Music has played a big role in our country’s history and this museum documents that history relative to the ealiest beginning of country music up to the present. It was nice to get that history prior to visiting the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where the past and present of country music come together in a fabulous collage of pictures, sound, and words! 

Next Up: Follow us along the Natchez Trace. Want some background? Here you go: https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

 

Bristol/SugarHollow: Pat’s new buddy, Gabrielle

Gabe wanted to stay with us and play with Lili but his family was just leaving.

Bristol Sugar Hollow Kids

Pat’s a big kid!

Bristol Sugar Hollow Campground

Campground at night

Country Music Museum

Bristol, the Birthplace of Country Music. Great museum!

CM Museum: Bristol

Pat left our names on the Board!

Bristol State Street

Virginia on the left, Tennessee on the right!

Bristol State Street 2

Virginia on the right, Tennessee on the left!

CM Museum Early Sound

The museum had many examples of the progress of music recording!

Bristol Sugar Hollow Path

Path ran through this wetlands, where turtles could be seen in the algea.

CM Museum – Document

How modernization has affected Appalchia

CM Museum Document 2

Exploring the words of CM and what they reflect…

CM Museum

Selfie in the foyer of the Museum

CM Museum – Bike Art

Local artists on display at the Museum.

CM Museum – Bike Art 2

More local artist – clocks from Bike Parts

Davey Crockett RV Park

Site with Deck

Lili gets sun protection

Lili loves traveling in Pat’s lap, but the sun get in her eyes!

Before the Opry

Folks were always volunteering to take our photo!

Before the Opry 2

Beautiful Bus restaurant!

Opry Backstage Tour 1

Great tour of backstage areas, including dressing rooms and stages!

Backstage Tour 3

Pat in “Green Room” aka, “Family Room” where performers get together and gab before going onstage.

Backstage Tour 4

Pics of the members of the Opry along the walls.

Backstage Tour 5

Empty Auditorium – not for long!

Opry performance

Packed on a Tuesday night

Opry performance 2

Father-son CM performers

Opry performance 3

Oakridge Boys and Gatlin Bros perform together

Opry performance 5

Carrie Underwood – great but short performance!

Lunch at Ole Red

Blake Shelton’s restaurant featured singer/songwriter Molly Stevens, just terrific!!

Meet the Burkes...

Meet the Burkes...

We are “The Burkes”, Pat and Gary, and this is our Travel Blog where we hope to share in pictures and words the highlights of our journeys. We are semi-retired, meaning we both work remotely with phones and computers as we travel around in our 27′ Airstream International, which we have named “Close2You II”. Those who know us may remember our sailboat, a 26′ MacGregor named “Close To You”, and therefore…Read More

Our USA Adventure – Week 9

Our USA Adventure – Week 9

by | Aug 11, 2019 | Our USA Adventure 2019, Uncategorized

Our USA Adventure – Week 9

Our USA Adventure – Week 9

Here we are at week 9 of our year-long adventure across the United States! Its gone fast in some ways, but in others it seems like there have been so many terrific sites and people… makes me thankful we had the idea to do this blog and have (more or less) stuck to it! 

Week 9 we spent in Highland Haven Airstream Park and the area, mostly Floyd, Virginia. If you have not visited Floyd, gone to the Country Store on Friday night for the Friday Night Jamoree and Dance, its definitely a “must”! Yes, we Two-Stepped and Flat-Footed our way around the dance floor with locals and other visitors to the area. What a hoot!!! People of all ages and abilities, out having fun and getting lots of laughs! There is a rich history in Appalachia specific to music with people coming from all over the country and world to play and listen to Bluegrass! And a learning of ours is how to pronounce Appalachia… the third ‘a’ is pronounced like the ‘a’ in Apple not like the ‘a’ in Ape!! 

Then we toured a local section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a beautiful area set aside as a National Parkway. One can only travel at 45 mph which allows spectacular views of the roadways and vistas! We stopped at Rocky Knob Park and met Ranger Fred which was a real treat! He is a volunteer there from Florida, and was truly a wealth of information about the area as well as about his travels around the country. Thanks so much, Fred!! 

Pat was dissapointed that there were no Wendy’s around this area so she had to temporarily suspend her (unsponsored) chili tasting evaluations at Wendy’s across the country! I just miss the Frosty’s more than anything! Enjoy our pics from week 9 and leave a note if you would like – we love your comments! 

BlueRidge Parkway

The BR Parkway is so scenic its hard to stop taking pics!

BR Parkway Music Center

Locals gather each week at this Music Center along the BR Parkway to jam (down home Bluegrass!)

BR Parkway view 2

More BR Parkway!

BR Parkway Vista P&G

This spot has a view to the East for many miles.

Deer Companions

These deer were almost tame… except to Lili!

Floyd – Lili Posing on Rock

Lili in Floyd! A true “Rock Queen”!

Floyd Country Store P&G Selfie

In the Country Store before getting up and stomping around the floor with the other folks!

Floyd Fridays in Street 2

Out on the streets of Floyd on a Friday night, nearly everyone gets involved in the music!

Floyd Fridays in Street

More Floyd Street Scenes and Music!

Floyd Music Jams

Everyone here seems to play an instrument and they love playing in the streets together – anyplace they can find!

HH BackRow View and Lili

Airstream Lineup at Highland Haven.

HH Big Flowers – What

We swear… these had to be planted by aliens, they were SO BIG!

HH Green Fields 2

Beautiful countryside around the HH RV Park.

HH Green Fields

More beautiful fields of green by our campground.

HH Lili’s Look

“Dad, we’re not getting back in the truck yet, are we?”

HH Pat and AS row

Roaming around camp!

HH Sunrise

Sunrises were nearly as pretty as sunsets!

HH Sunset 1

The sunsets at High;and Haven were spectacular!

HH Waterfall

Made it to the Waterfall!

HH Waterfall Trail

Hiking in HH

HH Waterfall Trail 2

The trail to the Waterfall was heavily wooded. They warned us of bears and ticks so we left Lili at home :(…

LennaRae is SO COOL

No, Lenna Rae wasn’t with us, but we love this picture so much we had to include it! We hope to see more of all our wonderful Great Grandkids!!!

Lili owns the Couch

Yes, this is Lili’s Couch!

MabryMill Pond Lili & Us

MabryMill Sawmill – Peeking

MabryMill Spinning Room Pat

MM Exhibits

MM Old Buildings

MM Restaurant

MM View

MM WaterWheel – Pat

Pats Kitchen

Pat loves her kitchen!

Rocky Knob Park – Ranger Fred

Meet the Burkes...

Meet the Burkes...

We are “The Burkes”, Pat and Gary, and this is our Travel Blog where we hope to share in pictures and words the highlights of our journeys. We are semi-retired, meaning we both work remotely with phones and computers as we travel around in our 27′ Airstream International, which we have named “Close2You II”. Those who know us may remember our sailboat, a 26′ MacGregor named “Close To You”, and therefore…Read More

Our USA Adventure – Week 8

Our USA Adventure – Week 8

by | Aug 4, 2019 | Our USA Adventure 2019, Uncategorized

Our USA Adventure – Week 8

Our USA Adventure – Week 8, Penn Wood Airstream Park

Penn Wood Airstream Park is a delightful “Airstream Only”  RV park in the deep woods near Clarion, Pennsylvania. We loved the woodsy ambience of the park and were surprised to find that Clarion is the home of Clarion University, a sizable and well known (except to us) University! While we were here, we dicovered the Cricket Song Restaurant, which is excellent! The staff and owner were very friendly, the food excellent, and all the profits got to the craft center for the disabled, next door. Also must mention, Lily is a superb baker – we know this because we sampled a number of her creations (cookies, Blueberry Cake, Lemon bars…)! The community in Penn Wood was helpful in offering ideas of things to see and do. We also had the opportunity to meet Jimmy Buffet’s twin brother… Hi Jim! Your brother still wants his shorts back ;). We still hope to see you in Tucson. We did find Check and Floyd, VA. Such Fun!

Staunton Walmart

Staunton PA Walmart – Perfect overnight location

VA Rest area flowers / Butterflies

Nothing’s like Virgina’s Rest Areas!

Penn Wood Space

Our Spot at Penn Wood

Penn Wood Road In

Penn Wood Park Entrance

Pat Selfie

Pat’s accidental “Selfie”

Cricket Song Song Staff 1

Cricket Song Restaurant Gang – Lily, the Baker, and Danika, our wait person!

Cricket Song Song Staff 2

Cricket Song – Steve, Cook Extraordinaire!

Cricket Song Song Staff 3

Cricket Song – Tiffany, our other wait person!

On the road, walking 1

Just walkin around!

On the road, walking 2

Still Walking…

Barn on walk

Barn we found on our walk

On the road, walking 3

Never found the Pottery Studio – Darn!

On the road, walking 4

View on our walk around.

Clear Creek Park 1

In Clear Creek State Park

Clear Creek Park 2

Clear Creek – Bridge

Clear Creek Park 3

Clear Creek – Dam/Pond for kids to swim

Clear Creek Park 4

What the heck??

Bye Bye Penn Wood

Bye-Bye from Penn Wood!!

Meet the Burkes...

Meet the Burkes...

We are “The Burkes”, Pat and Gary, and this is our Travel Blog where we hope to share in pictures and words the highlights of our journeys. We are semi-retired, meaning we both work remotely with phones and computers as we travel around in our 27′ Airstream International, which we have named “Close2You II”. Those who know us may remember our sailboat, a 26′ MacGregor named “Close To You”, and therefore…Read More

Our USA Adventure – Week 7

Our USA Adventure – Week 7

by | Jul 27, 2019 | Our USA Adventure 2019, Uncategorized

Our USA Adventure – Week 7

Our USA Adventure – Week 7 

This week was highlighted by our very first time ever at Niagara Falls! We have fallen in love with the area, especially the Canadian side! 

The mighty Niagara River is something to behold – the Falls from both the US and Canadian sides are breathtakingly beautiful! Most people say the Canadian side is the best view… we happen to agree! We walked along the River (along with a bazillion other people!). Lili was a massive hit – folks of many different nationalities asked to pet her so of course Lili courteously obliged ;). We then left the Falls area and had lunch at a gorgeous venue we had spotted driving in, the Whirlpool Golf Course Restaurant. A quiet atmosphere overlooking the beautiful course, and the food was divine! Then we crossed back over to the US – a very different exerience coming back due to the long line waiting to get over, but the inspection was minimal. Pat wants you to know, there is a Starbucks at the border crossing by the Rainbow Bridge! However, their “gang” comes nowhere near the welcoming spirit of our Clackamas Starbucks crew! For the evening, we drove to Old Fort Niagara which was only a short distance from our RV park. Amazing history and a sweet lighthouse (see pics). The park overlooks Lake Ontario – if you look closely in the pic below, you can barely make out the skyline of a distant Canadian city, but to the left is only water on the horizon! 

Next up: On to Penn Wood Airstream Park in Pennsylvania!

Niagara Falls US – Entering

Niagara Falls US 2

Maid of the Mist in the background!

Niagara Falls US 3

The Niagara River is huge

Niagara Falls US 4

Close up of the M of the Mist

Niagara Falls US 5

The moving water above the Falls can make you dizzy!

Niagara Falls US 6

Lunch at the Top of the Falls… Nice!

Niagara Falls US 7

Niagara is also about Power Generation

Niagara Falls Canada 1

Much better view of the totality of the Falls from this side.

Happy Birthday Michael!

Time out on the 23rd to wish our Son, Michael, a wonderful Birthday!

Niagara Falls Canada 2

Another tour company boat closing in on the Falls – note the red raincoats!

Niagara Falls Canada 3

Above the Niagara River at a beautiful wayside park!

Niagara Falls Canada 4

Could not resist taking way too many selfies!

Niagara Falls Canada 5

Lili was our star – everyone wanted to pet her!

Niagara Falls Canada 6

The amazing forces of nature on display!

Niagara Falls Canada 7

Made of the Mist view from Canada

Lili the star

I never gettired of taking her picture!

Niagara Falls Canada 8

Whirlpool Golf COurse Restaurant 1

Niagara Falls Canada 9

Whirlpool Golf COurse Restaurant 2

Niagara Falls Canada 10

Above the Falls on the Candian side

Niagara – US At OFN 1

Viewing Lake Ontario on the beach at Old Fort Niagara Park

Niagara – US At OFN 2

THe actual Fort (OFN)

Niagara – US At OFN 3

The charming Lighthouse at OFN.

Niagara – US At OFN 4

History of OFN – very interesting!

Niagara Falls Canada final

Back at the Border… would have been a real drag but Starbucks in the Crossing Store saved us!

Meet the Burkes...

Meet the Burkes...

We are “The Burkes”, Pat and Gary, and this is our Travel Blog where we hope to share in pictures and words the highlights of our journeys. We are semi-retired, meaning we both work remotely with phones and computers as we travel around in our 27′ Airstream International, which we have named “Close2You II”. Those who know us may remember our sailboat, a 26′ MacGregor named “Close To You”, and therefore…Read More

Our USA Adventure – Week 6

Our USA Adventure – Week 6

by | Jul 22, 2019 | Our USA Adventure 2019, Uncategorized

Our USA Adventure – Week 6

Our USA Adventure – Week 6

This week was divided between Camp Dearborn in Milford, Michigan (which included a visit to The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village) and Jackson Center, Ohio where we stayed at and toured the birthplace of our beloved traveling home, CTY II – The Airstream Factory! There is so much to see and take in at the Henry Ford Museum, one could easily spend several days there!

We enjoyed our visit to the Airstream Factory and came away with the knowledge that Airstreams are not only shiny but also are crafted by hand and riveted from the inside out! It was awesome to see the craftsmanship that goes into these iconic trailers!

We also happened upon the historical musem of bicycles in nearby New Bremen, Ohio, The American Museum of Bicycles. To our surprise, it was fabulous – a “must see” if you are ever in his area! We were also surprised to see a bicycle built of wood – a Renovo – that was made by the company our youngest Grandson, Cameron, was head engineer for a short time ago!

 

Camp Dearborn 7

Hi from the Totem Pole by the office!

Camp Dearborn has about 6 lakes

Walking Lili around a lake

Camp Dearborn 8

This great family became our neighbors for a day here. Wish we could have gotten to know them better!! Write to us, Santo!

Camp Dearborn 6

This family of Cranes hangs out around the lakes here. They make a weird screeching sound.

Camp Dearborn 8

Lili made another friend – Libby! Libby was 8 weeks old. She and Lili quickly became great pals!

Camp Dearborn 9

Lili and LIbby

Greenfield Village 2

A live reenactoement of a pioneer life scene.

Camp Dearborn 11

Pat was *ALMOST* convinced we needed a companion for Lili 😉

Camp Dearborn 10

Hi to all our loved ones and friends from Camp Dearborn, Michigan.

Lili’s Perch

Lili isn’t truly happy in the back seat, but she’s made a great adjustment.

Camp Dearborn 6

Lili loves to go after sticks!

Greenfield Village 1

Henry Ford had these pioneer artifacts, including building, brought here to preserve a way of life he knew was going away.

Greenfield Village 3

Such a beautiful fountain, just had to get a selfie in front of it!

The Henry Ford 1

Sayaing “Hi” to our loved ones and friends from the HF Musem.

Jackson Center 6

Garrett, Group Leader for a production group at the Factory, came out and personally replaced some popped riviets for us! That’s what we call, “Service”!! Thank you, Garrett!

Jackson Center 5

Our guide, Don, had been at Airstream since he was a boy!

Jackson Center 4

Tour of the factory was interesting!

Jackson Center 3

Full Moon over the Streams

Jackson Center 2

Sunrise

Jackson Center 1

Lili needed a bath – temps in the 90’s, why not?

New Bremen American Bicycle Museum 2

Our youngest grandson, Cameron, was Head Engineer for the company that built this bike!

New Bremen American Bicycle Museum 3

Tur started with a video about Big Wheel Bikes!

New Bremen American Bicycle Museum 1

Many fascinating twists on the idea of the bicycle ar eon display at the Museum.

Meet the Burkes...

Meet the Burkes...

We are “The Burkes”, Pat and Gary, and this is our Travel Blog where we hope to share in pictures and words the highlights of our journeys. We are semi-retired, meaning we both work remotely with phones and computers as we travel around in our 27′ Airstream International, which we have named “Close2You II”. Those who know us may remember our sailboat, a 26′ MacGregor named “Close To You”, and therefore…Read More