Boating on the Little Tennessee River

Moriah and Eddie took us to visit his grandparents at their beautiful river home in Venore, Tennesee. It was my first time meeting his grandparents, Wally and Susan, and they were truly delightful and full of energy. It was refreshing to see folks of that generation living and loving life so fully.

We packed the bags and rode down to the marina to aboard their beautiful pontoon. It was a cloudy day, and we were hoping to beat the rain. Wally idled the boat out of the slip and into the Little Tennessee River. Doug and I were riding front starboard and Eddie and Moriah sat across from us.

It was a cool and beautiful day and we took in the sights of the river homes and the trees along the banks, some of which were just beginning to turn yellow and orange. We saw a Cherokee museum village, the manufacturing sites for Yamaha and Sea Dog, Payton Manning's boat dock, and the mountains in the distance. Various boats with water skiers and tubes pulled behind passed us. It began to drizzle a little and Moriah covered with a towel. It was beautiful, peaceful and relaxing.

We arrived back to the house just as it really started to rain, and Wally grilled chicken and hamburgers and Susan prepared the baked beans and the rest of the fare. A few of us assisted them in the kitchen and we spent the rest of the afternoon until dusk enjoying each other's company. All three generations of Wallace Edwards in one room and the first son, grandson and great grandson to these great men on the way. "He's moving!" Moriah startles. I place my hand on her tummy and I can feel my grandson kick.Read more