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Smoky Mountains Bourbon Trail
  • Kim Verbarg
Apr – May 2022

Smoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

Time for quiet solitude to find myself again. Traveling north to the smoky mountains, Knoxville to see my daughter and son in law, Mammoth Cave, and the bourbon trail Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 17, 2022
  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    First Stop

    April 17, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    First stop: Breakfast in the Walmart parking lot. Pick up a few things and get fuel. Plan: make it to Fort Valley GA by 4pm. We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Feeling like the bayou here, and I'm still in Florida.Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Lane's Peach Orchard

    April 17, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 75 °F

    First day and I'm about 6 hours up the road in Fort Valley, GA. Two years ago when I bought my first RV, I joined Harvest Hosts which is a membership club of thousands of farms, breweries, wineries and golf resorts that allow members to park on their property, visit with them for a small purchase or participation in the products they offer. Today is my first time using my membership.

    I arrived at Lane's Orchards and will stay the night here. It's Easter, so of course they are closed. At the moment I am the only one here. It's very beautiful. Acres and acres of peach trees. The leaves of the peach trees are the brightest green of spring. There are strawberry fields, old tractors on display, and a cute little playground. It's starting to rain. Tomorrow morning the shop and diner open at 9 am, so I hope to go in and buy something, maybe some peach wine or peach cobbler.

    As the rain gets heavier. The winds have picked up. The van rocks back and forth. So I close the door and the west facing window and lock up for the night. It's only 5 pm. I'm enjoying some red wine, smoked gouda and crackers and trying to decide what I want to cook for dinner tonight. Before the rain started, I had thought I might grill outside under the pavilion so as not to heat up the van. I'm going to try not to run the AC, so I save my lithium battery charge. But now I will reconsider dinner plans and perhaps go back to the original plan of making Spaghetti. As the rain comes down hard I'm thinking I will turn the van windshield wipers on to clean off the remains of the bugs that were sacrificed at the expense of my ventures.

    Tonight besides eating, I am planning to get online and process payroll. Yes, I still have to do some work on this trip.

    In the resurrection spirit of this day, here's to new beginnings, renewed life and rebirth.

    Miles today: 368
    Fuel expense: $70.92    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail
    1

    Day 2

    April 18, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Happy Monday! Took me 30 min to clean up this morning including my Puerto Rican shower with Dr Bronner's peppermint soap (quite invigorating). Then sat with coffee and went through the stack of mail that I grabbed on my way out of the condo yesterday morning, which gives me a few phone calls to make while I'm driving.

    Lane's Southern Orchard is charming and peaceful. I bought zesty pickled asparagus, raspberry pepper jam (just need some brie to go with it), and fruit juice sweetened peach jam. Of course I got some peach cobbler which besides the peaches is all sugar and gluten, the two things that I try to avoid. But I'm on vacation.

    Today I have a zoom team meeting at 12:30 so I'll stop somewhere with good phone signal or wifi access. I plan a total drive of less than 4 hrs, depending on Atlanta traffic, landing me in Franklin, NC. I'm planning to stop by Dry Falls before heading into my next Harvest Host destination late afternoon. It's supposed to rain again so plans could change. I've been to Dry Falls several times as a child and maybe even once when I was around 20. That's been a little bit ago.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Dry Falls, Highlands Rd/US Hwy. 64, High

    April 18, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    I've been to Dry Falls and Bridal Falls many times before, but it's been a very long time. It stopped drizzling just long enough for a hike down. The drive through the mountains along that pass was great. The rhododendrons are just about to bloom. Would love to be here when they are blooming. I can see that the next few days are going to be a trip down memory lane for me.Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail
    1

    Springtime in the Mountains

    April 18, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F

    Today I drove into the Smokey mountains of North Carolina. I've never been to the Smokey Mountains in springtime before. As a child we came here every summer to visit my grandparents, and autumn sometimes as well. Spring is gorgeous. The dogwoods are blooming. BJ and Stephanie, the couple whose property I'm staying on tonight, said that it snowed here last week. The grass is brilliant green and the trees, while not all are in their full leaf, are shining brightly. The narrow winding roads that weave up and down and around the mountains are a bit intimidating at first in a large vehicle. Gotta really put the pedal to the metal to get up the hills. But by the last 10 miles, I felt like a race car driver, whipping around those mountain ledges. The van and I became one.

    Tonight it's getting down to 33 degrees. I have a little space heater in here and am electric blanket. My hosts are gracious enough to let me stay here connected to their water and electric for free. And I can dump tomorrow morning before I head out. Tomorrow I'll be once more off the grid completely like last night.

    I'm really enjoying this time away. I find myself smiling while I'm driving. I have RBF, so to someone else it might just look like a pleasant resting face, but I am smiling and my heart is smiling. Music of the day was Fresh Country station. I knew none of the words to the songs, but it was enjoyable and allowed me to drift off in thought. I'm pretty sure I heard "Jesus is a chicken" in one of the songs, but I looked it up and I can't find that anywhere... so not sure. But yeh country music is interesting, so are billboards these days.

    My thoughts are many and random as I'm driving. Coming back here makes me think about my childhood. I had so much hope and belief that anything was possible for me as a young girl. I fear I've lost that hope gradually over the years as things such as heartbreak, loss, death, health issues, and the stress of intense work load have slowly smothered the internal fire inside me. Where is she? Maybe I can find that girl again.

    So today I drove from Fort Valley, Georgia to Franklin, North Carolina. Found fuel for $3.13 a gallon! I discovered that the silly little desk thing that I never use as a desk is a great stand for me to do my piriformis muscle stretches... that's a whole other story. I went to Dry Falls in Nantahala National Forest, amazing place. Then I came into this perfect little mountain haven that this lovely couple has allowed me to stay in, and I made Spaghetti for dinner. Needed something warm and savory that would stick to my ribs on this chilly night. Brrrr.

    Tomorrow: Hot Springs Resort & Spa
    Miles today: 249
    Fuel: $119.70    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Hot Springs Resort & Spa

    April 19, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 45 °F

    Woke up this morning to an INSIDE temperature of 51 degrees. Brrrr. There was ice on the windshield. Got myself and everything ready for travel, coffee made, unhooked the camper and dumped. My grey tank was full, of course, I was hooked to water last night so I used more than I would have otherwise. But still 2 days I think is a good amount to go between dumping and refilling water. Maybe I could make it to the 3rd day. I have 2 extra gallons of tap water just in case I run out. And I suppose if I found a very remote place, I could dump some grey water even though not supposed to. My fingers and toes were freezing this morning.

    I drove just under 2 hours into Hot Springs NC to the Hot Springs Resort & Spa. I had a reservation for a 1.5 hour Mineral water spa with my own private cabin and gas fire pit. Thank you to my neighbor, Chris, who told me about this place. It was very relaxing. I was in tub 5, which is located right on the water where the creek meets the river. I saw two Canadian geese floating down stream on the river into the rapids. Not sure how they can stand water so cold. I was pretty much emerged to my chin the whole time. The low jet hit my lower back just right. It was 45 degrees outside and the wind was whipping through so too chilly to get out. The water they say is pumped in from a mineral spring and it's 100 degrees. I was wishing the water could be about 2 degrees warmer, but that's not possible they day. I was in the water the whole time, never broke a sweat. It was my first bathing since leaving home so I brought my biodegradable soap and washed my hair. It was a little rough exiting and getting dressed in 45 degrees but I managed and headed back to the van to eat blow dry my hair and eat lunch.

    Next venture of the day: hike the Appalachian Trail to Lover's Leap    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Appalachian Trail Lover's Leap

    April 19, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F

    I'm sitting in a big, beautiful barn right now. Why? There is no wifi except in the barn, and there is no phone signal here either. So when I walk back to the van for the night, I will be off the grid. Emergency calls only. I'm at this cute little place called Paint Rock Farm for the night. Planning to open the bottle of red wine I bought and maybe set up the grill. It is quite chilly though.

    After leaving the spa, I parked in town by the railroad tracks and walked to the outfitters store. Evidently, Bridge St in Hot Springs is part of the Appalachian Trail. As I was driving in, I saw many hikers with backpacks, walking sticks and long beards. Speaking of... I haven't shaved in 3 days. Like I didn't even go that long after my surgery.

    So, I go to the outfitter store. It's amazing the things they have in there for camping and hiking. So cool. For some reason I couldn't remember why I wanted to go there before my hike. So after looking around awhile, I left for the 2 plus mile hike from town up to Lover's Leap via the Appalachian Trail. Once I got on the trail I remembered why I wanted to go to the outfitters store.... to get a walking stick.

    The trail starts out asking the French basin river, and there is a small waterfall there. I was alone on the trail, just like my drive into Hot Springs this morning, no one to be seen. It is absolutely gorgeous. I did see a couple of campsites along the river, but no persons. Once I started the hike up, the trail got pretty steep. I was wishing for those walking sticks. The further up the trail i climbed, the quieter it became as the river became further away. After stopping about 5 times to slow my heart rate down from about 180 bpm I finally made it to the overlook. The view was amazing.

    I walked quite a bit more and was looking for the orange markers for the trail back to the road, but they weren't there. I kept climbing up, and I was saying outloud to myself, I got to be coming down this mountain soon. I looked on the map and it looked like I was half way to Tennessee or something. All I could think of was having a heart attack, falling down the mountain and the panthers licking my contusions. I was so afraid of getting lost and didn't have a good map. I took that picture of the trail after I came back down the mountain. So I turned around and walked back down the way I came. I passed about a dozen hikers coming back down, almost all of which had hiking sticks.

    I made it down and walked back into town to the outfitters store to look at hiking sticks. I pick a set up and they were $150 so I decided I would do some research first before making a purchase. The I went next door to see what they had there. It was an exquisite selection of gourmet foods. I chose a bottle of red wine from Barcelona. Danny recommended it; he said it had peppery notes. I also grabbed some crackers and went to check out. When I went to get my wallet out of my orange Italian leather backpack, it was not there!

    So I walked back to the van to look for my wallet... no where. I looked everywhere 5 times. Checked my discover card activity and it was silent. So I looked around outside the van, nada. I walked down the street to the brewery and inquired to see if anyone turned in a wallet. One guy asked another guy who asked another guy and then the guy sitting next to him yells out "Kimberly". I jumped, put my hand up in the air and said, "That's me!". They asked me where I was from and they said you check out. They have your wallet over at City Hall. But alas it was 5:45 pm and City Hall was closed. I went back to the van to get some cash. Thankfully, all of my cash was in my purse and not in my card holder pocket. By golly, I went back to the gourmet store to buy that wine and crackers. That's when Danny said he would text the mayor and see if she could help me.

    A couple minutes later the Mayor Norton of Hot Springs, NC called me. She was two doors down so she came over to City Hall and found my wallet for me. Miracle on Bridge Street.

    I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost that. So that's my day. Now going to go off grid and turn in for the night. 🌙 night night    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Crazy Night- Battery Depleted

    April 19, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 45 °F

    I had a pretty crazy night. I had just finished eating dinner when the power flickered and all the plugged in appliances stopped. The portable heater stopped running, my phone flickered as the charging stopped. I looked at the battery panel, Inverter control and Balmar system and it was so low (<20%) that it had shut itself off. This happened to me once before, so I knew the only way to get it turned back on was to plug in to an electrical outlet. Only takes a second, but have to plug in. Well, it wouldn't have been such a big deal except that it was only 9:20 pm and it was already 37 degrees outside, plus I had no phone signal at all. I did have just under 3/4 tank of gas.

    So, I figured I had three options: 1) wake up Lindsay the kind host on the property with 2 small children under the age of 6 to see if she could move me to a non boon docking space. 2) turn the van engine on and off throughout the night to keep the van warm (but I wasn't sure how well this would work at freezing temps) or 3) drive to Ashville, find a place to plug in briefly and be in a place that has phone service and fuel.

    Now mind you, I was 8 oz of wine in and had just popped a muscle relaxer. Three days before leaving on the trip I went to the orthopedic urgent care. I had been having pain in my butt and hips for over 3 weeks, and the last week it was so intense that I couldn't work. I diagnosed myself with piriformis syndrome. I had 3 massages, 2 chiro adjustments, 2 physical therapy appointments, a myofascial release session, had iced and heated and stretched, and was taking ibuprofen. At the urgent care they did an x-ray which I knew was pretty much useless for diagnosis of what I had. They found a couple other things, but none the less, Dr agreed with me on the piriformis diagnosis and prescribed me a steroid pack and muscle relaxers...

    In my dilemma, I chose the third option... get to a place with more resources. I knew I only had 2 hours before the muscle relaxer would kick in and I wouldn't be able to keep my eyes open. I quickly buckled up the van for travel and set out back to town. There was no phone signal, so I had to go off my memory on how I got to this remote location. I found Hot Springs, but on a week night at almost 10 pm, the town was shut down. Now having phone signal, I pulled over to get directions to Ashville which was almost an hour drive away.

    So I headed off on the steep, curvy mountain roads in the pitch black of night, the only lights being my headlights. Sign says 8% grade, "okay brake 3 seconds every 10 seconds". Ears popping, runaway truck ramp, my screen displays "possible ice on roads"... I find a small town gas station that is closed, but I spot an electrical outlet on the front of the building. It's not secured to the concrete, so it's sort of dangling in place. I put my coat on and quickly jump out to plug in for a second. That instantly restarts the inverter, so now I'm charging as I'm driving.

    I roll into downtown Ashville at 11 pm. All I see are homeless men. I wonder how they will stay warm tonight. I just need to find a gas station, so I can top off my tank and then a safe, well lit parking lot to sleep in. I ended up in the Trader Joe's parking lot. I woke up every 30-60 min to turn on the engine or turn off the engine so i could have heat and recharge the battery. The heat or the cold woke me up each time. It wasn't a very restful night.

    Today, I'm just recovering I guess. Might take a nap. I joined The Joint recently so went to see the chiropractor here in Ashville. Thanks to a friend who gave me a Massage Envy gift card I have a massage scheduled for 3 pm.

    I spent an hour on the phone with tech support to find out how to work the automatic engine start up when the battery gets low... only to find out that this battery system doesn't have that option. I've done Ashville before, so today I will just rest. I need a good night's sleep.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    My Grandparent's Summer Home

    April 20, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Today I had a great chiro adjustment and a massage. My neck never adjusts, but today the chiropractor did what she called the "traction method". She took a rolled up terrycloth type towel and placed it behind my neck. Then she wrapped each end around my throat to the opposite side and back toward her past my mandible as she was sitting behind me. She said, "ok, keep your teeth together so you don't bite your tongue." Then she pulled up on my neck toward her and it adjusted. My massage by Michael was the deepest massage I've ever had, and really worked out some kinks.

    Tonight I'm staying in the campground where my grandparents lived 6 months out of the year, May 1 to Nov 1. Growing up, we came here every summer for vacation. Back then it was called Fort Tatham Campground after the Fort Tatham Creek. Now it is called Sun Retreats Nantahalla. It's not changed that much in all these years. I am very happy to see how well it's been maintained. The Fort that we played in is long gone, and there's a pavilion now over the shuffleboard court. Some of the cabins have painted the wood siding instead of the traditional red paint-stained look. Some of the cabins have metal roofs now.

    My grandparents cabin was number 16 right in the corner of the property on the creek. Like literally the camper is ON the creek, almost hanging over the creek. The creek is a small but rapid flowing stream that bubbles gently over the rocks. One can hear and see the creek sitting on the porch and all night long inside the cabin. Every summer we would get a big, long watermelon and wedge it between the rocks in the creek to chill it. The water was so cold. There are so many memories here, but besides nostalgia, I'm just happy to see this place thriving and so well cared for. When I arrived today, the office was already closed so I couldn't check in. I was sure that I had made a reservation for 2 nights, but I never received a confirmation email and I don’t see any charges on my credit card statement. So I'm thinking I never made the reservation. Tomorrow when I go into the office to let them know that I've been squatting on their property all night, I'm going to inquire to see if my relatives still own cabin 16. Cabin 16 is one of the few cabins here that hasn't been updated. It really looks the same as it always did. My cabin I mean a little trailer built inside of a roof overhead, deck and porch.

    The weather warmed up so beautifully today. Once I arrived at the campsite, I walked around quite a bit... both exercise and a walk down memory lane. Then I set up camp, had dinner and took a really nice, hot shower.

    Another set back today: pulled out the grill, a brand new table top grill. to grill the chicken. The screws to attach the legs to the grill are missing, so I couldn't grill. Tomorrow I'll see if I can get replacement screws or find out the size and length of the screw. I guess there is always something with camping, but especially with new campers and new equipment. I'm still in disbelief that I have no way to prevent my van from going into lithium battery collapse without manually turning the ignition on.

    Today was a day of release. Release of stress. Release of burdens.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    The Road To Nowhere Part 1

    April 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Driving up from Sylva NC to Knoxville, I wanted to make a few stops including driving through Bryson City and checking out the Road to Nowhere. I did my research on it. I knew that it was a road that was started in the 30's and 40's. At the end of the road they built a tunnel, and then just stopped the construction. I knew there were walking trails and that you couldn't drive to the tunnel but had to walk, but what I imagined it to be was not at all what it was. I made it much more difficult that it actually was.

    I set my Google maps to lead me to my destination. It was a winding mountain road just like all the others. The further from the city, the less reception I had. Listening to Fleetwood Mac and the music would stop and start streaming. I pass a scenic overlook that looks stunningly beautiful but it's on the opposite side of the street, so I pass. Just part this point, Google maps says I've arrived, but I don't really see anything and I don't know if it's accurate since there is no phone signal now. I see a parking lot with about 3 parked cars. There are some trails there. They are blocked off to vehicles, but I'm not sure it's the Road to Nowhere.

    I decide to double back to the lookout hoping to get phone signal so I can figure out where the Road to Nowhere is located. I get there and take some pics, but there is still no phone signal. The overlook was a gorgeous view of the river below between the mountains. With no more information at hand, I decide to drive 2 miles back to the small parking lot and trail head to see if that's the Road to Nowhere.

    Now if you've been there before, you are already laughing at me. Anyway. I get our of the van to hike. Layered 3 layers of clothing, my backpack on my back which includes nothing but a bottle of water and my keys. I start down the trail which is a very steep blacktop road. It's so steep that I'm taking baby steps and my toes are hurting as they bang against my shoes with each step. I need better hiking shoes. "OK, this looks like a road. It's steep, and yes, I will have to walk back up this mountain, but I've come this far and I'm going to find this road to nowhere and the tunnel."

    I come to the bottom of the blacktop road and it splits in 2 directions. To the left is a wooden bridge over the creek, so I decide to go that way.

    As you can hear on my video, I'm convinced that I'm on the road to nowhere. I cross the bridge, and the road turns to a mulched dirt trail. A little bit further down, I cross a second bridge over the same winding creek, followed by a third and fourth wooden bridge. I'm being careful to count, make mental notes and document everything in pics so I can find my way back.

    This app only allows me to post so many pics and videos per post, so this story is to be continued...    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Officially not the Road to Nowhere

    April 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    After the fourth bridge, the trail turned to grass, then mud, then the trail narrowed to 2.5 feet wide with downed trees and rocks blocking the path. The creek is now to my right. I'm officially in the wilderness in my own with nothing but an Italian leather backpack and a bottle of water. I'm seriously beginning to doubt that I'm on the road to nowhere at this point. There is no phone signal.

    There is an area by the creek with lots of rocks. One rock is large and flat enough to make a bed on, so I head that way. My right foot slips on a rock and I splat down on my behind on just the rock I had intended to sit on. I take a break to enjoy my surroundings and drink some water. I'm not rationing yet. Why would I? If I need water, the clear cool water of the creek is right there. I find a sign. I'm on the Noland Creek Trail at campsite 65. Just beyond this, the creek ends into a still lake and I officially decide I'm NOT on the road to nowhere. I turn back and retrace my steps. To be continued...    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    One More Try

    April 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    I'm pretty sure no one has searched harder for the Road to Nowhere than me. At this point I'd already hiked 4.5 miles, but I was determined. As I returned to the trail head, I decided to take the trail in another direction hoping that it might be the road to nowhere. This time, however, after about 40 minutes of walking I found other humans on the trail and I asked them if this was the road to nowhere. These were the first people I had seen in three hours. "Is this the road to nowhere?" I asked them with the same emotional intensity of "Are you my mother?". No, they replied. "The Road to Nowhere is the main road that you were driving on. If you take it just a bit further, it will end and there is a parking lot where you can park and walk to the tunnel."

    OMG how did I miss the obvious? So I turned around once again, laughing at myself all the way back to the van. I think I got a 7 mile hike in before breakfast. It was actually a very beautiful scenic hike and I would do it again.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    The Road To Nowhere Tunnel

    April 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    I found it! Finally

    The main road just ends like 6 miles out (I think I read). The end of the road is barricaded to cars, and just beyond the barricade is the tunnel. They were building this road in the 1940s and after completing the tunnel, just stopped. I guess that's what happens when you get tunnel vision, you end up in the road to nowhere.

    The tunnel was about 15-20 degrees cooler than outside it seemed. Graffiti lined both sides of the walls. The road has eroded over time and the horse manure is plentiful. It didn't smell bad though. Starting into the the tunnel there was plenty of light, but when I reached the middle it was pitch black dark except for the light at the end of the tunnel. I had my lantern. I walked to the other side and sat down on a fallen tree trunk for a bit. Walking back I was the only one in the tunnel, so I sang The Alpine Shepherdess, an Italian aria that I know by heart. I sang it in a recital when I was 17. It's a fun song to sing. I sang it walking down the Grand Canal in Venice too.

    La Pastorella dell'Alpi

    Count Carlo Pepoli

    Son bella pastorella,

    Che scende ogni mattino

    Ed offre un cestellino

    Di fresche frutta e fior.

    Chi viene al primo albore

    Avrà vezzose rose

    E poma rugiadose,

    Venite al mio giardin.

    Chi nel notturno orrore

    Smarrì la buona via,

    Alla capanna mia

    Ritroverà il cammin.

    Venite, o passaggiero,

    La pastorella è qua,

    Ma il fior del suo pensiero

    Ad uno sol darà!

    The Shepherdess of the Alps

    English Translation © Nicholas Cornforth

    I am the pretty shepherdess,

    Who comes down every morning,

    Offering a little basket

    Of fresh fruit and flowers.

    Those who come at first light

    Will find delightful roses

    And apples damp with dew,

    Come all to my garden.

    Those who lost their way

    In the horror of the night,

    Will find their path once more

    At my little cabin.

    Come, oh passing traveller,

    The shepherdess is here,

    Yet the flower of her thoughts

    She will give to one and one alone    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Cherokee NC & Minco Falls

    April 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    I'm alive. Yesterday was pretty packed with travel, hiking and sightseeing. I hiked outside of Bryson City near the Road to Nowhere for about 4 hours. More on that saga later. I keep laughing out loud every time I think about it. It's a good one. I did get several miles of hiking in though before breakfast.

    Then I drove to Cherokee. This was a vacation stop for us every year as children. I had a little Indian doll (this was before PC) like the one pictured. I went into the Qualla gallery to see the pottery, basket weaving and wood carvings of the Cherokee tribe. Then across the street seemed to be just store after store of cheap trinkets. There were some cute little baby moccasins. I got a couple scoops of ice cream and started talking to a Cherokee man who was beating a drum and selling tomahawks and beaded chokers. He said his son lives in Brandon. I asked him if any of the shops sell flutes. He pointed me in the right direction and I found a beautiful walnut flute in C minor and a pair of turquoise earrings.

    Then I headed up the road to Minco Falls. It was a steep walk with about a hundred stairs to the top where the bridge and waterfall is. I've never been here before that I recall. It was really gorgeous and so worth the steep climb.

    Then I was headed to Knoxville. Goal: reach Knoxville by 7:30 pm, about the time Moriah and Eddie are finishing work.

    Driving through the Great Smokey Mountain National Park was beautiful. There were overlooks, museums, creeks and large deer. I wound by Gatlinburg and stopped at the Gatlinburg scenic overlook... through Pigeon Forge and waved hi to Dolly.

    I made it to Knoxville where my daughter and son in law live by 7:30. Haven't seen Moriah and Eddie since around Christmas. They are loving it here. They live within a mile of the mall, chic fila and everything you could want.

    We freshened up, had a toast and headed out to Conners for dinner. They have raved about this restaurant. Very delicious steak dinner (I had fillet mignon) and the best calamari I've ever had.

    I slept in the van last night. Today we're headed to downtown Knoxville.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail
    1

    Knoxville Hiking and Day Camping

    April 22, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    We decided to wait to go to downtown Knoxville until tomorrow because parking is free on the weekends. We decided to do some hiking and go to another park for lunch and hammocking. We're at Admiral Farrugut Park on the Tennessee River. There is a Frisbee golf course here and there is a steady use of groups coming through to play. We hiked about 3.5 miles this morning on a trail before heading here. Set up camp, made our own Boars Head turkey subs and chillaxed in our camping chairs. The weather is beautiful in the shade and the birds and very happy. It's relaxing to just be and relax here together. I'm sure Moriah needs this relaxation time after tax season and a long winter.

    I did dishes outside in my outside sink after lunch, then packed up. I repacked my cargo carrier so that the things I need the most often are on the top.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail
    1

    Downtown Knoxville

    April 23, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Downtown Knoxville is pretty awesome! I love how it is a metropolitan area with all the venues of a large city, but yet it is so accessible, making it feel more like a small hometown. It's the people there and the way they interact with the city mainly that gives it that smaller hometown vibe. Today there was an EV show, the Dogwood Crafts Festival, and lots of prom couples. Moriah and Eddie only live about 10 minutes away from Downtown, so we got there quickly and parked for free in the parking garage.

    Knoxville was home to one of the last World's Fairs in 1982. They built the Sunsphere and an outdoor theater just for the event. We paid $5 to go up inside the Sunsphere. It's a 76 ft diameter gold ball that is 26 stories high, where we walked around, had a 360 degree view of the city, read about the city, the history of the sphere and the World Fair.

    From there we visited the Knoxville Museum of Art that features Tennessee artists, Asian artists and Women artists.

    After that, we were feeling quite hungry, so we headed to Market Street where we saw mass hula hooping and street musicians and ate lunch at Stock and Barrel. Delicious hamburgers there.

    We then walked up Gay Street across the railroad tracks to the winery, but they were having a private event today so were closed. We headed back down Gay St to Blackhorse Brewery for a drink. And then found ourselves back at the park at Market Street where we took some photos before heading back home. After all that walking in the hot sun, full bellies and drinks, we came home and took a nap.

    Knoxville is beautiful!    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Last Day in Knoxville

    April 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    After a wonderful, long weekend with Moriah and Eddie in Knoxville, I'm pulling out this morning. Yesterday was our final day. After brunch at Jake's, we headed to Pigeon Forge to enjoy some mountain views and found ourselves at the Curahee winery. We did wine tasting and bought a few bottles. I bought Strawberry wine for Rebecca whom I'm picking up in an hour on the north side of town. The winery was in a shopping plaza with a little kiddie train, a large grassy area with corn hole, large chess and checkers. We walked around and watched people fly up this ride real fast only to be dropped down. We went into Flavortown and walked around a bit. Then at REI, I became an official lifetime member of their Co-Op. I bought some walking shoes and walking sticks as well, so now I'm all ready for the bourbon trail. Last night we went to Firebird for a nice steak dinner and carrot cake for dessert. I took a nice long bath after dinner. Might not get one of those for awhile.

    On to Mammoth Cave today. We're expecting rain and cold again. I see a campfire and strawberry wine in my future. Right now, enjoying my morning coffee.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Mammoth Cave Day 1 of 2

    April 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    What a great day! This morning I swung up to north Knoxville to pick up my cousin, Rebecca, who flew in from Tampa and stayed with her friend in Knoxville over the weekend. We then hit the road toward Mammoth Cave.

    We made a few stops including Walmart for groceries and Cumberland Mountain State Park where we hiked the 2.8 mile Pioneer short loop trail. I installed the AllTrails app on my phone which was amazing to know exactly where I was and track my hike. I wore my new hiking shoes, Altras, and I almost stepped on a snake, 6-7 feet long, 2.5 inches in diameter. Rebecca has the pics.

    We were routed on all these great scenic back roads and were listening to The Dead South bluegrass sound.

    Mammoth Cave is in central time zone. So we arrived here about 3:30 pm. Went to the camp store first and bought firewood. Then went to the visitor center where we bought tour tickets and watched a historical film. I bought a magnet for the back of my van! First one.

    Then we came and set up camp. I got the feet on the grill and used the grill for the first time. I cooked little red potatoes and 2 hamburger patties which we placed on a Spinach, beet, Artichoke and feta salad. While I was cooking Rebecca brought out a charcuterie board and wine and we started a fire. What a night. I think it's just beginning, lol. There's much more that Rebecca captured, but might have to catch that on Facebook.

    Next up, Moon Pies on the fire.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Mammoth Cave National Park

    April 26, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    Rebecca likes camping, she says. This is her first time camping. She loves nature and hiking as much I do, so we've been doing quite a lot of that. This morning we set out on a 3 mile hike on the trails here in the National Park. We saw some deer on the trail.

    After our hike, we hung our hammocks before heading out on our first cave tour. We did the Frozen Niagara section of the cave. Then after dinner, we did a lantern tour of the cave. So amazing! More than 400 miles of cavern and they keep finding more connecting caves.

    Overall we walked over 7 miles today, saw a couple more deer on the trail waking back to the campground. Our camping neighbor Matthew from Rhode Island who has been tenting all month since he was laid off, shared his campfire with us. We shared our moon pies with him and taught him how to make an instant smore by heating a moonpie in the fire.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Makers Mark Distillery

    April 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    Today we hit the bourbon trail. I specifically chose the distilleries we went to because they are some of the most well known, but also because of reviews. Many people said Makers Mark was their favorite, the most beautiful and interesting. We went there first, so we spoiled ourselves.

    When we arrived 20 min before the 1pm tour, there were 2 spots available on the tour. We jumped in on that tour of the distillery. We saw the whole process from grinding to cooking, fermenting, proofing, barreling, tasting, labeling and putting the wax seal on. They have their own spring fed lake on their 1000 acres that they use for cooking their grains. Whisky is spelled without an e intentionally because of Margie the founder's Scottish background. They use an old school printing press to make all their bottle labels. About 20-25% of the alcohol placed in the barrels evaporates through the barrels during the 5-7 years of aging. The Fungus in the air from the vapors causes the buildings and trees to turn black. This is why their buildings are black... to hide the ugly Fungus.

    We got to taste 5 types of their bourbon, buy a bottle and then dip the lid in the wax ourselves. I bought my bourbon trail passport and got my first stamp. We walked out with a bottle of freshly waxed 46, a bottle of mint julip and some mint bourbon chocolate balls. On the road to the next distillery.    Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Bourbon Trail Day 1

    April 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    After our visit to Maker's Mark, we headed up to Heaven Hill distillery and then Jim Beam. We didn't do tours at either, but we stopped to admire the bourbon and the distillery. Our final destination was downtown Louisville where we hung out in Nulu at Bar Vetti, Gerti's Bar and surprise speakeasy below. Then we headed to Main St to Stevie Ray's Blues Bar. It was open mic night and the local talent was awesome. The night went on until 4 am playing darts at a small dive bar on 3rd.Read more

  • Kim VerbargTravelerSmoky Mountains Bourbon Trail

    Whiskey Row

    April 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Remember that time we slept on Whiskey Row? Yes, we did. Last night we were parked on Main Street in downtown Louisville- Whiskey Row. At 7:15 am I heard the traffic start for the day, zooming by us, and knew I needed to move or pay the meter. So I moved the van to a paid parking lot, $6 for the day. Then we slept another 3 hours.

    We saw more of Louisville today and I have a few more stamps in my Bourbon Trail passport. Today we went to the Frasier Bourbon museum, Old Forester, Michters, Angels Envy and Evan Williams. The highlight of the day was the tour at Old Forester. We only did Bourbon testing there, although we bought a flight of Michters at dinner at Merle's Whiskey Kitchen, and a couple 1 oz bottles at Angels Envy.    Read more

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