Jun 16 2013

Some surprising discoveries

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I must be the biggest kid anywhere. I think I had more fun than the boys did today. Today was all about a cavern, gems and speed.  I loved them all while the boys had their favorite moments.

We first went to the Lost Sea. We discovered the cavern is 56 degrees and that when there is a drought, the lake level decreases. I think that the coolest part was hearing that the water is 75 feet at its deepest end. Sean and Brian liked when the tour guide drove us out on the boat and a lot of trout came over to get some food.

Their favorite part of the day was stopping at the General Store across from the cavern in what they call Old Sweetwater Village.  The boys discovered “gem mining”.  They take a bag of dirt and put some into their pans and rinse away the dirt to find hidden gems.  They were ecstatic to see what they could find.  Later when we were back at the trailer, they had fun identifying all the different gems.

IMG_0555Finally, we headed to Pidgeon Forge, TN where we indulged in our need for speed with go-carts.  Adventure Raceway is a wooden three level track.  Sean and I rode together in a double cart while Brian hopped in a single cart.  The best part of this track is at the top where there is a bit of a hill so you get to hop over at the top.  We decided we had to try another track so we drove down just a bit and saw Fast Tracks with a misting system that goes off at the end.  We all decided that this track was even better than the first track due to the misting and that the go-carts were faster.

We all crashed after todays excitement.  We head out early to get to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and Campground in Hurricane Mills, TN.  After that it will be on to Arkansas!

Here are the pictures from the Lost Sea Adventure.  Click on any of them to open it in a slideshow:

Jun 14 2013

On the road at last

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We finally got on the road today. True it wasn’t until 11:15 am instead of 9 am but I am being flexible. My main concern was getting on the road before the incoming storm hit us.

IMG_0516For me the best part of the day was going to a drive in theatre with the boys. I had planned on opening the back glass of the excursion to protect the kids from the occasional sprinkles but the interior lights in the Monster wouldn’t shut off. We watched Epic, or rather the kids did. I spent most of the time trying to figure out which fuse would turn off the lights. The kids loved it at first but being up since 7am wore them out.

 

Sean chilling the first day

Sean chilling the first day

We stayed at Lake View RV Park just outside of Bristol, TN. The view of the lake is great. Sean gives the showers there two thumbs up for being clean and relaxing. All the spots were fairly level and everyone was very friendly. Sean asked why people kept waving at us. I told him its traditional to wave hello or nod your head when you see someone. He is now in charge of waving to our our new neighbors. He is very proud of himself.

We have done a lot more than what I have written, but I’m on my iPhone since I can’t get a signal for mifi on my laptop. I will add a post soon with all the other info and some pictures

May 25 2013

First trip. First night

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It’s 5am and I am trying to stay quiet as I write this. The boys and I have spent our first night in the trailer!

We moved the trailer to Bull Run Park yesterday so we would be able to load up the trailer. This first load is the roughest due to the amount of stuff. Kitchen stuff, bathroom stuff, kids stuff, clothes. I will post a list and let you know at the end of the big trip what we didn’t need to bring.

It’s kinda like when we first moved into our house. Everything was moved in with bags and boxes. It was a bit overwhelming. I decided to get the kids comfy first and I made up their beds. They love the bunk beds and were calling it the SB Club. It has a curtain so it feels like a cave. But, if their happy, I’m happy. I will try to post some pictures later.

I originally planned on making pancakes for them this morning but I apparently forgot to pack dish soap. Sigh. They get a breakfast of graham crackers.

Brian is now also awake. I guess I’m not quiet enough. He wants to know everything now. Who sleeps where? What will we be eating? When will we get there? And most importantly, who gets to sit in the cool seats in the back of Nav.

Off to wake up Sean. He gets to lead us to the bathrooms this morning. Brrrr! Did I mention it’s 40 degrees outside.

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Mar 27 2013

Our Hideout

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Here are a few pictures of our Hideout trailer.

Outside

 

Here is the outside view.

 

 

 

 

main area

 

 

Here is the main seating area with the dining table and sofa.

 

 

 

Bunk Beds

 

 

Here is a shot of the bunk beds.  You can also see the door leading to the bathroom and the fridge, microwave, and stove in the kitchen.

 

 

tv center

 

 

Behind this wooden wall is a queen bed.  We will be putting a tv here.  I plan to bring the xbox for rainy days.

 

 

I seem to have forgotten to take a picture of what it looks like inside when the slide isn’t out so you could see how much more room it gives us.  Since it’s a two month trip, I think having the extra room due to the slide out will be worth the extra money.

Take care y’all

 

 

 

 

Feb 23 2013

Yes, it’s really going to happen!

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Welcome family and friends to our insanity.  What else can you call one mom and two kids traveling cross-country while towing a 30 foot trailer.  I have been thinking about taking my kids across the US for quite a while.  I have fond memories of traveling with my grandparents every summer.  I am hoping to impart my grandparents adventurous spirits to my kids while encouraging them to disconnect from technology.

We will post the good, the bad, and the ugly as we try to get along in close quarters for two weeks.  Join us for some smiles, laughs and tears as we ride where the road takes us this summer.