Heading North

First stop was Atlanta to visit with Bob's mom. She is recuperating from a broken ankle in rahab. We had a sweet 3 days with her, spent a few hours and ate dinner with friends Mike and Gloria (leftovers were even tasty for lunch the next day, thank you again!); and ate dinner with and were introduced to Pokémon by Carl, Kimberly (thank you for making the delicious meal Kim!) and Kaleb (also even saw Cherice during dinner!) before heading to Nashville.





I'd never been to Nashville and Bob was there once many years ago so this was a new experience. We were able to check in to a Quality Inn early and drove to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to walk around. Wow, just wow!









This hotel is massive with 3 atriums and 5 sections with a convention center. The atriums are more like a conservatory with exotic and native plants. We spent almost 2 hours just walking around.
























This is a glass sculpture in the Cascade's Check-In area.












There were several waterfalls, one very large, and even a gondola ride in one of the 'rivers.'























Afterward we went to the Nashville Palace for an early dinner and listened to a one man show. We understand why so many musicians flock to Nashville now. Every bar (and there are many) as well as some street corners have people playing and singing waiting for that big break.










We elected to not go to Opryland because we wanted to visit the downtown area too. A shuttle bus picked us up at the hotel and dropped us off downtown, about 15 mins away at 4th and Broadway Streets. It was a Wednesday afternoon/evening and it was loud and hopping. We walked around several blocks and peered in many bars when allowed due to large windows open to the street.




Some bands were just loud, there was blues, hard rock, but mostly country with current or the oldies being featured. There were several blocks with bar after bar with live music available. After walking around for an hour, we went into a bar named Roberts, went in and enjoyed a beer, a super 3 piece band with an incredible guitarist and some fun dancers on the floor.



Note: In May 2010, the rivers crested at 10 to 15 feet over its banks and flooded the Grand Ole Opry House and the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Opry Mills Mall, all in the same location. The Opry House and Gaylord reopened in November 2010 and the Mills reopened in March 2012.









We caught the bus back at 9:30 so got about 3.5 hours in downtown fun!

Time to Wake Up - It's a New Year!

And here I am again to play the part of host for the next few months as we head out on a fresh trip back to Yellowstone. :)

Start date is August 1 as usual and we are looking forward to seeing the wonder and majesty of God in this land. Even though this is our 4th year of going, it doesn't get old. Our anticipation is high and the truck is packed.

There is a down side this year. We have been living in this house for 6 years now. And we are getting attached to it and the neighbors. We still intend to travel...often...but leaving is somewhat harder now.

Catching up on news: We bought a 36' 5th wheel RV in January and have taken it on several trips already. Each time we go out is further than the last. Most often asked question...Are we taking it to Yellowstone? No. Part of our 'job' is to live in the cabins and take care of the other 3 and all the people that come and go. They are so nice that 2 spots to park it were provided in case we did drive it out there. We scoped out both spaces and unfortunately our comfort level with getting it in either one isn't very high. We are talking mountains here.

So it is nicely parked and stored in a fenced, protected yard with other large trucks, RV's and boats. I guess you could call it a work and toy yard!

This year we are taking the northern route. Atlanta, Nashville TN (never been, can't wait!), St. Paul MN (to see cousins I haven't seen in 40+ years), then due west to land in Bozeman MT the night before checking in to Yellowstone Association.

Bring it on!!