Pigeon Forge and Chattanooga, TN

Training at the track

Bathing the horse

Horseradish

Tobacco hanging to dry

Sunday morning we got up bright and early and went to have breakfast at the racetrack, Keeneland, where we were able to watch some race horses training on the track.  We then did some touring of the countryside.  Some crops were harvested - such as the tobacco as it was hanging to dry in the buildings, and some crops were still growing such as the horse radish.  After spending a couple more days touring around Lexington, Kentucky, it is time to move on.  It is very beautiful in this area.  However, the drive south is equally as beautiful.  We took the interstate (something we
seldom do) and again, the scenery was incredible - ups and downs - across rivers and valleys. 




The opening scene of the show

We arrived in Pigeon Forge, TN and plan to spend several days.  We went down to the Island which is a variety of shops, some live music, and water fountains in tune to music.  Everywhere there are rocking chairs so one can relax and enjoy the scenery or sights - entertainment for seniors I'm guessing.  Actually, many places have rocking chairs - they want you to relax all the time.



Since Dollywood is a theme/amusement park we decided to forgo going there.  We did, however, go to the Dixie Stampede which is part of Dolly Parton's entertainment group.  It was the new Christmas show and involved various kinds of acts but lots  of great music.  There was a segment of trick riding which was amazing.  How some of those riders stay on their horse is beyond me.  One of the segments had a large platform drop down and it was a nativity scene.  Then came a shepherd with a herd of goats, followed by the three wise men on camels.  When you looked up at one end of the arena there was an angel with huge wings, in mid-air.  As this segment came to a close, the platform rose up, the angels wings folded and up she rose.  Unfortunately, I was able to take very few pictures as the lighting was always too low.  Most that pictures I did take was just a blur. 

After moonshine  tasting

There is an enormous factory outlet mall which we decided to walk around.  I say walk as that was all we did - bought nothing.  The funny part was that we went into a Corelle store to buy a couple of plates.  When I saw the price I changed my mind.  On our way home, we decided to stop at Walmart - bought the plates I wanted for less than half the price of the outlet mall - makes a person wonder.  While at the mall we went into a moonshine store to do some sampling (yes, even I tried some).  The rule is that while you are sampling you have to leave your ID on the counter.  The fellow picked up ID and said  "Sask At Chew Wan" and the folks across from us said "Hey, we're from Saskatoon".  How interesting since there were only about eight of us in the place.  I must admit that the taste of the moonshine is certainly different from what I remember!

Lovers Leap

Next stop - Chattanooga, Tennessee.  We drove up Lookout Mountain for some fantastic views.  Then off to downtown to see the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The old train station is a huge hotel and many of the train cars have been converted to other uses - restaurant, gift store, but many have become guest rooms.  Lookout Mountain was our next stop which was quite significant during the American Civil War.  I am quite surprised as how many people live at the top and daily traverse the narrow winding roads.  We took the Incline Railroad which has a 72.7% grade and it goes one mile up the mountain.  On the way up (and down) you can actually view the city below through the skylights on the top of the car.  It really is a neat ride.

Then we toured Rock City which is a combination of trails and caves and massive ancient rock formations.  The cave portion was Fairyland caverns with many displays which the kids seemed to thoroughly enjoyed.  And there was Lovers Leap which provides some amazing views.  There was also Fat Man Squeeze which I went around - it looked too narrow and too dark and too far.  While Gerry went and said it was nothing, I found another way!!

Last week someone mentioned that once Halloween was over, it was time to get ready for Christmas.  Well, on Nov. 1 as we were driving down the highway, we turned on the radio and sure enough, Christmas carols.  As much as I love hearing the carols, this is still a little too early for me.  But all the decorations are out and many are already up - the lighting is very soon in many areas. 

Tomorrow it's time for us to move - hope you have a great week!! For some reason my published blog looks nothing like my draft - I have no idea why my pictures are scattered and the text is broken.  I will work on it this week and perhaps by next weekend, the look will be completely different.   On occasion we will see some interesting signs so thought I would add a couple.