tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86477003694237219242024-02-20T03:31:43.511-05:00Our Recreational TravelsDescriptions and photos of our vacation adventures, and things happening around and in our family.Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-42071593325922078182012-07-25T20:07:00.001-04:002012-07-25T20:07:08.208-04:00Clinmans Dome<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5769262818938004834'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoJeROvNhAJO7GAs6IGBI2EtPyG1Cj5SA8OOx9ipz_L45aEs5uzIoKR5GO4oqnypi002ZtBWYR8sMaq6HcdUHqiWGKGlZKOWjCA1n3CVOptUaLXvjvFjTlfvI2RiZvycXL8ohbgK5hIZk/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We drove up to Clingmans Dome this morning where it was breezy, foggy and in the 60s. It was still pretty and we saw some wildflowers in bloom we haven't seen for a while.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5769262847643397298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVOlXRkhUU-nZcptGMHNRdy8bSlpwJryh8G9ta6NNn2FwtRStgukGEzE0SyH8tRssMdnlcBTUFyMr95hC0lPrUbM816XFtfa0B6l2_DEI3n3YRZqOe7_RMaq4q9dwJHhNBKfTR5j98j26/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The climb to the top (6643 feet above sea level) was much easier in the coolness. The trail climbs something like 2000 feet in 1/2 mile - very steep.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5769262880897113346'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN6bLQOIzprIsjr-1XCII-i6reYDW9aT8K5lOq_1Sd74mTQa_KlLOuMiM0IsLDabjyr5kQeOelbLSnGVwhYyGf471x3isAYcsI1M-kB061FNhudauvfh-oObpS0BqODTCxOvM8cn9PlMB/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There is a 50 feet high tower at the top of the mountain. The view was a bit restricted today!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5769262926974853698'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyt0zOh2uFul9yDlYotSMURD79WHN7JNQC9BBFm_whMey8ApsSHDloVIBsgot6bg-ze1ZFJMUBV0HPLpiM5_9IuVajMDfG8p4BFbA76pKNM9g_S2QtdHfuJcunnCsJZeJOBKLj56OsBYh/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On the North Carolina side, we stopped at a working grist mill where the Park Service grinds both wheat and corn to sell in visitor centers.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5769262969333603906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6npSj7foGW7Q2i-2_Ij_GAS8OjMXRWOnbT35zZFkLeTohGwfjE7PZbKS_NmGQ8EGpE3xvPVilqmvSbBtIpSmz0RCM6StpjLpqMihxDbeZfY7ViKPH48mF4sOttQd8-KN-9_SXXAveg1pX/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On the way back down to Gatinburg we stopped at Newfound Gap overlook - there was no fog and the view is spectacular:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5769263007779625058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrkllCvE9qNuOvCRytopo_ME6rt_SsyhM6ywNOOVg0QG1pP6PjGcyIgFWDssl4bVQ5Pt_Am0hYKBRHE_m41j9IWynjZK-Ye132q1f8HWHPA39V8quMwMbcLBmQHlU3XrEwUx1Z5aeqVFf/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5769263037186849634'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGEjMMrsw_SjEDCoVjqGoaLcWSHgqaObXUaNffz6CKs5Bko6UB1c3MnKHYG3WnBDogdTd0gz1-uniPCSSYaK667zEW9Uag05HD5ljHEWI-cbdnpHtHCuvCNcmxF0eyA1ZR85EGtPTfhbp/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The weather was great and our legs held up to the climb at Clingmans - what more could we ask for?<br /><br />Ross and Dottie Frid<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Smoky%20Mountain%20National%20Park%4035.729057%2C-83.482072&z=10'>Smoky Mountain National Park</a></p>Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-29390256530964708222012-07-23T22:22:00.001-04:002012-07-23T22:22:17.784-04:00Alamo Steakhouse<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768555577881335090'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsesLvqam91MN0OASxOS6vgwavwDiBetsu9BO6kcnKKayemLxSkkP_wMbZLZEfEkmY-Nnxpjt4LAg_Pxsl6bkJwa6Kk-d9OAM0tFiF64D5j5fdZzsBfmfCmCSt6dZdClbNa8oaVZHEeClU/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tonight we dined at this great place that does great steaks (Angus only) cooked over oak fires.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768555603038240226'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDRsNg7KJq0x0UcbuS1O3gVSK2ovpsUF8AuwaTcwKNRMo3D9igCZM59AOxrhdd2tc1bvACxTzgBxPfDLTq-oD9jWTzr-6FvJEH-iYz-If926zFeCuPyjleuw5aohbFZ9RJbTJKaQ8cZZD/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768555636586940306'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsv4jDqHc5pHfPBiGkzmR0-tOKLhW4G9CYkWOv-h_JjlfcSNWhFBP9sCRDtvayPCfKN15dm74mgC-9gISYqBOwSoLEs1AgOoJeO1o8pfeHWh_6hHOeDz8eMZm7Hb8hxib0YOsl7XC1G6V/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768555662714576354'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyanLvAjxqek1O7lA91XsQzJmWkbRQhwuvZM75DDTdwAvHHmuUR5fRMNcs0HeN1ariE2SPRk6qmO223US61I3kRwCNwphvCOEyjHilNO_YzVwOGH2Y1oxpjxYI3LkerBoDW3Ti3avdU4Y/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Probably the best steaks this side of Texas (Texas does steaks over Mesquite - a superior wood for beef.)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768555695785036594'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3M1FuNYwd0x2gepsqSdh_gkV9PCNPlxBxHzL7Gjd13sj2oOc7cdzYQC89xT2CoWiTZpqeT7APM9zUaw3WkSmpEskhhTBBljjv9tgIUdHjse2-gUmtd4-Vwkz7b8jyssXr3l_BXYCvom1X/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The restaurant is adjacent to one of the rivers for a nice setting.<br /><br /><br />Ross and Dottie Frid<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Gatlinburg,%20Tennessee&z=10'>Gatlinburg, Tennessee</a></p>Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-49781389734273309192012-07-23T15:41:00.001-04:002012-07-23T15:41:55.197-04:00Great Smoky Mountains N.P.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768452335387422994'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYfSfhaWP3jvSx7I_a-cPAIMjpave83NFVwjUIl5SWZNhEjOr0zrmhQPxskzA9eafY85vjFNAXMkSKONNb7_cTx2XtjC95NauM4TQLtiTPTIp1MS9xRxAcco22LvPpOC_CLEe_WCte-CM/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We did an auto tour today because it was supposed to rain. We decided to start from the Sugarlands Visitor Center in order to get directions. While there Ross picked up a map for a short nature hike next to the center that goes to Cataract Falls.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768452369973287586'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcZ5kzuKVldmd1GqEAur4I6YVmTkqtxuTYFWsHlsZemnz3ic-Qbobu39tsspCOw_1YIaCI5A1blGRgq8qOuUNpeOXbpOdzW6BOxlkr1xg9xZ8Ii6JSFy2doV-UNiaj4j68HMezyOQppQm/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768452406639674578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWdnBC4-v-mzxEX1jV4Hb-dwPafk2BMLm1CGFG0xG7WROP0glwoQSnZfTaE6F-xJjjR3CweJ3-qLdrCdAfAaYlse7sqSx93r_YOM_hZB6uQZOQi4P3G_Qmp76hYJuvgPTskhn9eEl3f93/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Not much of a falls, but a fun walk anyways.<br /><br />After the visitor center we drove the old Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail where we saw a bear on the road right away. After taking some pictures, we stopped at the Ogle Place, an historic homestead/farm located along a trail that was the original Gatlinburg road.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768452436350974498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnI1iAeaWRKcoaMi43ctZ1IBAkK5GIzaxh9ptcEuRU-OiSyILud71Vaz9u8ifNuHAYBVF4nRdzf3z4nC3HlvaphQLHxYbjTakbxWUC3scqLM_4MxTE0NITCR6_j8x6_hL8lqJU9lEkW309/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Following the road we got to a high overlook at GPS elevation 3331 ft above sea level.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768452459334725490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFYUuR6GzHqAGZT2dh7-IoYJtjm7VLd9iEsGlmI-45Qhk-4aLwO53mog6HTKti38XIcSf-Ciug3_0p9LwrkuXiQy3ymY8UyGrB-HOAqTUdO-dDP2u5-Rf-FJYQDLT_7NMvyKTcIT3G8Ot/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Continuing on the loop, we followed Roaring Fork River and stopped at a spot that wasn't overrun with tourists (like us) to take some pics.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768452487684925154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPbjEotMivrP3vdBtY1luq8W9aDDtEMt6ACt_jwDuWirBMd6dPraWQlwwEpWsftALNT0RLJmlajGVGIw1CcIicefQ6rawvQcKlAWucU1iQ2DTO0OMPrCLlivD9aKy0fLA-6YEFkR37UCg/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5768452522288665858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVneZqh6NNkkakvUoLNGR_F0gi5_6b0wbyuuWO-KQuJ138jof7nPthImTjk699cMZ9eZdDMsz-de5y51lS2FeTHhzubPcIs06FInjgLIEljS6GKJQe-O4_P22fFwe3I3fI6b8PmcYoL98/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />That was the junket for this morning.<br /><br />Ross and Dottie Frid<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Gatlinburg,%20Tennessee&z=10'>Gatlinburg, Tennessee</a></p>Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-32608625035640792852012-07-22T22:16:00.001-04:002012-07-22T22:16:58.131-04:00Crystelle Creek Restaurant<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCJWTucjrg7y7rQE#5768183209238211250'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9NOsNLDnyBiqFDrzmUCORI9rXML9FKqBUCecmYeeTlgN7c0OSouRCE3LtxNt5ScNVYYUURgiCHMuh69cHEk72qftJd05djNOG0sDWf3S4rFdN_b10rqf5HLbnOCMt6duCw5HQYw_t2W5/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We ate here tonight based on local recommendation.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCJWTucjrg7y7rQE#5768183223406670418'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tSLMVvMrfl4Lo9ornSkLiREXoKYC7dnTPKxa4TVnQvQWjpK3Cs_3P9znI5usQBdMgVVjyUGMmDf0To77LOpMmZI0O86_07A1yWN4iX6q_dsAKlYxaB753SOqFCTLqJnzxsMngraTEGLK/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ross had grilled fresh rainbow trout and Dottie had chicken and broccoli alfredo. The food and service were superb. The new owner has had this restaurant for only three weeks, but it was packed.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCJWTucjrg7y7rQE#5768183234027792818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHL_9hKdqGlzUo66beaPdy1_MQz9e48wY5suduqkab1BLc87qBIB_ewr-Q3KZyHCiBjxS8CiUehxdHOE6Xw2_0k8i91blyz0X5bRjffdMrL2MT_z9SwOmiZB9FkkJTnIkNFwaoghHjH76/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There was live entertainment. The building is built over the creek on pilings and done tastefully rustic.<br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-87167906380558483002012-07-21T17:24:00.001-04:002012-07-21T17:24:06.048-04:00Smoky Mountains Craftsmen Guild tourThe original plan was to wait till mid-morning and go to down town Gatlinburg and take the aerial tram up the mountain. Well, best laid plans and all... We went for a quick recon trip to the craftsmen guild loop road to check it out and see what we might want to do later in week. A quick stop yielded a giant bear carved from a section of tree (yep it fit the van) then a second stop yielded a few candles, and so on. We stopped in a leather shop and I ordered a custom tooled holster and would have it done later this afternoon. He turned us on to great place to eat lunch:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5767736600749439074'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloY_9fsn0AOPqHwAwyUGCWiKltlaxVVnWyEp9Rxo2f2-Q2Qek3A-otZmb5MGrHDciaiLWl1OrY9CZ-lTPDGUJPeUsUUQf4dYg1xslueH0MRjLa_Fz6bjXF3djWLHMaG0P_qXnNnUjwqjo/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Wild Plum, and Ross had lobster pie and Dottie had chicken salad. They were fantastic - both of them.<br /><br />Found a new girlfriend for george:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5767736629080355042'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FPqDMPUVqdodTJ8EB77YE1RP8qlbvaIV_RoJhFqHaEEWPvFriV4li98QCwxfImFvrySNwgOPynO7eczz0hc_cxceBkCx1Kw8LwHhqeUmCBnr63h9Lqhklx0FDUWquL1wVttvmq72vXBo/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And we got some garden ideas:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5767736659733556226'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGc1WGntYiRXPhaMrdOdEtARore1aISysjRe9uJs374nQ7vGteN67fZEuqKyThvTEhfp8HytnNyZyefSOUFc1XQyrJ4RBxjgQkW7EJrzFudel-ot8xU2vjTeQG4CizXOyg8FuPi8BxpYf/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After lunch and waiting to pick up holster, we drove to park visitor center to get map, tour suggestions and the obligatory hats.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5767736682228215858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjeanDsIDtbxNqEuIuWhLCVwGoapv5lYi6ojWf_vaqGKGz9qBJC6Xj1zAKU4rSXCoamh48-1SDxu1pcp55krKDip0TRyOVyPnqGpfTMxZxkQ3ZoxdIBF4qjldQxqPDieFN6fnkVXE1RMW/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tomorrow is another day. Perhaps another try for the tram and Hard Rock Cafe?<br /><br />Ross and Dottie Frid<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Dreamers%20Cove%20Way,Gatlinburg,United%20States%4035.729130%2C-83.481971&z=10'>Dreamers Cove Way,Gatlinburg,United States</a></p>Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-17957831972866347012012-07-21T08:49:00.001-04:002012-07-21T08:49:20.092-04:00First Morning<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5767604027232885202'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFoYHThjqrtDPDoymaVM6nKDPMzLQ7euVSShzRaUQ1INbLJUv7QpohyA3QtORQ1tGNMYbVzcgq742MVfNgQQiYfGdwi6u9qmTqGMJdlo_xTuDHo5lLx-0mrZIAJJ6LfmVQfJOaVg9cGXI/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Watching the mountain fog burn off over the Smoky Mountains<br /><br />Ross and Dottie Frid<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Mountainloft%20Resort,Gatlinburg,United%20States%4035.729130%2C-83.481971&z=10'>Mountainloft Resort,Gatlinburg,United States</a></p>Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-24702619719431044752012-07-20T20:08:00.001-04:002012-07-20T20:08:43.265-04:00MountainloftArrived (finally) at Mountainloft - can you say view?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCJWTucjrg7y7rQE#5767408004744956882'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GMyrJOkZxKxN07SzkkaR22HvdkZEbvnrouQ8CkvwKgUg7ZjB4tJiJRQiugnk7ttj1SkD6Kd4L6Eu3CPgVsSQ1fi8Ye_DfylGwZcGumsh03aC3ToDkCxcqpf48C0DwCON4MJKlin09fLS/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is the view from the patio (balcony) table. We are on the top floor.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCJWTucjrg7y7rQE#5767408015695591922'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxcZJnq-G27TJ847yjE1cxllKhmJKmUaO7ClCacYBCsHNom8NHgEkwHcrMwchFdRS-kcZHxBhjA0cqNyZ4COaNESVh4ICa-VzIv2ZnLfIg8XFyLO-rOy_db9swURozmoNqAfLLbg4KcMH/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We're hoping for a nice sunset one day.<br /><br />Tomorrow the tram.<br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-23284535155162090462012-07-14T13:32:00.001-04:002012-07-14T13:32:52.837-04:00Gatlinburg (soon)<br /><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5765079498073419970'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhRa3wPmsipQf6aftBmWdv3z-ji7GI6JokoHibLdzeoP-kZrV5_L_ln4rE64kSpsOGLx8B7HEREFHx1oCszRtSFX7J9KrtmVb1kc-YoHI1a72vdR3n6uSffK5KZKEHnm1h5tJX0nzkOhg/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Soon we leave for a week at Mountainloft in Gatlinburg. You can follow our travels via posts on Facebook.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-1502523063917949492011-04-22T22:16:00.001-04:002011-04-22T22:16:16.938-04:00Bok Tower GardensBecause of my interest in anything related to works of Frederick Law Olmsted, we decided to explore Bok Tower Gardens. Olmsted spent a good portion of his career working with Bok creating a pleasing sanctuary for the preservation of some of Florida's remaining sand plains ecosystem.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598597073288681906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkemJEgeuKE-Cuu9wASoKdWcvw3552UVXchYk6OjTUVGHuGvf-wrKJdYDyjfV2HIQp9J-VJoW8MKSqli5f0yoB_Ppy-4rzz7SIYkyTgb0udPtZQfuQ8UZylq4D7BZ4-ncJDA__rf6dTLT/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598597091411953394'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw-HlkpeqDkVCGPGi0eU8jMhu0YBSQ8FIJclLN4MerbMisONqg8kqG3c0baF4-DIvSy-BB0eV2OpnrssAvRlL65cvy2ER_eiCZOyMVG27WbezViUCmbP42VSLuk47BR_n5ylqp3nKInC2/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Bell Tower<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598597105770461394'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-C8SFeBzUwYLme-qMNHNsJ3ZXLE1WpN-ZSw5clOTL3PdOIPVazpShgr9zLCHPpl4pEjTjMU5YIStF2TGLiDsPrNPDPlp2duGjeBwdRybE-4kjH_rwYCbbm9-G4h1RDumHsiqBwJjENSU/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598597117200811762'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm8dHqK9Mf0NHnnorG_PwD4hDERUVLpE89hJmUewYCkY2QLHUEFt8z6bjlkjwlJq3wkxxLl4H4Z7yT4F9aCI8Vn8lkluvGs71C2yPeHmyDW1a08zjdJwa-SfGmSy9UbeBJ03rNhZo0ID9/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sandhill Crane<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598597131392782610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGBBYx3wEUFi36aSvcFE-pM8RTyaljaKDvweQ9Vy-B1rYViMJMLQvdpZkwxxjtgU-x7Qq2B_lFkRNaqf6wcjYKYljVtKg2CXWyRKyQ7EwEEty3Psd4J4D4qOKZKnsLngE0Ra3DjXNvzWZ/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The sun dial<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598597139100539954'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtDsrzQ-pU5QViiMQv9OL8ywKIMr2ZOqanfMtE7kRZhUA_X0N-Y4YbX3TUdvVIbeS3_N5R7XU2Q8ut1w4lAbLBQ3lSTeGRJKm01PsoDk7A_FCVv4j9X6pfL0Z8of4xmle7TjSvfRxI_Tt/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-29459434549250368472011-04-21T20:19:00.001-04:002011-04-21T20:19:38.545-04:00Canaveral National SeashoreThis National Park was really a spinoff of the space program. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was formed of the land not needed for the space launch program and joins with the "north unit" National Park to comprise the National Lakeshore.<br /><br />Today we toured the whole thing by auto and foot and saw wildlife in only a few locations. Even with recent rains the area is in drought and wildlife is concentrated around the few water sources.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598195963676568546'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEWqwDBYyKrUXgY6efjTTLcxwN0WzXAW7hIEoZBxEeC2kWsLqOEu63_NUYDuvs3etZJ9FLrwhauXemiGqwN0FOyHKOpCmptLK_H0ERwhIwJtAuGPKRcwPzGHaMutE7KF3e6q9YJGnrFz4/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598195977571405218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0dU_SJVk-64LiJ0GDMqy_zcj0NjFqA6c031-U5PtUtY1jziFfL1_1HCb0NmoFeYN2qKwhJUlSYMK_fD8Zfih-ZtVGWRdpNX3lmiV_B49nbXXo5-bQKjjm_OrefqJOymJqNX2ZlNLK_9v/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='208' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598195985919392370'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fbA0e4QhlDbcw1X6MBJpzxLoOsHsvUvRXNNUHjCIpnYEFLUa9CrZ4N7vQ1MwrCl1X8fSQx5WRPS5iH9esmg41TiRA4cO8pR6NgN7L6BA204DjBKsCQBACO4o09FnQL5ZlxiIgvWvSvSl/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5598195992153585122'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCx5GtQV1QRx6AqLcuSzQTw9bIkEh8wRliCeROkrPB0bPYDGArzJ5tj5s_rGq4r2W8qBL0PJ0oh4Vgn7eONtDScxI2p_XYnvO-tMjb5xXru7q0H1-qTAY8H6SVDdEuJqIgElGBvnDMOoUN/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-56737458341437555882011-04-18T23:14:00.001-04:002011-04-18T23:14:29.589-04:00Universal Studios Citywalk<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597127635419605490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyhyphenhypheniXkSpbaeGKEER0-LBFhKRhiBw1nznbqk2PUxddP6avSClBA98KUyLMTI0qbKLKOCGb3ySeJFELSes36naPI2Y6E9HVdR9tENNXyyKdJ5dbyPggNpsLhKJrlvSBVT_gcFGYiep92yi/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What a crowd! And this is shoulder season.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597127655256876818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAU3W8lKHJMM6nK9LJ9ymk1KfGx79WMpWftstn7Nqq4iR6TX44JjGbJhFSBQvyUT08g_uqgQsgnigs0_9NmlccBJA4EygJWHv7GPwfLa7szGAAkwkKLPqHeO09vsMMcw8723wfA4W70dD/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />NASCAR restaurant (for George).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597127671748094610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2o403NH2hA9LqIIGMPEa6GPl23BTRqkZNBvODbd-GplpsSjFq_oddCGq3EwMVinUzQVkPl0zPL5VL77EVwnYH6rW4xysTiaSR2D1Gw6URIQ4ruk06KlqpNeIue32fjGLb5Dc15Jjo2q_B/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another view<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597127688865442258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQadnP_rGyyWxNKIIcYYfftg8F05U5rlM0bQwY8l-yRHI7iIkwu8KUBqkylZo1lNEKhbNqzNHVlKUWucgO2Q8NQmM3a4N856AMUBpT1jx8pgIrlvbkFT_nU1EIoFupP95bwNs0XgOKmWxO/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The dinner venue. This is the largest HRC in the chain.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597127712941878434'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisR-F48fmWm2IsFCKSvkKBESnXLyGOsMbPncUbDlElWBbUTCZEOny6rJ310I1d0yaPvSHAtwW_ya7N8ZE4ZcR6thtGRRKNkLg5_nnjju_5k3VPYUbsdascRZAAKZfCErI1iqoSfAqJ9n1W/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />All around the walls are memorial displays to famous musicians - many of the more modern ones have played here. The group Chicago plays tomorrow night.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597127758983114482'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKJSXHT6TNLglTR9sSEO5qfd8wfXNQq_HpZJfdRXV7y5tzOMKpjVwUFNGJOjVXFvbgZkZRGFKKQ6knmO-p4AE_Tf2VeIFOYMl4Spkj2yHzLsMOZ_4wdgxwmif-0fpY6RdEgQjsEaImOtb/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597127781309552610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzawimjrZoIDz5UydBBwGiT9Il6CB9OptOLBCb9KfFrfed7VtdxC-97khuVKV0Kacx_67LtCBmJWbURipIazC4zX278NnKb25vEdehQ_DdIs90gzUEXd8y7VIimHjV8UW0fdra4NY0kSe/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597127798079286626'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX7fp9Bw8yDPQyZfQPN1WIGkdnEb1t-c17uf7je7uimyI1_EtJvjydof7eg5xffNMM6wMK82ZMyCsIKVmnTPKPKfqgV_erp3WLTyScEXNIlnscHx2wS_OxIw0G5nU1tTZXIKoAQ0woB1b/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Dinner was awsum, as usual for HRC.<br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-13147711032901947742011-04-18T14:53:00.000-04:002011-04-18T15:03:39.920-04:00Airboating on Lake Kissimmee<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597001138924779794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9W1Q9yw7Xln9QGzAv-pfmAAV3aBceP6MVJzGLeR8Z7ngUK2tj3NsWHCRu9DE4ul1kVh6LK22SyN0W2M4ZQjze1J_4G31vepqtUadS7kWvHhYdN1gs7s620o4zB7DnHS_zHibC4dD1wA_N/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Today we decided to do an airboat ride on Lake Kissimmee through the edge marshes.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597001171784103650'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI3NzHZtLvCNsZ7dLf_qOFcvXvaYr-LlfbBXidqruEbV1cqXblYs0Vdi4HF7cweQR7rm72dpjGi_8I7WZLZdyxgGdzjQIXpD7RA1UEPiSy7ReK6rE_8v1acRvy19QjFcwcnnLDqPXKUqZ/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597001208207318674'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrVJzmoAKRdXsZP1p5ZYFYh1_knrw-Ew29_W9HunIBBL0gZAPQA3gu9HdgZjrpQ-HcZPWsn6h_TOSK47FCdBjnTLM6U9YgK7nkydNnxeNWmHipLK29CeVK59u0bPYuusgNgtPg1sy9nmy/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597001234469028498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyYnpMyau-okF3V9sUVYdozxb1uyW9nnU6qKYx9KxY5CR-ipckiwscTpSb6ynxQ79QekJmzPs9TaSrZdDaLT3CECZGvtTpP8CjsgCxkbuTHLmUeVP_-HA35UjsLblZxRA2qzKRrcjTNYT/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597001269924754978'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGWCI9Q-vnJ_2InT2mrKLBmWmd_SG3YVWQxeuDVOLeK2Xx3LhAjU3G1t4Mu98N1SDhvRu47iqClIYa5c1feGw7e5U7Xpo7Rl5U_4SXCyujjRWoz1zw4MRVRSpwdleFXgTYToEqNIL_H9q/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597001283309411346'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZytLUeltfiwnXQ1rjVcgoaYsUxgaWjK9ava_hrQzAo979KL2sYIRpHt_Urfzlcmr9Yt46BiGbIPBHlh7MF-OmvE1e_H1q5CL5n9XSNtaOAQgjwfqcEBzBnXmiNuaiKtkGtjsT8V8cRZe/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />"Cruising thru the cypress looking for gators.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597001298422085810'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW9j__Q0h1wiXjhyubq5PXG-1qaUfA0OJSFgdFqINA9cfJbtQN90D0a5Y4PxXKum6676lMB8JXI9kL0DrTGv5KPXL1mppfuzggVpO3Twzbg2eg7n_wb_lp4l0MnHX-EbmdpqmwOPWW1lS/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />One of the active osprey nests on the lake. We could see the babies.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5597001310961543682'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RQAsQif9IwAN7-PTYlEYMDCcUbTulQVsJjXx1zAzyLKMiP6ZddLFfndNxAZqPvLvUAIu2FbqiRSruY23qf4HgixxYcLaYpE60hmrNTlWQOX8_h7vDlbjp_ysUbjWVUGL1svQ2V9CokbL/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />No, Dottie... you CAN'T take it home!<br /><br />Tonight it'll be dinner at Hardrock Cafe.<br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-45571437541492193862011-04-16T21:29:00.001-04:002011-04-16T21:29:12.667-04:00Chillin at the Fountains<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5596358213909763586'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0W4v2mEbnZLPQB-Rxk9BlXPtM2YVfAhyphenhyphens5MWXceMkrY6DtL67KKPNfBs5VMWUUoFTZYIFxnVjB1zOtuGrtgtHJ_bWi8DsD1TOSmTRLbRuI-DuuAQm4LdT2EpuHujWRtv92X9hQxmSAW6/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Fountains<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5596358294549888274'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeNSmBYp7784GQaLCiP_jwqkpMJm4x215kwvle8vkk7SKYoID2UpLeBJ6yuSr8ayXzRXPnnZibB-wPeTKVXl1fZX7664yqQwAlB1OnRUhWTuYM14zH_-xRotoZ6fM2N1gmZPYExAx_VJB/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Campfire circle. They think of everything.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5596358345782219202'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNGm7ArHfNIfCtycUJPFL6MUQhodwzoK3tQ5hPyx5mBkEEgBB4zrCqaU-lW1GmZHMi6ILTk-qY1FPGbthoZg6SIb54j4pzE42YlF20EvzEHMPs9NHlZm5bJg5dXTbZMmDGWN_LUTzHhjB/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Boat rental and fishing pier.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5596358408218753650'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX26XBFtx9QL9FhiL9wA_SC3fpsIWDN7cEnavmPy8p8OgVp2jGYC_r_xKvixjqtc0EahoIJFpKfCh2lNQ0eGX7jAl86s_HioY-CTvjB600avvK7QlE-eRIZqpweB98QdifuTRVpduq4Mvs/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='72' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A composited panorama of the pool area. Air temperature 83 and water temperature of low 70s.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5596358464877781442'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVcq6ebSOfqpCVhJJXCN_mz-Q-Jeknu1QDjmYG-I5sbFuK3KtoQHubMh5-G6rq9ooKoHMp_qZSIFg80jr5mAGG2DQJ4MLKxzSjK-5453ZVBYQ9q2p9tz0ld5hHUpJAWfYqZ_RtijtFDl_/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5596358484139109426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jrJ-Sw5iixzXkxtvSfr2hvfHwlDBYmZEDo_OkzQRBn1GAJsJVytS_lFB7imTBs09sxyUhOsoUDSKo1lRFSCyQYoakXBCo2pYCHzN_0-5yGa3PiSdS3Wa4BtWyJxTpZjlwP6bVyiHqYln/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Corona Cigar Company - the largest integrated sales floor and lounge in the country. The entire store is kept at 67-70% humidity by cooling and active foggers.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5596358498918501090'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCi3Ku7vsfrNpWhdaadndsjgsUj8yDyhzBcdo2JXhM-2BhzcUPz3kcumcLwlfh0D-PUgy5u8NkXx89Zgf9MvFhkBramqxIMcgZW_slqYmLJ8C1XJIjFrD6C92YnOwql4qXPW5g8XwzPkuX/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dinner tonight at Landry's.<br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-63789358669620875842011-04-15T20:18:00.001-04:002011-04-15T20:18:20.479-04:00Andersonville<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595969078494261362'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0ZIJ_ntRUv9986F9pIb1kT8FJWdwwE2CBsdBgCtTA9VgGBQLNkVeIdVdS5VLKI3eVxC3nMRubU4huJyQNxB7IUL1NNoTT3rApfcIMb7WDwxbUw9SkgXJngofoaDjKjlibwJtVSfpR0d8/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This morning we visited Civil War Fort Sumter, known commonly as the Andersonville War Prison. At the end of the war, the fort enclosure was over 21 acres of Northern Armies prisoners who had been reduced pretty much to skin and bones and riddled with lice, dysentery, scurvy, and smallpox. They were dying at over 300 a day.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595969090549990706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CwP7Jpp_Rkfk5jHJx9Wzyr8inJh8tKh3YMMM4k3eTKjGX7L4Txtd3FMK-HUSmkS6G_dYV3TFJSRs_Tq2nK3wLNF1VZxxe1ITERpyHG_73IFIxtPs2t_SbhucKxlO5Jk5q5aRm25YbKmH/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595969107682588450'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JqxR71462BRXg6ZjDziz1XYGkRlzFIoOSBEGr9Jm7Pk6nF-7WlL84u3Jf6X8qngx-5Un_41iyQ7XeWfKylw44LecpIbkN5e345MFiS1-VqSMT9i2XkCOjNi3hARyhLzdXJJnth-lQvSo/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Living conditions were abdominal.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595969136153310482'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl50TRhMhsERvVqFAwXL-fkVKqRJEE469aQwvQPsG386-AF9zFbttlKAGrSHq7cDxa1RsiOTKlM1tg-C6wF_y_qW_uOCa2lYeAb33wOkIClYe2KNMTzq7AzDYBQ6WXfl5n0VzW4gIzgXx/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The original stockade encompassed most of this open field.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595969152773742914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kXz9_m89P4JsL11lw1l9lxvAqJyhVu7xfLtl9FPje24YAgrmZ56_HiGnG0FJCJQF7f4-aC2duLSs9zHAjAZZCp8GyA7z1Neep1mqTcIJiRsT2Mu22p_Z99oAsABdgki5YWxC3LH4t8Y7/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The attached cemetery is still used for dead soldiers who have spent some time as POWs.<br /><br />This National Historic Park is charged by Congress to interpret and preserve the whole POW story (all wars and actions.)<br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-37886177639042351872011-04-14T17:16:00.001-04:002011-04-14T17:16:11.557-04:00On The Road - Day Two<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595551064432134898'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGpwoBEJsQCBDeToX1_Pz4UXqtkIIYBiyq_hn3kahTmgVI8KBFwic4SllTVQVZIVXy9rVBXyXj1eTi8lB9suKXBsQz1Ukmd0tHjxLm2t1YM-eUSnEIggcEBLAg4nzFi8YId-AvM2bu5cQ/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This morning we toured around Cumberland Gap National Park (yes I got my Parks Passport stamped.)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595551077019886498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CbrW9PRqjf-QYNrq12lPPp35zlUjmE6M8syP6kcA5ZkenbJkCn6Mnxt_j5wUHwDdAykIv1dnFCuGBTDjjuzjlVNhxFV8IbvBARdza0LLSZPkpcTLRfP6i0kZ6_WyfaTNiwlk0sPZpviZ/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595551086806797346'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1X8YTc8VqbEIvIhjYTT0FPUacYs5U1pN0qkMYdEood_cSZsFPDca5g4ITEAPJrUi8a0DlN10wu5ie_PrRj0mekxCi_PQ8Re0aK6vp6I2xb2rk1eqJqbJL2lZwpYGzzxCIfim3fyIcEJi/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Inside the visitor center is decorated typical southern hills decor. The upstairs is totally devoted to a sales and display area for local artisan craft objects.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595551098297353170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe1Rr2mi-LRh240zXEri5hEND9bk2HySZ0Sf1g34WcL1OOin6EvuNZyrHwxaa5yTSbl_GJSnDTu31Po-HwtR692QLlV1gQ3wUWy9KC6H6qXse6hFWBK3Yt-l_u7Awm6zwHfJMym-nWmom/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595551111818185234'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoCI6ODWM3la8jegto81qMGW1rJOTLqOg2OM0a5XjUwbDW0_NlCINDCkNB6RQpvmsTJ49t9CwFjv0AuJBxFzC4Od20xufDtKxIMLJ1zOuqGPrbDmt91t-D2L-88AD5ZHgEBQAlynFtgJ7/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We finished with a trip up to the scenic overlook (Pinnacle Overlook.)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595551117659498530'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRStvoNgmh1yw7XijlUfl3nkxMwyaXaa2KS6p0HBFIKdBwwJDq9Gwkrr45ws88zJTQg_FXXnP8PdE4u0mizorZqIwJ-zUekZvQQYc4qINy8Aq_RpsECkDq6F-l5SLgqZRatz4VvIGG89dJ/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595551128232805954'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXKR9rysc5RGHTJzWTaJQvb4y1opS-Iwk-JWXSvnAPZBmFjxAD742TSNxmCrG5IW2mwR_V8Apl7uNabgG2MGTxMUYOpqjYkUfGxf3LLftv9or1dbWw0YCNGbS_gJpQ-2XJzZ_O_oemAXk/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Tomorrow we will be touring Andersonville Civil War Prison (a National Park property.)<br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-88757188792671813702011-04-13T18:49:00.000-04:002011-04-13T18:50:12.514-04:00On The Road - Day OneWe made it to Corbin, KY (home of Kentucky Fried Chicken) We ate dinner at the Sanders Cafe - the original. It's a National Historic site now.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595204193695943266'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSr93MaiHItZH2GYuLKUMRX_unABA4fS80VNOvpNtTl5ofN0vC-tvgItw9G54lTlum9PsSdjnZ2W6N8YBTv8g2bCnTrLZyhPDlH0q1IkT1X65F_XCsUHd7ClpmR4Ql7YGJeMrvxEGkQ2qL/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595204196922773218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS04gQyz0WG_Tl_3Cl1Dwl1YMeHhtNZhCTtw5bVHbWZceHs7FQjd_irqnBpCOHN5Ybl29l3L2dNEgPa2hCbKITLMQIMS3uU1z3wgFlVB8WK-TsqUBS9GZz_yMGew4T_UfY7l-eb5lmbFHj/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dottie was hoping to get the recipe for the original spices, but he was mute!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595204261301049810'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVj8r6TByf-pBDAtdgK_ZdRFgH5gyNX0NQf7LQBQhyphenhyphenaNYXRoBV4i6afgPQhyphenhyphenEUFbNnOoqIaPhgkIa6dasfRSheZ8_xCRns8LoODRD5-iv5nsblCiGv330AubqtHGoYsmlS5m27efAB2o-/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5595204269568664354'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTAqWskPfX99TnxM5EWIE-bWqej_IMIpMmNxQLyysNtEcGQ9-x2-zA0O1KtuqgPBdZlKlVU8stW8sXcUqEkaGX3kPWolOaeZhAneHedJCQYF85Lqb5xIZPmo_KW5BBuhUpeu59TcrQEop/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br /><br />- Posted from iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-66571844764187728972011-03-16T17:19:00.000-04:002011-03-16T17:19:44.405-04:00First trip of 2011It's right around the corner -- our first major trip of the year. What's on the agenda for this trip? Coming in April, we plan to visit Cumberland Gap NHP and Andersonville NHS on our way to Orlando. While in Florida we plan on catching the Shuttle launch on the 19th, Canaveral National Seashore, Bock Gardens, Hard Rock Cafe (of course!) and perhaps a nice restaurant or two (or 6). While in Orlando, we will stay at the Fountains (a Bluegreen property) near Universal Studio. Keep checking this blog starting about April 18 for parts of the story.Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-39944370042035050832010-10-11T21:37:00.000-04:002010-10-11T21:39:15.184-04:00On The Way HomeWell, all good things must, at some point, come to an end. We are now around Little Rock, AR on the way home. We've had a blast, nearly maxed out our cards, and saw some great scenery at some great locations and had too much good southern cooking. Dottie even has a ranking system for the barbecue. Now back to reality...<br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-68064681207495573642010-10-10T23:22:00.001-04:002010-10-10T23:22:18.179-04:00Luckenbach Texas<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5526623498183088738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmVBSykvl2Hmio7k1UQFSpvd_BNEv1c9lT7m0ESsL6nFmDOvnKLS06mcI-nMtOZJUpfO8d_QVDsRrnGNbKWAqrL4zZWos3fhs7hqRKXaQVgfykwAjkJVkmLN5q6J3oRQwZWUJ3i2bkjT2/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5526623507126665042'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuMOc34HYpYgqzhVksaBc9ifZCmuxAi3H8BGI_-ZPTrJW0-Qxx5ev07l7v_ezrmJb01DSzNWOPB5n_AbrP7_fn3d5clUBMzerYo3O_lUlpc1c0YkkH8OFd-f8xi2c6DsnhgJYEf62P-wk/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5526623518628367202'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__T6Jx0qcrXjpMZlP7FrvPbNgQCT7BBcrLdyxvRR1To_MrQ_H4POEw4R2Bvzh-eRjXYnR06tufMUBCGtdYUf8uLe1M4aOTPhR-OlenZHVqd10xLmzPWLehcn4wYOtD36DRafdFfBg9l9V/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5526623528371041778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaWy-P9del-rpNDEf3ux-p7Yv3Ym5ZbbD6lYgsfAc_gqdeCjLGcdPkhykn4bVtY_cQ-uz4w0X07gAWSgjaL4BJD0oz2kIV5y5-z3Rp7Q93PXyVlask6FSQYvOhJvXEqW72Z-1fLeevnEy/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5526623625542202930'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMBAvHj57nnEmEmon86IHh3qIJStYUUxjYCoRFNvr_zi1tsIvWTbeiLLe5drURcOys2Srt_wiSjt-5M_tf5qjLbGO_4MCp81stesQhqb8FZw48Oj3w-XhkSHfqeAug4hqi23d9FiZVOEP/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Luckenbach is a small "town" or very large beer garden (take your pick!) We parked in a large gravel lot and were able to freely explore the complex. We were told later that it is common to have to pay a stiff entrance fee (when big name entertainers are there.) Today there was a wedding scheduled - oh yeah, and lots of drinking. Now we can honestly say: "Been there - done that."<br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-88250821458125763442010-10-10T23:12:00.001-04:002010-10-10T23:12:16.730-04:00LBL National Historic Park<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5526620998570025426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf6A3DnIsyqVAn-4H9eSUM7oOZD0bp8TnXWy1MEekrj2bsvLqAwxF4BVx9jnwIhnWx38PSXP9WB04BjP_7m5SuyEn2IY_R9jbaiuEkV5175FXy6qaDFyODFdYms9KGbhGoAJxe6HxD7iG/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5526621015554156690'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ybev1PVPSlZYpg-b4H95Q4D6CSTPGQy87g8aoLkvWyf1_wsxQM_dEhzvDpcuewnd-qv7ykUHBdskWrxf1PFqTFqigmeXurR8R5HsMNilOJUT7LyTeXhdjMwwsGVqKj556DCUFK2J8Wfm/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5526621033263543618'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMNCkleh0NoAlr7YidtgauqEWkReWy5BTFwYgWsS2CCIvqgqTSVUsRbsonKXDst7dxXpdc7K8oX2NdeBKj8PqPJH-UUOBPJLodfMt-DLhdujAdDkNO6s8UGvg-dvEmhc04LDv80gtV2zo/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/100532571566134875763/OurRecreationalTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzUwqmetJD3iwE#5526621041319002594'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aiFyhJWmOCnR36i7vyhmqvyuTzoauIAu7VYhlJpZG9ltQYgxpGOmV2GJOau9uTyA4id8LwhDXav7_e04IYTcF8i0Y9Wz1oDSjW1qmgZQZ2As4VWxYG_rN2Ydb1TuGDuLCAJ9WMy0LhyphenhyphenX/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Today we toured Lyndon B Johnson's birthplace, his boyhood home, and his ranch - the Texas White House.<br /><br />Interesting and informative. The Johnson City area is nicer in spring with all the wildflowers, but the weather today was perfect - blue sky and 80s.<br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br /><br />Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-53086368822979726182010-10-08T20:44:00.000-04:002010-10-08T20:44:54.272-04:00Amistad and South Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNEOlIp2zOEdANOze6CHnY6DsebG2NpKt7Z7U8W0zAI1nwfO94KcIygzYgkOyGdTzRR0X70Ycg3yfNg_8HUs5yr5WUB_L1KD7sbafvMJzAuCA5zU7pqtndfpa4IELEr2Yn8jA-j1GTNI7/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNEOlIp2zOEdANOze6CHnY6DsebG2NpKt7Z7U8W0zAI1nwfO94KcIygzYgkOyGdTzRR0X70Ycg3yfNg_8HUs5yr5WUB_L1KD7sbafvMJzAuCA5zU7pqtndfpa4IELEr2Yn8jA-j1GTNI7/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Amistad is an international impoundment on the Rio Grande River just upstream from Del Rio Texas. The park has picturesque scenery along with stark desert landscapes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw5CUiPbkkWOKve0ysEKFaFYrEY1U_C3Wn8sR5YnXb20avEe21eXlI3PqAXiqkwPCrOnun9ujWMObh5VIdA-T3Fhddt1qaTpP8Jbj9QkwYpREiIiUSidFIMXaqN7PKW4lgLZ3a851vDFN/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw5CUiPbkkWOKve0ysEKFaFYrEY1U_C3Wn8sR5YnXb20avEe21eXlI3PqAXiqkwPCrOnun9ujWMObh5VIdA-T3Fhddt1qaTpP8Jbj9QkwYpREiIiUSidFIMXaqN7PKW4lgLZ3a851vDFN/s320/008.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lK854qlO-PnjUalpLJXk-BvuGruZ5bK7whbr679UBWkRFipAMdfKeHyKfGhGrpcQPwtj3wXyC9eIIcY1t9MekaRgNxGrIFb3Qb-ybBNKbHWb24TnOkQKONyj3i33swuJ7ZG5PXzjtETL/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lK854qlO-PnjUalpLJXk-BvuGruZ5bK7whbr679UBWkRFipAMdfKeHyKfGhGrpcQPwtj3wXyC9eIIcY1t9MekaRgNxGrIFb3Qb-ybBNKbHWb24TnOkQKONyj3i33swuJ7ZG5PXzjtETL/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The water is unseasonable high after a 13" rainfal in July.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWi3j1pbTa4noAije-GmVh35k_SYYPoQ4TwRBGRJnCwoYrYFvyBUM73v3V6rSqx9-rC9PWOQ8i6l6W2J4jsEgScaE5ypwqRrz9kXPuOTy7uPbHdcj3T_yhDwzwSgtJwvE362EMeuAVWrX/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWi3j1pbTa4noAije-GmVh35k_SYYPoQ4TwRBGRJnCwoYrYFvyBUM73v3V6rSqx9-rC9PWOQ8i6l6W2J4jsEgScaE5ypwqRrz9kXPuOTy7uPbHdcj3T_yhDwzwSgtJwvE362EMeuAVWrX/s320/018.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>The view looking downstream to the mouth of the Pecos River and the Rio Grande.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiate-IAzlmWiFDEI_gpnM9rU9QnCTq0mkjuXYfN6LaLe4UkmdqgcPPatgTlXyf-ZvU9op9HePL38rDkAO4zrRtXXwuZvupyNVVnM5Ud7bqjAQBrkC3ZbymzqHsmf4H9cBVIrhBB85lb_N2/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiate-IAzlmWiFDEI_gpnM9rU9QnCTq0mkjuXYfN6LaLe4UkmdqgcPPatgTlXyf-ZvU9op9HePL38rDkAO4zrRtXXwuZvupyNVVnM5Ud7bqjAQBrkC3ZbymzqHsmf4H9cBVIrhBB85lb_N2/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Judge Roy Bean visitor center is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation as a Travel Information Center. It is actually off the highway (US 90) at Langtry and includes the actual original buildings used during the last part of the 19th Century.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0QWwzCxH11FrMlo2gYheCn5ek32tEVcO7El8xHtX-wlJXsYnkohVU-35msg_Qi7QhRGGXXeG4foNlg1TtCeRsoMhUENMyKeumrz5zzQjidgUYj8qGIGHBSc_b-PeRFZhJfzuXyBE8z7d/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0QWwzCxH11FrMlo2gYheCn5ek32tEVcO7El8xHtX-wlJXsYnkohVU-35msg_Qi7QhRGGXXeG4foNlg1TtCeRsoMhUENMyKeumrz5zzQjidgUYj8qGIGHBSc_b-PeRFZhJfzuXyBE8z7d/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Saloon was called Jersey Lilly named after the old time movie actress Lilly Langtry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnhp1BiQx1QEgb6STkaumZcwesZfHH8AD4NP1tuyUhi9cR0EE89hehXJ2qZMkBGoUERY-A_hn9fR6W6hzeXzMgCbOKvU6m-bXjXlBIOzkqtLQXcUpuhuPu8REoXUXzn3O5QkCJ0ocH84g/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnhp1BiQx1QEgb6STkaumZcwesZfHH8AD4NP1tuyUhi9cR0EE89hehXJ2qZMkBGoUERY-A_hn9fR6W6hzeXzMgCbOKvU6m-bXjXlBIOzkqtLQXcUpuhuPu8REoXUXzn3O5QkCJ0ocH84g/s320/028.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Along the wildflower and desert plant interpretive trail at the center.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWygsT9fRXQrdTZKoDXY7J0gVk3ajO0HGuyiUtkreQwc4EMOPlKdRkKcqodiujiE5KKTlnre2Abag7mKodluOWY0GpgrtlWFbuB0rF3PSGbJhD4MtqTU3MpP3wdtcaA8u7zYZUzjzHvuAB/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWygsT9fRXQrdTZKoDXY7J0gVk3ajO0HGuyiUtkreQwc4EMOPlKdRkKcqodiujiE5KKTlnre2Abag7mKodluOWY0GpgrtlWFbuB0rF3PSGbJhD4MtqTU3MpP3wdtcaA8u7zYZUzjzHvuAB/s320/036.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>The Ocotillo is all leafed out from the mid-summer rains.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we are off to the Caverns of Sonora and then on to the Hill Country. Sorry for the missing images in the previous posts. Not sure what happened to them. It's Google's fault.Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-7783113219125698292010-10-07T22:06:00.001-04:002010-10-07T22:06:10.117-04:00San Antonio Missions NHP<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/07/2743.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/07/s_2743.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/07/2744.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/07/s_2744.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/07/2745.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/07/s_2745.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Today we spent the day touring the missions of San Antonio. Lots of history to be learned and myths to be debunked - John Wayne never fought at the Alamo! :)<br /><br />Tomorrow we head further west to stay at Del Rio. We plan to see the Judge Roy Bean center and the surrounding cactus country.<br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br /><br />- Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-78148645521035043092010-10-06T18:07:00.001-04:002010-10-06T18:07:59.214-04:00San Antonio<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2187.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2187.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2188.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2188.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />First stop in S.A. was Market Square, El Mercado, which originated as an open-air farmers market for Mexican farmers. Now it's just a little bit of Juarez or some other border town.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2189.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2189.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Big business in home architectural hardware, especially bathroom and kitchen.<br /><br />Tonight is dinner along the River Walk. More later...<br /><br />Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-7630771598508267502010-10-05T22:06:00.001-04:002010-10-05T22:06:57.450-04:00East Texas<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/2510.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/s_2510.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/2511.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/s_2511.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/2512.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/s_2512.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/2513.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/s_2513.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Marshall Pottery in Marshall Texas was once a major supplier of red clay pots. When Ross first stopped here back in the 1990s, pallets of pots filled half the parking lot. Today much of the stuff on display was from China or Italy. We got a few signed pieces (made here at Marshall) and a 14" red pot shaped like a wok.<br /><br />The drive was long and Genie didn't help much - got us lost. But we did stop at Big Thicket Preserve and got to Sabine Pass on the Gulf before settling in at Best Western in Beaumont.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/2515.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/s_2515.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Tomorrow on to San Antonio and the Missions. More then...<br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br /><br />Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647700369423721924.post-70835253338413627792010-10-04T20:16:00.001-04:002010-10-04T20:16:22.087-04:00Hot Springs Explore<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2259.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2259.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our day started at the top with a ride to the top of the observation tower in the National Park. We could see 360 degrees of mountains and gorgeous scenery.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2260.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2260.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After our introduction to the scenery around Hot Springs, we went down to bath house row - the Park visitor center - and came to the conclusion a long soak in the mineral water was in store for these wanderers!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2261.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2261.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ross stayed at this hotel (the Arlington) when he was working. It hasn't changed.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2264.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2264.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dottie is taking a picture at the site of the original hot springs that "started it all" - 134 degree water.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2265.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2265.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lunch was at an Italian bistro where they made pizza before our eyes. We chose paninis, though.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2266.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2266.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What a grand idea! Did you know you can do something besides text from your cell phone ;)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2268.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2268.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The details on the various bath houses were fascinating.<br /><br />Tomorrow we leave, very early, for the next leg of the trip: Big Thicket Preserve and Beaumont, Texas. Seafood, here we come (well, barbecue for Dottie, I imagine.)<br /><br />Ross and Dottie<br />More tomorrow<br /><br />Posted from my iPhone 4<br />Ross and Dottiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02433246197081986894noreply@blogger.com0