Bits and Pieces -- Fall 1999
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, SC
Autumn is the time of year to see this picturesque park, as it’s usually a
leaf looker’s paradise. This year with the drought and all, the place was not
at its very best. But for us color-starved Californians (or rather Texans!) it
was a real treat. First we drove along the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway for 50
miles on a beautiful, mostly sunny afternoon. There were views on each side of
the ridge with pullouts every mile or so. The next day we drove into the park
itself and eventually made it up to the park’s peak. Unfortunately, the
weather was not with us. It was foggy, drizzly and cold.
This 
picture shows the highest point in the Smokies, where you can
sometimes look out over 7 or 8 states. This panorama was almost visible in the
little metal plates sticking out from the artificial summit. Nonetheless, it was
a moderately strenuous, all uphill, ½ mile trek to the top (at 6500 ft) and we
were in need of the exercise. The road through the park ends at Gatlinberg TN.
It’s a big tourist town, with Dollywood nearby in Pigeon Forge and other
country and western entertainment opportunities. We enjoyed the afternoon
listening to Tim Watson, who had a funny shtick, a good voice and was
accompanied by a great group of musicians.
The Nina (Columbus’ Ship)
Columbus’ famous ship has been historically replicated and is sailing the
world. The 94-ft Caravel with its 66-ft deck can hold a crew of about 8, but
they’re down to 6 right now. If you’re looking for a fun job, check out www.thenina.com.
Job requirements include making the time (at least several months) and getting
along with people, particularly in tight quarters. Sailing experience is not
necessary; they’re happy to teach you how to sail a ship having this type of
old fashioned rigging. After its construction 8 years ago and a 4000-mile sail
from Brazil to Costa Rica, the Nina has visited over 250 US ports. Right now she’s
motoring around the Tennessee River and we toured her in Florence, Alabama. The
Nina has plans to sail to the Caribbean soon and be in Brazil in the spring. It’s
hard to imagine this little ship sailing across the ocean, but it is apparently
quite sea worthy (Columbus’ expeditions logged > 25K miles). Life aboard
her would definitely be an adventure.
Visits and More Visits
We’re nearing the end of our travels and will soon be "home" in
Humble, TX with the Gaffneys. On the way, we’ve visited many friend and
relatives. Starting in Ohio, our thanks to Doug B, the Kays, Naomi A, Nusha and
Alex, Kitty W, Steve and Lynn, Blake B., Malli and Vera Lee, David E and
Suzanne, Fran and Billy, Brooks P, Cathy and Michael, Hugh and Charlotte, Milton
and June, Ray, Sam and Nell, and Pauline. Seeing y’all has made this trip feel
a little homey, surrounded by friends and family. Thanks for all the
hospitality.
Home
picture shows the highest point in the Smokies, where you can
sometimes look out over 7 or 8 states. This panorama was almost visible in the
little metal plates sticking out from the artificial summit. Nonetheless, it was
a moderately strenuous, all uphill, ½ mile trek to the top (at 6500 ft) and we
were in need of the exercise. The road through the park ends at Gatlinberg TN.
It’s a big tourist town, with Dollywood nearby in Pigeon Forge and other
country and western entertainment opportunities. We enjoyed the afternoon
listening to Tim Watson, who had a funny shtick, a good voice and was
accompanied by a great group of musicians.