Gatlinburg Spring Break 2021

Day 1 (Saturday)

I got up a bit before everyone else and showered, then prepared to finish loading the car.  No RV this time.  It is on the road again with The Tennessee Traveller.  It was exactly one year ago we purchased her (unexpectedly) in Knoxville. I realized too late that I should have put on the roof box.

We were on the road by 6:00 am.  We stopped in Corsicana for donuts and met Michael and Valerie in Athens.  We caravaned just about all day, with all three cars within 30 minutes of each other.

We stopped at Ceres, Mississippi for gas and had lunch at the Loves (exit 15).  

When we came upon construction around Jackson we let Google Maps direct us around. It saved around 15 minutes.   Stephanie took over driving about 3 hours from Hoover, Alabama.

We crossed into Alabama around 3 pm.  Overall, the traffic wasn't too bad and we made very good time on Day 1.

After settling in at Hoover we went to the Ragtime Cafe.  It was good food with huge portions with many Cajun recipes.  Michael's club sandwich was enough to feed a club, we joked.

We settled in early with the plan to head out to breakfast at 8 am, and then on to Knoxville and our cabin for the week in Gatlinburg.

Day 2 (Sunday)

It was rise and shine early.  Coffee from the lobby and then we loaded the car.  We checked out by 8 am and drove to Cracker Barrell for breakfast.  Michael and Valerie went back to pack out while the rest of us started on.  Traffic was light until Knoxville. We stopped at the Sam's Club near Walker Springs and bought a few things for the week, but the line to check out was to the high stacks and the line for gas just as bad.  

Gas at exit 407 was $2.49, which was actually cheaper then several places we have seen on the way.  A stop at CVS and Aldi, then it was up the mountain to our cabin: Lasting Impression.

Once moved in we had pizza and settled in for a quiet evening.  It took an hour to put away groceries.

We settled in and were to bed by 8:30.

Day 3 (Monday)

We had a light breakfast and set out to do some shopping and stopped by the park visitor center to ask about trails.  We decided to find time to hike to Charlie's Bunion off Newfound Gap.  We got back to the cabin around 1:30.

While we were eating lunch Mom called and asked us to come get the dogs.  They had had a wreck between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  We set out down the mountain as quickly as we could but got caught up in the stopped traffic caused by it.  By the time we got there Dad had been taken by ambulance and the Pilot was on the truck.  Mom had got into a car with a nice couple from Kentucky.  We loaded her and the dogs up and went back up the mountain with the intention of returning to the hospital to check on Dad.  By the time we reached the cabin, however, Mom was complaining of her wrist in pain, so we had her checked out.  They admitted her as well.

Stephanie and I stayed with them (me with Dad and her with Mom).  It turned out that her ribs were broken and sternum fractured.  She also had a broken wrist and compression fracture in her back.  Dad had a bad cut on the head and a possible bruise to the lung.  They transported both to UT Medical Center in Knoxville.  Steph and I were home around 8:30.  Just before bed Mom called that they were discharging her in the night but no word about Dad.  She said that she did not want me to come down the mountain until morning.

Day 4 (Tuesday)

Stephanie, Michael and I went to the wrecked car and got out what we could.  It was a mess.  

They went back to the cabin while I went to Knoxville.  The UT Med Center was really large and confusing.  Mom came down right as I arrived, and while technically a visitor now, still was dressed as a patient.  Due to Covid, only one at a time could be in the room, so I visited awhile and took up their clothes, then let Mom go back up.  I wandered around for  a while until Mom sent the news they would discharge him in a few hours so we had lunch, and I waited outside.  The tulip tree on the grounds was about to bloom.

I then went to the car and waited for the call.  I picked him up outside the Flag Circle entrance then we followed Google back.  It took me down the backroads which was an adventure in itself. It took us about an hour to get back.

After everyone was settled in Stephanie made her cabbage soup. It was a good meal all around.  

Mom and dad were moving slowly, and we had to figure out how to get them home.  Brandon and I kicked around some thoughts.  Stanley also had volunteered to come and drive them home.  One thing for sure is that Mom and Dad could not drive themselves home even if a rental car could be found. They settled into their room but I am not sure they slept much.  I didn't because I worried they would need me in the night.

Day 5 (Wednesday)

Valerie made sausage, eggs and biscuits and gravy for breakfast. We spent some time on the porch in the morning and no one really went out until Stephanie, Sadie and I went to the Apple Barn to buy coffee.  It is a favorite of ours so we bought several bags.  We also brought home apple fritters to share.  Burgers on the Blackstone and piñata cake.  Sadie, Stephanie and I went in the hot tube for awhile.

Stanley and Belinda left home today to take Mom and Dad back home. They stopped for the night outside of Nashville.

Day 6 (Thursday)

Mom and Dad are moving a bit better and I think everyone slept a bit better.  Stephanie and I had planned on hiking Tuesday but that did not happen.  So we picked a trail today.  We decided to hike to Charlie's Bunion on the Appalachian Trail.

It was supposed to be an 8 mile RT hike but in reality it was much longer.  We hit the trail at 9 and wasn't back til 3 pm.  There was ice and snow on part of the trail.

We stopped at Sugarland Visitor Center and bought hiking badges then came home.  Stanley and Belinda had arrived and Michael and Valerie went to the Christmas Place.  Baked pork chops for supper.  There was a lot of good visiting after supper.  Mom and Dad, and Stanley and Belinda will head back to Texas tomorrow.

Day 7 (Friday)

After an early breakfast they left out.  The house was really quiet afterward.

At about 10 am we went to Gatlinburg and did some shopping.  We bought a sign carved from pvc to put out at our camper.  Then to the Celtic Heritage shop where we bought some coffee cups.  Then to the various distilleries.  We spent way too much!

Then to the Old Mill Restaurant.  I love their corn fritters and fried pork chops!

Sadie and Michael have been playing pool so they started another game while Stephanie and Valerie took a nap. I picked on the guitar for awhile.

It  was a warm and overcast day over the mountains.  I do love it here!

Day 8 and 9 (Saturday and Sunday)

Since it is a long trip and we decided to stop over we took our time.  We stayed the night in Vicksburg, and continued on the next day 

The trip became more stressful than any of us would like, but we will be back to Gatlinburg again.

Blizzard of 2021 (Finale)

It was 16 degrees at 7 am this morning, and snow is still on the ground, although most is likely to melt off later in the day.  It is supposed to rise above freezing for awhile this afternoon.

After breakfast Sadie wanted to go out and sled one last time.  The pond was still thick so we got some good pictures on the ice.  The herd had come to the water to drink.

There as also a new addition to the farm this morning!

After lunch we watched a few KYD's until we found out someone had crashed through a pasture fence overnight.  Driving too fast, no doubt.  It didn't take long to fix it but it is annoying that the culprit did not let us know.

Such is life on a farm. In winter.  With snow on the ground.

The temp got to 38 degrees today.  I suppose the Blizzard of 2021 is officially done!

Blizzard of 2021 (Day 5)

The mornings remain cold, the stores are empty, and gas stations are out. Fortunately we stocked up before this.

Schools and colleges are still out, and will be through the week.  Hopefully we can get out Saturday on good roads, but availability of gas may be a problem.

This was the first morning with no blackouts and finally we got a good night sleep.  I have to wonder if Gov. Abbott's actions yesterday are a part of it.  When Biden was asked to waive EPA regulations to release more power he gave some cock and bull about how big a danger "climate change" is, and so refused.  Abbott ordered production increased anyway, enough to power 200k homes per hour.  Also, ERCoT is also up for sunset review by the Texas legislature, as I am told.  I have a feeling it's days are numbered.  And for a non-profit it sure has a lot of money.  This is the first time in quite some time I have been proud of Abbott.

Florida's governor DeSantis already told Biden to, and I quote, "F$@# yourself" over his request to lock down the state.  Biden had threatened to use the National Guard to close down the state border.  I am liking DeSantis.

The tanks also did not need new holes broken into it.  Still freezing, but I think the cows found them and are keeping them clear.

Stephanie is reading Atlas Shrugged by Ann Rand, and is almost 2/3rds through.  Amazon Prime has the movies free, so we watched the first one last night.  While the movie moved too fast and glossed over important parts it did tell an important message.  We had a good discussion over it this morning.

A bit of guitar this afternoon.  Here is the one I worked on today.

Today may have been the last day to sled.  Sadie and Emma went sledding for a bit, but the wind was biting again.  Jennifer found a dove which had died from the cold.  This storm is certainly one for the books.

Stephanie's feeders have been busy.  Redwing blackbirds, doves, sparrows.  We even saw some Cedar Waxwings. 

Another round of firewood brought in for the night, and supper (pork chops with fried onions).  

Then nightly entertainment:  Hugo.

What day is it???

*****

I didn't have it in the blog yesterday, but Rush Limbaugh died yesterday.  He was a true and influential force of nature.  Rest in Peace!

Blizzard or 2021 (Day 4)

Three or four blackouts in the night - not sure exactly.  I supposed I am starting to get a bit more used to it.  At 6:30 am the power was on so I got the coffee pot on while we had power to drip it.  If worse came to worse, cowboy coffee could have been the next best thing.

It is warmer this morning, and while the weather radar shows wintery mix over us in the night I could not see any evidence when I went to the porch to fetch the scuttle to get some of the ash from the stove.  

Folks are desperate with the energy issues, understandably.  We bought a dual fuel generator for the RV to do some boondocking with but it isn't yet set up but could be soon if needed.  We haven't as yet needed to use it though since out blackouts have been typically an hour or less.  On the other hand Dad has a generator that is much too heavy for him that he has been trying to sell.  He advertised it on a buy, sale, and trade DB page and had 10 inquiries.  One lady from Dallas wanted to drive down last night.  But Dad told her this morning.  This is a mess, but I call ourselves relatively lucky.

As for farm work we got the generator working and started to wait for the person buying the generator.  A local man needed it and was a sure thing.  Then we busted more ice.  It was about 4 inches thick today.  The flamethrower either did not have the power or my propane tank was too low and will need to be refilled when the supplies are replenished.

By midmorning it started to drop freezing rain, but not as much came down as predicted.  Aside from some farm work, it was a calm day.  After lunch we watched a couple of Keep Your Daydream videos on YouTube.  It has become mine and Sadie's favorite program!

Chili for supper, which is a Texas cold snap staple and after that, a board game for some good ole family time.  Tonight's game:  Ticket to Ride: Rails and Sails.

This "snow day" is starting to feel like Spring Break 2020!

Blizzard of 2021 (Day 3)

We woke up to blackouts again.  Power went down at 5:30 am and remained off for about 45 minutes.  It went down again 2 hours later.  The scam that is wind generation has been making the news and scandals seem to be brewing everywhere.  Sometimes you have to walk through the darkness before you can see the light, it would seem.  

It was colder this morning with the weather app showing 1 degree.  At around 7:15 it had risen to 2 degrees.

 

At this point we are luckier than some friends we know.  One family locally posted this morning that they had been out of electricity for 28 hours and they have livestock that need warming.  I am not sure when, or if, if came back on.

One of our blackouts hit just as it was time to cook breakfast so it took some creativity.  Sometimes it is a good thing to be a historical reenactor!

Mid-morning farm work needed to be done so it was breaking the ice again.  About 3 inches thick today I would guess.  Then hay, and an attempt to boost the tractor whose battery had died.  No luck since the diesel glowplugs had no power.  And home to more blackouts.

Lunch. Then my brother called to say they were sledding again.  Today was much more pleasant since the wind has laid.  The calm before the storm it would seem.

With more weather coming we watered birds, filled the wild bird feeders, and hauled more firewood inside.  We are fortunate that our outages have been limited.  

So tonight we will finish the movie we started last night: Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End.  And we wait for yet more snow in the night.

Blizzard of 2021 (Day 2)

The power went out at 4:45 am.  Thank you so much Green Energy people!  And it's 11 degrees outside.It came back on 20 minutes later. It went down again at 7 am.

Apparently these are controlled blackouts/brown outs due to the fact that much of the energy comes from West Texas windmills (frozen) and solar panels (covered with snow and/or overcast skies). In fact, 1/3 of our power is coming from wind and solar and the energy consumption is through the roof.  So stupid!

Fortunately our house is heated with a combination of natural gas and a Vermont Castings wood stove.  It won't take long to go through that half-cord at this rate.

9:35, and it went down again.  Two hour intervals, it would seem. It stayed off 30 minutes this time.

I would guess that 3 - 5 inches came down in the night and more predicted on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.  The tank was frozen this morning. We went out with axes and pick axes to break the water in places for the cows to drink.  I remember doing that when I was a kid, but that was at least 35 years ago.

Breaking the ice!

View from the Water Tank to the barn.

The ice was solid to the bottom at this inlet.

It did not stay broken up long.

Poor cows!

Thank goodness for non-electric entertainment.

By lunch it was a balmy 12 degrees and the woodstove was getting a workout.  The tractor would not start - cold diesel - so Mom and Dad went to town for square bales.  Eight was all they could get but at least it got some feed in addition to this morning's cubes into the cows.  And this weather's to last all week!

On another note, the internet is down.  Our provider isn't getting a signal from their provider.  So much for virtual learning right now.

In the middle of the afternoon the wind calmed, and the kids went sledding.  Cold, but nice.

It will continue to be cold tonight and over the next few days.  This is crazy!!!

The Blizzard of 2021 (Day 1)

Whoever said that 2021 would be a much more predictable year than 2020 didn't know what they were asking for!

Another impeachment along with appropriate acquittal, in part, but the topic of this post is the weather!

One month ago (Jan. 10) we saw the first snow in 10 years in this part of Texas.  The pictures below were from that earlier storm.

The weather started to come in on Thursday, and traffic accidents in the area made the national news.   Friday was relatively clear, but Saturday morning it started to ice again.  We had hoped to visit family (Valerie and Michael) yesterday for her birthday, but as we were loading the car we started feeling ice, so we changed plans there.    We had a pot of Mexican pulled pork that we were taking with us, so we invited Mom and Dad up to share it.  

It started to snow overnight with a light dusting, but the temperatures began to drop.

As I write this, it is Valentine's Day and snowing again.  The temperatures dropped below freezing on Friday with predicted snows overnight.  Both our employers have shuttered until the winter storm has ended, but the predictions are for freezing temperatures until Friday (today is Sunday!).  Even church was canceled.

I remember stories of when I was a toddler of 11 inches of snow, but rarely have we had even a dusting since, although ice is far more frequent.  Predictions have as much as 18 inches possible over the next few days.  

This is historic, and over the next few days it looks like another event that needs to be documented.  Sadie is glad for the snow, but we are worried about the animals.  This is an unusual cold with windchills in the negatives at times.  It was warmer today in Juneau, Alaska!  Perhaps some pictures will be in order in the coming days.