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Published: November 14th 2008
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In true Mary fashion I have a story for y'all...
Last night, unbeknownst to us, our hotel was robbed. The clerk was lured away from the desk under the guise that a guest needed towels. Someone has placed a phony call to lure her away and while she was delivering the materials to the room, which happened to be unoccupied, money was stolen from the drawer. What I find strange is that I actually think whoever took the money may have been casing the joint earlier. Around 10pm I heard a knock on our hotel room door. My parent's were already asleep and I wasn't about to open the door to someone I didn't know. I heard another knock and then the person walked down the hallway. I didn't hear any more knocks on any doors but I guess its possible that the person was looking for someone. My father, the super sleuth, doesn't think it had anything to do with the robbery but I wouldn't be surprised if it was the person who stole the money and they were looking to see who was in what room so they could plan the heist. Thank goodness no one
was hurt! This only adds to the many interesting stories my family has while we have taken various vacations...Karen remember when we were in Orlando and the woman took off in her car with her husband trying to climb in through the driver's side window after they got into a fight in the parking lot??? Maybe we just frquent the wrong places!
After that kind of excitement we were ready for a little monotonous drive. We headed for Gatlinburg Tennessee by way of Nashville and Knoxville. We didn't have time to stop if we wanted to make it to Gatlinburg in good time so I didn't have a chance to see the sights. There's always the next trip. On one of our quick stops to fuel up I heard this funny page over the loadspeaker that went like this "number 38 your shower is ready. Please proceed to the stalls." I had no idea what that was all about till my dad told me you could actually purchase time in a shower stall. Apparently lots of truckers use them while they are on the road. I can't imagine showering at a gas stop but you do what you
have to do when you want to stay clean!
We made it to Gatlinburg late in the day. It was raining off and on during our drive but once we settled into the hotel and headed out for a look around the weather had actually cleared up a bit. Though it was overcast it didn't really matter. Everywhere around us the town was decked out in holiday decorations. Trees had lights strung on them and there were ribbons on lamp posts. Gatlinburg itself has a Bavarian theme to it. All the stores look like they could be part of a little German Village. There are a ton of touristy museums everywhere (Ripley's Believe it or Not, Guiness Book of World Records etc) and lots of cute little specialty stores that sell just about everything you could think of. I even saw a cheese shop that sold all exotic cheeses (Erin Fuchs I thought of you!) and spices.
After we had walked around a fair bit, I noticed a sign for tram rides. I had already walked by a "ski lift" ride that took you up the side of the mountain and back. I didn't think that
would be a wise choice since we all know I am accident prone...I could see myself falling off it and breaking a leg! I convinced my mother to come along with us and the 3 of us boarded the tram. It would have been a very pretty ride...most of the trees still have foliage...but it was very foggy. Once you get to the top your free to look around. They have a bear sanctuary, where I took a few pictures, and an ice rink among some shops and other exhibits. My mother didn't really want to stay up there too long so it was a quick look and then back down. After a quick dinner it was time to, once again, settle in for the night. (After this trip I will be looking forward to a few drinks and an after 10pm bedtime...hint hint hint if anyone is interested!)
Although today wasn't my most exciting day it was nice to be able to walk around a bit and see the town...especially being so nicely decorated for the season! Tomorrow we will once again be in for a long drive as we intend to take on Virginia and make
it through a fair bit of Pennsylvania. I hope to see the Natural Bridge in Virginia where George Washington carved his initials and stay overnight in Pennsylvania Dutch Country...I just love those peaceful Amish people!
Thanks to everyone for all your kind comments and messages. I appreciate you taking the time to read the blog. Its been fun writing it and also a good way of letting everyone know what we've been up too. It won't be long before I am back in Mass permenantly and I look forward to seeing you all very soon. Hope the weather is cooperating and I will catch you all again on the flip side!
Mary's record keeping:
Cowboys seen: up to about 15..give or take one or 2
Cheapest gas seen: $1.84 in Arkansas...wow!
Number of black bears seen in the mountains: 0...but I keep teasing Carol that there's one in the woods (she keeps the doors locked at all times!)
Number of times I said "I think I can live here": about 10...mostly in Arizona (and surprisingly in Oklahoma too!)
Miss you all and see you soon!
~mary the travel bug
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Jen
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Welcome Back!
Glad to hear you have been having a good time. I am going through Mary-withdrawal and can't wait to talk to you! Hope the last part of the ride is good. I can't imagine doing all that driving! Come back safe and ready to chat! Big hug...