Set up in their new home mid-July, F&O took it for a shake-down run near the dealership for a few days, as they didn’t want to stray too far from a business that would be required to make repairs if needed. None were needed, which is a bloomin’ miracle in the RV world. If you know, you know. The choice of location was Cathedral Cavern State Park, AL, which turned out to be a super option. Flynn and Ollie toured the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville (“Rocket City”). This place is a blast (get it?), as they have two free carnival rides, some paid activities/rides, a real rocket-scientist to chat with, and lots and lots of rockets. Flynn rode the carnival rides (spin you around and shoot you in the air) and did not throw up. He won’t be doing them again. Liquor and rides don’t mix. This is also where Space Camp is located. It was a hoot watching the students getting dropped off by parents, lugging bags, getting checked in (new class) and eyeballing the tenured, old-hat students practicing in the dive tank.
F&O also visited the Cathedral Caverns themselves, which was a better tour than Mammoth in their opinion. Less chaotic, better sights, better tour, smaller venue – highly recommend if near Huntsville.
Having seen and done it all in the Huntsville area while shaking down the rig, it was time for the critters to move on with their adventures. They headed off to Raccoon Valley, TN (near Knoxville) for a full week so they could get their “cheesy-country” on in Pidgeon Forge and Gatlinburg, some real sight-seeing in the Great Smokey Mountains, and squeeze in a bit of hiking. Be sure to read a recently published previous blog “Where the F is the Dish Drainer?” for a glimpse into Raccoon Valley.
The seven day stint in Raccoon Valley took place in a club park, the SKP (Escapees). While they may not be fancy or resort-ish, they are very reasonably priced and have all the needed amenities, like full hook up, laundry, book exchanges, and so-forth. Having had a hectic few days since the new RV purchase, the chance to re-organize and relax a bit was sorely needed.
Rested and ready to rock a week later, the bird and otter headed to Asheville, NC to meet up with the infamous couple (Chris and Bonnie) who run Ashevillephoto.tours < – no kickbacks, but check it out if you are into photography and are in the Ashville, NC area. Full disclosure: relatives of F&O. Fuller disclosure: they know their stuff. Fullest disclosure: They are not responsible for any bad photos posted on this site. A wonderful and long overdue visit was had by all parties, and more of the Great Smoky Mountain NP was toured.
A few days later, and it was time to start to head to the last stop on the east side of the USofA. They turned west to stop in Bowling Green, KY to meet up with more family and commandeer their washer and dryer (isn’t that what family is for?). Seeing the “kids” was definitely a highlight, and add to that they went for their first time to a real Lego store and a Dave & Busters. Flynn kicked butt at a basketball-plinko game, and is now jonsin’ to go bowling in neon lights. For the RVers out there, F&O really recommend looking into the Army Core of Engineer parks when looking for nice, well-kept RV camping at a reasonable price. The critters got set up at Tailwater COE, went bourbon hunting, and did a bit of bbq-ing.
It was by now way, way past time for F & O to head back west to ‘home’. Is it possible to have a home when one lives in a RV? Not that good times were not had by all (we refer you again to the Red Bay Email String), but the instinctive drive was strong to migrate to the other side of the Mississippi. Flynn, Ollie, Jones, and the handlers were looking forward to wide open spaces, less humidity, and a different atmosphere overall.
Their adventures west will continue in the next episode. Of course, there may be a few squirrels before then, but who really cares anyway? We do what we want.
Fin
Flynn
You certainly are getting around on the whirlwind US tour. 😀
Wow. A really entertaining blog. Thank you.