The Adventures Continue 2014

Here it is the report you have all been waiting for. The 2014 Big Adventure Trip.

This year we were limited to 10 days due to other family obligations so we made the most of them putting somewhere near 3,000 miles on Bertha and covering 3 National Parks, a visit with my sister, and Monticello, the home of our first cousin six times removed, Thomas Jefferson.

Jack has been asking to see Mammoth Caves for the past several years and we thought this would be a great starting off point not terribly far from home. However before we left Woodridge we had to hit Doggie Diner for a Gyro. Jack has developed a taste for Chicago food and his favorite eateries. He now has a culinary agenda for his visits. Besides Doggie Diner, they include Papa's Pizza, Portillos, Connie's Pizza, and the coups de gras, Fannie Mae Candy. Do you see a theme here? Much of this was inspired by his father's nostalgia for home. My children have never wanted mom's special meals when they come for a visit, they are always looking for good pizza. Spending the winters in Florida I can tell you, we live without pizza for almost 4 months and usually hit Papa's the first day back in town.

However, I digress. Mammoth Caves which I have been to twice before was never so exciting as this time seen through the eyes of these children. They have a special way of making everything such great fun. Elise decided this was already the most awesome trip we have yet taken and at the young age of 6, she is already on her 4th adventure with us. They all have their National Parks passports and know exactly how to get them stamped without our aid.

We arrived in Virginia on the evening of Carol and Jim's anniversary. What do you think of a sister who will spend her anniversary preparing a full lasagna meal and delivering it to a campground to five hungry travelers? A the next evening we celebrated our 44th anniversary with hot dogs and s'mores over a bonfire at their home. A great way to mark the passage of time in the presence of family.

Our anniversary selfie

The first day we spent at our cousin Tom's estate called Monticello. Ella has become immersed in history, especially on knowing she is related to our third president. She had her hand up every time our docent asked a question about him. This was her favorite part of the trip.

Shenandoah was especially fun as we were able to explore it in part in the company of my sister, Carol, and her grandchildren Joseph and Jacob. Of, course it was great to spend time with her son, Andy and Amy, his wife. We had a great picnic and a great hike. We ascended to a beautiful view view from on high of the Appalachian mountains. The children spent quite a bit of time climbing out on the rocks while Grandma held her breath in fear of losing one of them. These children are remarkably adventurous and seem to have no sense of their own limitations (if, indeed, they do have any). I was proud of our Jack and the way he kept Elise close to him allowing me to breathe intermittently.

Andy with Joseph and Jacob

Taking off from Virginia, we had an all day drive to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After many card games, we arrived at our final destination.

I taught the kids a favorite Patterson game "Piggy"

We spent the first day hiking the mountain trails to new heights and spectacular views. As is typical of the Smokys, it is difficult to capture the splendor through the fog. It did clear enough occasionally though for us to appreciate where we were. Of course, we had to stop at every high rock for the kids to climb. Jack took such good care of his little sister enabling her to explore further than she could have if it meant that I had to help her. I think he likes his sisters a lot more than he will admit, but we'll keep that between you and me. Our last hike of the day was up to a waterfall and we were able to let them splash in it and cool off. Especially Elise who just can't help but get her clothes wet wherever there is water. She never complained though about having to finish hikes in wet pants. She is a real trooper.

The second day we spent several hours driving through the historic part of the park. We had a good taste of the difficulties and the beauty of pioneer life in this isolated land. Don decided to try to purchase this lovely little cabin as a summer home.

We were camped a short distance from Dollywood and although we didn't choose to spend our time and money in the park, we were treated each evening there by a rather spectacular fireworks display sitting in comfort on our patio.

Don treated us all to a variety show one evening, The Smoky Mountain Opry. There was something for everyone: comedy, singing, dancing, tumbling, and magic. Elise was so totally wowed by the performances that the people sitting near us were equally entertained by her excitement. A good time was had by all.

Returning home we were met at the door  by their Dad who scooped them up and took them away leaving us with great memories of shared time and bonding with those special children.