TRIP SUMMARY!
I did have the best intensions to keep the blog up to date during this momentous trip but I found that our daily routine and active schedule didn't allow my tired body to reach this goal. I will do this summary then comment on the major events and stops during our trip. With each post I will try to post the pictures if my internet allows. We are currently on our way home and I will do complete new posts of those activities.
Our trip west covered 3640 miles from Emerald Isle, NC to Santa Cruz, Ca. We stayed in 14 campgrounds and drove through 9 states and a little piece of Illinois as we crossed the Mississippi River near Paducah, Ky.We visited five NP's and saw many beautiful places along the way.
By the third day we had established somewhat of a routine for getting the bedding ready at night and getting breakfast and getting ready for the road in the morning. The kids traveled very well except for the occasional moaning sounds that were the result of not being able to beat the game that was being played on the I-pad.
Pigeon Forge (cont'd) 7/26-7/29
Our second stop as mentioned in the first post was Pigeon Forge, Tn. The first day we did the Goats on a roof. The second day we visited Wonderworks. This is an unusual upside down fun building where they have all kinds of things like, Rope Walking, Laser Tag, Hurricane room, Earthquake room, inside roller coaster, and much much more. At the end of the day we saw a magic show at the same venue. This was a super day for all. The Wonderworks building was amazing.
The next day we drove into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We set up the kids for the Junior Ranger program. This is a great program were they are able to learn some things about the park, the environment, the flora of the area, animals in the park etc.. The kids receive a book with many sections that they were required fill out before they could be sworn in as Junior Rangers. Each NP has it's own booklet and it is a great way for the kids to learn more about conservation and the environment in each of the parks. We did a short hike with a Park Intern and learned a great deal about the trees and history of the park. This was the first Junior Ranger badge that the kids earned during our trip. Congratulations Sebastian and Sofia.
The Pigeon Forge experience also included pool time at the campground and a great dinner at the Local Goat - New American Restaurant and some Outlet shopping for everyone. All in all a very active three days.
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| On deranged builder. The landscaper wasn't much better. |
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The Hurricane Room/Wind Tunnel
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| The earthquake room! Shook like an earthquake. The Ca. folks thought it was lame! |
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| Fearless Sofia!! |
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| I don't think I'm getting enough oxygen!! |
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| Dinner next door to Wonderworks!! |
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| Our first National Park! |
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| Our guide! |
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| Hikes are fun and exercise! |
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| And beautiful! |
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| Is everyone happy? Yes!! |
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Not moving in anytime soon. Pioneer cabin that housed as many as 12. No TV or internet. Yikes!
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| The first swearing in ceremony. This was the person who lead the hike. Intern for the summer. |
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| Certificates in hand. New Junior Rangers!! (Seb and Sof) CONGRATULATIONS!!! |
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