Arts and Crafts in the Smokies

We returned to Gatlinburg  to do some looking and shopping in the arts and craft area. First we had lunch.  Have to keep the man feed.

One of several shopping areas along this road.

With an old fashion soda fountain.

Thought my friend Shellie would like this retreat.

I never thought of going to a retreat for quilting but Shellie would love it.

Went to several glass fusion stories but couldn't take pictures.  These three cabochons were rejects, which I bought 3 for $5, as examples of something I'd like to try and do.

Next we made a stop at a wood working shop.

Unique chair.

Rustic shop.

We heard about the Arts and Crafts School, so we had to visit.

They have weekly workshops, which I'd love to attend on a return visit.

Here are some of the cabochons we saw at the visitor centers.

And earrings.

Maybe some day, I'll get that good.

Smoky Mountains

Beautiful Drive. From Gatlinburg through the Smokies.

Chimney Mountain.

Rushing Water.

Words nor pictures can describe.

Can you see why they call them Smoky Mountains.

Bob and I feel we are blessed to be living this life.

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

After leaving Red Bay, Alabama, we headed for Knoxville.  We travel slow so we had one night in Chattanooga and then on to Knoxville. We are staying north of Knoxville 11 miles at the Raccoon Valley RV Park, it is an Escapee Park.

Our Honda locking system had become demon possessed.  It locked when ever it wanted.  When we were in Chattanooga it locked itself while being towed with the keys inside.  We had another set of keys but it wouldn't open the door. After a visit from a mobile locksmith, we were off again,  So our first stop in Knoxville, was at Rusty Wallace Honda to have them preform an exorcism.  Turns out it was a lock activator in the front driver door.

You know we love gardens, so we decided to explore the Gardens at the University of Tennessee.

When we walked in, there were water lilies to greet us.

Of course there were orange roses for the Volunteers.

Beautiful plants and flowers.

 

Vegetables.

This is a vegetable too.  It is a Balloon plant, the root is used in Chinese cooking.

Sculptures.

One last look at a beautiful garden. I'm sad it is small.  It was a panoramic view.  Won't do again.

Detour to Red Bay, Alabama and the Tiffin Service Center

While in Nashville, our toilet became lose.  When you sat on it, you felt like you were going to slide to the floor.  Also our backup camera, which worked at it's own schedule, stopped working completely.  Since we were only 3 hours away from Tiffin's Service Center, we (Bob) decided we should detour to Red Bay, Al and get things in proper working order.  He truly believes that only the technicians at Red Bay know how to fix Tiffin's.  He probably is correct as this is where they are built.

We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and Tiffin Campground was full.  We got an overload spot that only had electricity and water, but they promised to move us as soon as possible.  We were able to move the next day.  About 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the evaluator came to see what we wanted done. If you have an appointment you are taken care of right away.  You make your appointments online and the earliest appointment is about two months into the future. Otherwise, there are two lists, the express and the bay list.  The express list had a two day wait till we would be worked on and we would get two technicians and 3 hours of work, or we could get on the bay list.  That list was two weeks wait and then, they would do everything for you no matter how long it takes.  If you choose the express list and they can't fix you in 3 hours.  You start all over again on the bay list. We choose the express list and prayed they could get us fixed quicker than we thought.  This is the campground office.

The campground has full-hook for up to 95 motor homes. 

There are 50 bays to work on motor homes.

As some of you know, we have been to Red Bay before, and the highlight of our trip, was our visit to the Coon Dog Cemetery. That to say, there is not much to do here.  Bob occupied his time but visiting with other Tiffin owners, Swapping stories and finding out other things we need to have done while we are here.

Pralines got her hair done, we got the car detailed, we ate out at Jack's (Not be be confused with Jack in the Box.) and mostly just vegged.  We did take a tour of the Tiffin plant.  Our second time.  Bob loved every minute.  It was hot and I felt like I had seen it all before last time. Here are some highlights.

This is where the tour begins.  The motor home is a 1970, I think and as you would guess it has an avocado green and orange interior.  We come a long way, babe.

Above is a windshield, do you see where it is made, that's right Turkey.  No wonder you wait so long to get things done.  Turkey???

We were taken care of on the Monday after we came in and our stay at Tiffin Campground was one week total.  The express worked for us. we had the toilet fixed, got a new backup camera, had molding nailed into place, and got new shades for the bedroom.  Since a new Phaeton, Tiffin motor home, cost around $300,000 we were please with the repairs to our 2004 motor home. And we do not even have an avocado and orange interior. Bob was happy, so I was happy!  We love Tiffin  Service Center.