1 year, 10 months and 16 days from today - A May 2016 PTR FINAL UPDATE 5/6/16

[ddstratton]

How the heck did I miss this in your signature? I'm telling you, girl, I'm oblivious to soooo much around me. I'm going back to read now.

Hehehehehe! Don't worry about it! I'm often oblivious, too. Like you, I can walk right by people talking to me and not even know it...

You may have already seen a lot of these pictures on Facebook, but not necessarily the stories to go along with them.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Okay so I'm all caught up! You do a great job keeping up with your travel expenses and time spent in certain places. I try to keep up with our receipts when we're on the road but don't do a very good job of it. However, I can say that it only cost us $320+ to drive to Disney and back. That includes our one night hotel stay. It doesn't include the food though 'cause, like I said, I suck at keeping up with receipts.

It was really really nice of Freightliners to let Elizabeth climb into the big rig and even take a ride around the lot. Throw in a bunch of goodies and you've got one happy 15 year old.

I like the "visiting" portion of the trip. It's nice to spend time with friends and family and it looks like Elizabeth had a great time. How sweet of her to ask for that time as her birthday gift.

I can not believe that ya'll ran upon Bush's Baked Beans! We did too! We got turned around a couple of trips ago and somehow stumbled upon it. I agree that it's a neat place to stop and visit. I wish that the restaurant had been open when we were there but it was Thanksgiving Day so we were lucky that even the store/museum was open.

So, it looks/sounds like you guys took the same route that we did when we went into Pigeon Forge that year. Lucky for you, the traffic didn't look that bad. Usually, when we go, it's bumper to bumper. Ahhh, the pleasure of having to travel during a holiday.

Going off the report for a minute...have you ever been to Tuckalechee Caverns? (I think that I spelled that right.) If you haven't then you need to put it on your "to do" list. It's not the prettiest cave that I've ever been in but it's pretty interesting.

Okay, so back to the report. Sorry. The cabin looks so pretty! I don't know that I could stand driving up that road every time though. If I could see down, I'd Great shot of the road/overpass that goes from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge (or was it vice versa?)

Where did you find the package deal on the museums/aquarium? Sounds like something that I might want to look into. Not that John would want to go to the aquarium but I bet that he would live with the decision.

Did ya'll at least get a sample of the Smokey Mountain Moonshine? John has tasted a few of them but said that they are strong. I don't know if you saw it but there's a whiskey shop there in Gatlinburg too. Look at me sounding like we are drinkers 'cause we aren't. We have the same bottle of whiskey and moonshine in the top of our pantry that was there a few years ago.

I'm probably going all out of order here but I'm trying to remember it all. Elizabeth looks like she is in car Heaven in the museum. I bet this was one birthday that she won't soon forget.

Oh how I love Cade's Cove! It's so pretty there. If you think June is busy, honey, don't go in July. It was bumper to bumper to bumper. Took a dang long time to make the loop. Thanksgiving is pretty busy too. We skipped Cade's Cove last trip and went up to Clingman's Dome instead. I was super proud of myself for walking almost all the way up the mountain but I couldn't go all the way up to the observation tower by myself. (Hunter went ahead of me and John and Mama didn't even attempt the walk.) So, I stood about halfway up, patted myself on the back and slid back down 'cause it was iced over. (A lady fell and broke her arm when we were there and they had to evacuate her.) Sorry, rambling again. Were those deer in your Cade's Cove picture? See any bear?

What else? What else? Hum, I guess that's it even though I am sure that I forgot something. Looking forward to reading more and getting ideas for our Thanksgiving trip to Tennessee!

 

[ddstratton]

Okay so I'm all caught up! You do a great job keeping up with your travel expenses and time spent in certain places. I try to keep up with our receipts when we're on the road but don't do a very good job of it. However, I can say that it only cost us $320+ to drive to Disney and back. That includes our one night hotel stay. It doesn't include the food though 'cause, like I said, I suck at keeping up with receipts.

I take a notebook with me to keep track of expenses. I tuck receipts in the notebook, and make note of times we stop/leave/etc in the notebook. Most nights, I will take the notebook and type everything into a Word document.

It was really really nice of Freightliners to let Elizabeth climb into the big rig and even take a ride around the lot. Throw in a bunch of goodies and you've got one happy 15 year old.

It was SOOOO nice of the sales-lady to take Elizabeth around the rigs. She was super-nice and took a lot of time explaining different things about the different trucks. Elizabeth had a perma-grin for the rest of the day.

I like the "visiting" portion of the trip. It's nice to spend time with friends and family and it looks like Elizabeth had a great time. How sweet of her to ask for that time as her birthday gift.

Yup. That's all she really wanted for her birthday - a trip down to visit family and friends we don't see very often. We really did have a good time just visiting most of the time.

I can not believe that ya'll ran upon Bush's Baked Beans! We did too! We got turned around a couple of trips ago and somehow stumbled upon it. I agree that it's a neat place to stop and visit. I wish that the restaurant had been open when we were there but it was Thanksgiving Day so we were lucky that even the store/museum was open.

Yup, we ended up passing the Bush's museum by chance. The weather made it so that we couldn't come through the National Park, so we found a more weather-friendly route. We enjoyed that little stop.

So, it looks/sounds like you guys took the same route that we did when we went into Pigeon Forge that year. Lucky for you, the traffic didn't look that bad. Usually, when we go, it's bumper to bumper. Ahhh, the pleasure of having to travel during a holiday.

I've seen the area busy, and I don't like it! Traffic wasn't too bad this time, and it wasn't too busy.

Going off the report for a minute...have you ever been to Tuckalechee Caverns? (I think that I spelled that right.) If you haven't then you need to put it on your "to do" list. It's not the prettiest cave that I've ever been in but it's pretty interesting.

We haven't bene to Tuckalechee. We have done the Forbidden Caverns, near Sevierville, though. They were pretty neat.

Okay, so back to the report. Sorry. The cabin looks so pretty! I don't know that I could stand driving up that road every time though. If I could see down, I'd Great shot of the road/overpass that goes from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge (or was it vice versa?)

The cabin was wonderful! The road wasn't!

Where did you find the package deal on the museums/aquarium? Sounds like something that I might want to look into. Not that John would want to go to the aquarium but I bet that he would live with the decision.

I got the package deal from Ripley's website. They have different bundles so you can see several attractions at a discount.

Did ya'll at least get a sample of the Smokey Mountain Moonshine? John has tasted a few of them but said that they are strong. I don't know if you saw it but there's a whiskey shop there in Gatlinburg too. Look at me sounding like we are drinkers 'cause we aren't. We have the same bottle of whiskey and moonshine in the top of our pantry that was there a few years ago.

We didn't actually try any. They were pretty busy. However, after we came home I found a recipe on Pinterest to make some apple pie moonshine. Made it. It is DELICIOUS!!! However, we seem to drink as much you do. I've given away more than I've drank of it.

I'm probably going all out of order here but I'm trying to remember it all. Elizabeth looks like she is in car Heaven in the museum. I bet this was one birthday that she won't soon forget.

She was in seventh Heaven at the Stars Cars museum. She is obsessed with Jerry Reed, and to sit in a car that was in one of his movies - she was over the moon.

Oh how I love Cade's Cove! It's so pretty there. If you think June is busy, honey, don't go in July. It was bumper to bumper to bumper. Took a dang long time to make the loop. Thanksgiving is pretty busy too. We skipped Cade's Cove last trip and went up to Clingman's Dome instead. I was super proud of myself for walking almost all the way up the mountain but I couldn't go all the way up to the observation tower by myself. (Hunter went ahead of me and John and Mama didn't even attempt the walk.) So, I stood about halfway up, patted myself on the back and slid back down 'cause it was iced over. (A lady fell and broke her arm when we were there and they had to evacuate her.) Sorry, rambling again. Were those deer in your Cade's Cove picture? See any bear?

Cade's Cove in June was bad enough. Not going in July!! I had wanted to go to Clingman's Dome on our way in but the weather had other plans for us. We did see deer in the fields there, but no bear this time.

 

[ddstratton]

Mini Trip Report, Day 9

Friday, March 28, 2014. We got the van all packed up, and said goodbye to the cabin at 9:46. Just as we locked up the door, it started sprinkling. Just outside Sevierville, we stopped at a little strip mall with a store called IR Cheap. This little strip mall was interesting. There were several different shops, but only a couple of check-out spots throughout the whole building. We bought a stovetop grill/griddle for ourselves, a set of two peelers for Mom S, 2 Trans Am matchbox cars for DD and a jar of Moonshine jelly. Total here was $47.17. Left here at 11:40.

We stopped at a nearby Cracker Barrel for lunch. Mom S had mac and cheese, DD had a chicken BLT, DH had the trout and I had a rib-eye steak. Mom S and DH also ordered blackberry cobbler. We also bought cherry & orange slices, a stuffed unicorn, a plastic insulated cup and a carry bag in the gift shop. Total here was $75.71 plus tip. I used a $25 gift card – again a reward from MyPoints. We left here at 1:20.

Don'’t I look thrilled here?

Stopped at a gas station at 2:16. I bought a t-shirt for 5.48. $37.65, 11.696 gallons at $3.24 per gallon. Apparently no pictures were taken here.

Entered VA at 3:18. No pictures of this either.

Stopped at a rest area at 4:12. $4.00 in quarters for two sodas. Left at 4:22. No pictures here. Apparently I was picture’d out??

We arrived at my Aunt Jan'’s at 5:43. We just visited for a while, then Thor ordered pizza from Pizza Hut to be delivered. Apparently, he wanted some variety, as he also went out and got pizza from Papa John’'s. We had a good time just visiting for a while.

I didn'’t take any pictures of our supper, and only a few while we were visiting. DD was pooped.

Our cute little guest room at Aunt Jan’'s. Mom S slept in their spare bedroom downstairs, and DD slept on an air mattress in the loft outside our room.

That’'s about it for this day of the trip. Not much happened other than driving and having a fun supper with family.

 

[QueenJen]

Have been reading along and enjoying your pre and mini trip report. Great set of photos of your DH very pleased with himself trying to scare your DD. I think your DD's request for a trip to visit family for her bday is awesome. She clearly understands the value of time at an early age.

 

[ddstratton]

Have been reading along and enjoying your pre and mini trip report. Great set of photos of your DH very pleased with himself trying to scare your DD. I think your DD's request for a trip to visit family for her bday is awesome. She clearly understands the value of time at an early age.

DH was very happy to have scared DD on the trail. Far too please with himself

I thought her request for her birthday trip was awesome.

 

[ddstratton]

Mini Trip Report, Day 10

Saturday, March 29, 2014. We got up and around rather late this morning. I didn'’t even write down what time.

DD was in denial, refusing to wake up.

Good thing she didn'’t have far to fall when she finally made it out of bed.

We had cake and ice cream for breakfast!! We just never got around to it last night. My aunt Jan had bought DD a birthday cake, so that'’s what we had for breakfast.

By the way -– she's up to three birthday cakes over eight days.…

We left Jan’'s at 11:35. I love this old Arby’'s sign that'’s near her house.

We stopped at a rest area at 1:01. $2.00 for a Cherry Coke. Left at 1:10. No pictures here.

We stopped at a Burger King at 1:36. We used a coupon that Thor had given us. Mom Stratton and DD each had a Whopper meal, DH had a big fish meal, and I had a bacon double cheeseburger with onion rings and a cherry slushie. Total here was $20.18. We also bought gas - $40.00, 12.125 gallons at $3.29 per gallon. I bought two small containers of fruit for $5.51. Left here at 2:15.

We stopped at a 7-11 at 3:19. We used the restrooms and bought two Starbucks coffee drinks. $6.13. For some reason, the GPS was going to have us get on a different route. It just happened to put us off right next to the EconoLodge we stayed in on the way down! We decided to ignore the GPS re-route and just take our usual route home. Never did understand why the GPS wanted to take us a different way…...

Entered WV at 3:30.

Entered MD at 4:04.

Entered PA at 4:15.

Stopped at a PA welcome center at 4:16. Left at 4:35.

Driving through Pennsylvania, this is what we saw a LOT of.

Stopped for gas at 6:43. $35.50, 9.702 gallons at $3.65 per gallon. $5.92 for two Starbucks coffees.

We stopped at Denny'’s in Selinsgrove, PA at 6:50. Mom S had chili, DD had chicken quesidillas, DH had the sirloin steak dinner and I had the t-bone steak dinner. Mom S and DD shared a banana split and DH and I shared an apple cobbler. Total here was $55.87 plus tip. Left at 7:57.

At this point, we decided to stop for the night, even though we were only about three hours from home. It was dark and it was really raining. DH didn'’t really want to drive over the mountain area in the dark and the rain. That area has a tendency to get icy.

So, we stayed a Holiday Inn Express in Selinsgrove for the night. $131.89 for a suite with two queen beds and a pull out sofa.

We just vegged for the night, watching TV and playing around on the laptops. We went to sleep fairly early, as we wanted to get up early and head home.

 

[ddstratton]

Mini Trip Report, Day 11

Sunday, March 30, 2014. I woke up at 5:00 and got around for the morning.

We packed up the van again and left the hotel at 6:20. We stopped at the Williamsport McDonald’s at 7:08. Breakfast was $19.23. Left at 7:30.

Forgot to note what time we entered NY, but it wasn'’t too long before we stopped at Walmart in Painted Post (almost home!) at 8:53. Bought milk, bread, cat food, birthday gifts for my nieces Rose and Julia, and a little one for DD, some shampoo and a few other small things. Total here is $66.49. Left at 9:19.

Arrived home at 9:40. Total mileage was 1,811 miles.

DH and DD got things around and went to church (DD HATES missing service, as she helps with the student ministry portion). When they came back, we went to my Dad and Step-Mom’'s house for a birthday party. DD and my brother’'s two girls all have birthdays in March, so we do a party for all of them. This is where DD got her FOURTH birthday cake in nine days. She sure got her money’'s worth out of this birthday!!

And that’s it for our little mini-trip-report within this pre-trip report.

 

[QueenJen]

Ok...so being from the other coast, I am trying to wrap my mind around being able to be in another state so quickly....let alone multiple states so quickly. I really need to get out more. Great mini tr within your pre tr. I forgot to mention that I was very excited to see a pre tr started what seems to be so far in advance. I popped in to the pre tr section to see if it was too soon to plan for the end of 2015. Good to see it's not too soon.

 

[mickeystoontown]

My goodness, Darla, you passed through three States in less than an hour. You must be super fast drivers. Just kiddin'!

I don't blame ya'll for stopping for the night. With the weather conditions, that was a smart move. We once got stuck in the rain in the middle of the Smokey Mountains at night and it was NOT fun.

That Elizabeth is one lucky girl! Just look at all of the birthday cakes that she got in so little time. We don't spoil our kids one little bit now do we? (you saw what we ended up buying this weekend)

Do you mind telling me where the music stores were that you guys stopped in? Were they in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg? I can't remember. We stopped in one in Pigeon Forge but I think that they were about to close the doors forever. I'd like to visit a couple of music stores while on our next trip.

 

[ddstratton]

Ok...so being from the other coast, I am trying to wrap my mind around being able to be in another state so quickly....let alone multiple states so quickly. I really need to get out more. Great mini tr within your pre tr. I forgot to mention that I was very excited to see a pre tr started what seems to be so far in advance. I popped in to the pre tr section to see if it was too soon to plan for the end of 2015. Good to see it's not too soon.

We live only about a half-hour from the PA state line. PA usually takes us about five hours to drive down through. After that, though -- MD and WV are only about 10 -20 minutes apiece. It's a small strip of each state. Makes you feel like you're getting somewhere fast when you go through those states!

My goodness, Darla, you passed through three States in less than an hour. You must be super fast drivers. Just kiddin'!

I don't blame ya'll for stopping for the night. With the weather conditions, that was a smart move. We once got stuck in the rain in the middle of the Smokey Mountains at night and it was NOT fun.

That Elizabeth is one lucky girl! Just look at all of the birthday cakes that she got in so little time. We don't spoil our kids one little bit now do we? (you saw what we ended up buying this weekend)

Do you mind telling me where the music stores were that you guys stopped in? Were they in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg? I can't remember. We stopped in one in Pigeon Forge but I think that they were about to close the doors forever. I'd like to visit a couple of music stores while on our next trip.

Country Music USA and the Ernest Tubb Record Store #4 were both in Pigeon Forge, on the opposite side of the road from the Dixie Stampede/Comedy Barn/Dollywood. Country Music USA might be the one that was closing. When we were there, everything was on clearance...

Yes, we spoil our kids rotten. Another example of that is coming up in the next update...

 

[ddstratton]

Old Crow Medicine Show In Concert

As I mentioned to Lisa in my last post, we do spoil our children, don’'t we? As I’'ve also mentioned earlier in this report, DD loves the sound of older country music. Old Crow Medicine show is a current band that has an older sound. DD has been slightly obsessed with them for some time now. Mom also likes them. Earlier this year, I found out that they would be in concert in Cooperstown, NY, which is about three hours away from us. I purchased tickets in June. Mom and DD have been counting down the days since then.

Yesterday was the day. I packed my backpack with a couple of sweatshirts, some rain ponchos (left over from our 2010 Disney Trip!!!), my camera and batteries, etc. We had some sandwiches and chips for lunch, then we threw our lawn chairs in the back of the van and headed out right about 12:30 pm. We stopped for some gas and continued on to Cooperstown. We made one stop at a rest area for a quick potty break, and got to the event site just before 3:30.

This concert was held at a brewery --– Brewery Ommegang. Therefore, I kind of figured that the event would be a booze-fest. Spoiler alert - I was right. It was starting before they even opened the gates. We got parked, and there wasn’'t really a big crowd yet --– I think we were in the second row of vehicles. People were in their lawn chairs in the parking lot, already enjoying adult beverages and other things (we were fairly certain that many of the cigarettes being smoked were not your typical tobacco…).

Just before 4:00pm, we decided to head to the gates. The staff went up the line shortly after we got in it, putting wrist bands on people. If you were under 21, you got a white band. Over 21 got a black band. 4:00 comes and goes, and they don'’t open the gates… At about 4:20, one of the staff said it would be a few more minutes --– the bands were still doing sound checks. I think it was about quarter to five when they finally let us in. We went through bag check (they were really only looking for outside alcohol) and made our way to the stage. We set up our chairs in the first line available. Not a bad view of of the stage…

DD went to the souvenir tent and bought Old Crow's new album on both CD and Vinyl (got a discount for buying both), and a T-shirt. After that, she wanted to be up-close and personal, so she went to save her spot up front. (she'’s on the far right)

Interesting decoration on the stage.

I had gotten us each a water, and DH and I a soda. Total here was $12 (yup, $2 each for bottled water and a can of soda). I also got Mom and DD a hot dog - $3.50 each. DH and I had planned to get something later, but never did get around to it…

While waiting for the show to begin, it started to sprinkle a little. One of the stage crew climbed up the side of these huge speakers to attach a tarp. Holy cow –-- no safety lines or anything...…

DD got a kick out of this. That’'s a regular air conditioner in the window of that rig.…

First group that played was the Spirit Family Reunion. We had never heard of this group before. They had a folksy sound.

I think she was happy to be at the front rail…...

Mom was too.

This band member was playing the washboard. With forks. And to hold the washboard, he put the feet of it into his jeans pockets!

Next act was Langhorn Slim and the Law. Interesting group. The lead singer was certainly energetic.

Poor guy was having trouble with his mic stand. It kept sinking. He was a good sport and just bent over to the mic and kept singing.

And then the main event for DD. Old Crow Medicine Show. It had been sprinkling on and off, then just before these guys came out, it really started to rain. It did let up after a bit, and I was able to get some good pictures.

They had the light fixture lit up.

For an encore, all three bands came out and did three songs together. The first one they did was “Centerfield” –- to pay homage to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame.

For most of the concert, I was at the front rail with DD and Mom. I started out in the chairs with DH, but wanted to get some pictures. DH ended up taking the chairs back to the van during the second act and watched the rest of the concert standing with the rest of the crowds, and we met up with him at the end.

It was a bit of a drunk fest, as we expected. Surprisingly, though -– even though there were a WHOLE lot of drunk people, most everyone was still fairly polite and just having fun. We did have a couple of girls who got a little enthusiastic behind us while dancing and nearly knocked us over, but most everyone else was acting fairly considerate of others around them. We ended up having a really good time. DD was just thrilled at getting to see the group she liked so much, and right in the front row.

The concert ended shortly after 10:30. We made our way with the rest of the crowd to the parking lot and found our car fairly easily. We got out of the parking lot quickly and made our way back to the highway. Just before midnight, we stopped at a 24-hour gas station for a potty break and some food -– DH and I had never gotten anything for supper. Mom and DD got coffees from the Dunkin Donuts in the building, and DH and I got sodas. DH just wanted a pack of cookies to eat. Mom and DD got egg salad sandwiches, and I got a chicken wrap. All totaled, I think we spent $4.97 for the coffees and another $22.74 for the food.

We dropped Mom off at her house, and got back to our house just after 2:30 am. All in all --– we had a great time! DD’s first concert experience, and she had a front-rail view for the whole concert. Not bad.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Despite the delay in being let in, semi-drunk people, the probably-no-just-a-cigarette smokers and a little rain, it sounds like you guys had a great time at the concert.

Thanks for the info on the music stores in Pigeon Forge. I'll be sure to check them out (or if one of them did close, then just the one) when we go over Thanksgiving weekend.

 

[KatMark]

Back from our weekend get away and catching up, Darla.

I've missed too much to comment on everything.

Glad you got some shopping in in Gatlinburg.

Good that you got to see more family on your way home.

Poor DD...getting a straw up her nose.

I think DH made wise call in spending night rather than driving in the rain and dark.

That's a lot of birthday cakes.

Glad you had a good time at the concert!

 

[ddstratton]

Despite the delay in being let in, semi-drunk people, the probably-no-just-a-cigarette smokers and a little rain, it sounds like you guys had a great time at the concert.

Thanks for the info on the music stores in Pigeon Forge. I'll be sure to check them out (or if one of them did close, then just the one) when we go over Thanksgiving weekend.

We all really did have a good time at the concert. DD loved it.

The Ernest Tubb Record Store is really just vinyl/cds/etc. They didn't have any instruments that I recall. There was one store we were going to check out, but DD had already found her electric acoustic in Asheville. It's called the Music Outlet, and is located at 1050 Winfield Dunn Parkway, in Sevierville. We drove past it on our way out of town, but didn't stop. I'm pretty sure that Country Music USA is out of business now... They had a few instruments, but everything was on clearance when we were in there.

Back from our weekend get away and catching up, Darla.

I've missed too much to comment on everything.

Glad you got some shopping in in Gatlinburg.

Good that you got to see more family on your way home.

Poor DD...getting a straw up her nose.

I think DH made wise call in spending night rather than driving in the rain and dark.

That's a lot of birthday cakes.

Glad you had a good time at the concert!

Welcome back! We had a great trip, and seeing more family only makes it better. I loved that picture of DD and the straw. That's what she gets for picking on her dad...

 

[ddstratton]

Family Reunion

We had a family reunion over the weekend.

DD loved it, as she got to play with the family band again.

Aunt Jan and Thor made the trip up from Virginia for the reunion. Jan sings with the band when she’'s around.

I think DD likes her guitar…... (this is the one she got in Asheville, on her birthday trip)

Thor thought DD needed help playing her guitar.

DD with other members of the family band.

While talking with Aunt Jan at the reunion, we found out that we may have to change our travel plans for this trip! Jan and Thor may be moving to Asheville, NC! That would give us more family to visit on our trips to Asheville. But if we are not stopping to see them in Virginia, we would change our route on the trip down. More on that coming up.

 

[MEK]

All caught up!

I really enjoyed reading about your Gaitlinsburg trip! The Grist Mill looks really cool. Wow - can't believe it was that hard to find a parking space in the spring. It must be crazy in the summer.

I have always wanted to try Bubba Gumps. Hopefully I'll eventually get around to it.

That was a LONG drive to and from Gaitlinsburg. And the weather looked so crappy as you got closer to home.

Loved the pics from the concert in Copperstown. That looks like a fun concert.

How fun that your DD got to play with the family band. I would love that. I enjoy playing the guitar with other people. It's so much fun!

Thanks for all the great updates!

 

[mickeystoontown]

You can totally tell that Elizabeth is having a great time playing with the family. She's such a good kid.

 

[ddstratton]

Thanks for all the great updates!

Thank you! And you're welcome -- I love doing them. A real Disney Pre-Trip update is coming shortly...

You can totally tell that Elizabeth is having a great time playing with the family. She's such a good kid.

She had a blast playing with the family. And they encourage her to play - I love that.

 

[ddstratton]

Starting Out

I'’m going to start sharing my plans for the actual trip now. Please be aware –-- THESE PLANS WILL CHANGE. There is no doubt about that! I am a planner and a plan-changer. Some plans will change due to research and deciding something else will work better. Some plans will change because we change our minds about what we want to do. Some plans will likely change for unforeseen reasons. But I love all of it.

We plan on leaving bright and early on the morning of Friday, May 13th. Probably right around 6:00 am. I'’m not sure if Mom will spend the night with us, or if my brother will drop her off early in the morning, or just what'’ll happen there. We'’ll figure that part out when the time comes.

We'’ll hit the road and be on the highway (Interstate 86 to start with) just two miles from our house. Our first stop will most likely be at the McDonald’'s in Williamsport, PA. We'’ll grab a quick breakfast and a potty break here.

After breakfast, we'’ll continue on South. We'’ll most likely hit a rest area or two.

After breakfast at McDonald’'s in Williamsport, PA, we will continue South on 15 to Harrisburg, PA. There, we will pick up I-83. This is a new route for us. I am planning to make a stop-over in Baltimore, MD. We have never visited Baltimore --– any suggestions on MUST-SEE things? For us, the main reason to stop is the Ripley’'s Believe It Or Not. DD would LOVE to cross another one off her list. She loves these places.

Ripley'’s Baltimore (borrowed from the internet)

Gatlinburg, more times than I can count

Orlando, during our first Disney trip

St Augustine, FL, after our last Disney trip

Myrtle Beach, also after our last Disney trip

We’'ll also be hitting another Ripley’'s on this trip --– the one in Key West. (borrowed from the internet)

Just doing a little bit of research shows me that we could spend DAYS in the Baltimore area, but really we would only like to spend a few hours. The Ripley'’s museum will probably take an hour or so, and lunch will take a little more time. For that, I'’m thinking of hitting a nearby Hard Rock Café --– another thing to cross off DD’s list. This is only tentative, as I don'’t know what else is available in the area. We've visited a couple Hard Rock'’s so far…...

Hard Rock Café, Baltimore (borrowed from the internet)

Hard Rock, Gatlinburg -– been here several times, but it’'s closing soon, as they are relocating to Pigeon Forge.

Hard Rock, Myrtle Beach

We'’ll be crossing off two more on this trip, as well... –

Key West…

and Orlando (both borrowed from the internet).

I’'m thinking of doing the National Aquarium, as it is right near the Ripley'’s museum. I’'m not sure on that one, though...… Of course, there’'s the ships to see in the Inner Harbor area.… Anyone been to Baltimore and would like to weigh in? Give me hints or ideas of things we just MUST see?

Where we stop for the night will greatly depend on how much time I actually allow for our Baltimore visit. I’'d love to get as far as Emporia, VA, but that would mean only spending 3 or 4 hours in Baltimore. More research must be done...…