Month: March 2017

Morristown was a sad reminder of the dedication of Revolutionary War soldiers who went without any food for long periods of time and without appropriate clothing and shelter for the brutally cold winter in 1780s. A sample hut in the visitors center of the 14’x16′ hut which housed 12 soldiers was displayed. God bless their souls for their part in our freedom today! Patterson Great Falls is such a powerhouse! Alexander Hamilton’s statue is on the premises as it was his idea to use that power-and the newest iteration of the power plant is still providing the equivalent of the needs of 11,000 homes! Wednesday, 3/22, was Bless the Water Day-so if you missed it, please now say a prayer to bless all water everywhere, ok?

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Left Big South Fork NRRA around 9:30 after I found out that the bus tours at Oak Ridge Manhattan Project NHP were already filled for the day; so I headed to the Stones River Natl Battlefield in Murfreesboro, TN, a bloody Civil War  battle with the loss of over 23,000 lives. I’ve sadly accepted that the only way we, as a nation, thought we could solve the slavery issue was Civil War. I watched the video, went through the museum, and did the battlefield tour using the Audio explanations over the phone. The Rangers were very helpful, especially by sharing another resource in Murfreesboro named Earth Experience, a museum of fossils/rocks and a dinosaur. Oh, when I inquired about GeoCache, the Ranger took out a small, old Army box 📦 for me to open, sign in and get the info. The Earth Experience is small and awesome; they recommended I go to Woodbury on 70S to hunt for geodes where exposed rock had recently been recut. I had fun exploring, but found no geodes. I’m in Central Standard time now, but my iPhone hasn’t adjusted. It’s only 7 pm Central time and I am ready for sleep! Hope y’all celebrated the day in the Irish way!

Woke up Around 2am and headed to TN through The amazing Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountainsfrom NC on 95N where the temperatures got down to a low of 25 degrees…yes, nippy! Nice and warm in the car, though, while driving. TN Visitor Center set up like a nice TN cabin with rocking chairs on the porch-see pic. It finally got up to about 46 degrees and the sunshine feels good. Obed’s video was delightful, but since I’m not a kayak person anyway, I didn’t hike down to the river, which is stunningly clear and turquoise in color. I camp tonight at Big South Fork NRA after I watch the sun set over the gorge. Believing the gorge will be gorgeous, just as each of you are!

In driving to revisit Castillo de San Marcos in St Augustine, founded in 1565, my foot slipped off the brake at a traffic light in Palatka, FL and I hit the car in front of me. The young driver said her neck hurt even though no damage to her car and a bend added to my front license plate-police & ambulance came-no tickets, no anything. So, does this mean my blessed accident-free record of 51+ years is still in tact? My guardian angel 😇 is amazing-for which I give thanks. Prayers for the young woman driver named Echo, who has had health issues. I still made it on time to see the Fort where parking is a challenge. On the way, I passed by Ocala Downs, the home of the pineapple orange, Horseshoe Lake Park & Retreat, and a Seminole Indian Community. Castillo de San Marcos was built under direction of Spain and primarily made of sea shells and sand. Natl Park Svc keeps it up, so it still is standing. 

Today to Cumberland Island, but 37-degree temperature caused me to decide not to venture to the island itself. Rather, I took in what the Visitors Center and grounds offered. St Mary’s, GA, is pretty to look at. After Cumberland, I found a Tire Kingdom in Brunswick, GA to rotate tires and change oil with an appointment for 2 pm. Blythe Island, only 15 minutes away, occupied my time and attention for almost 2 hours waiting for my Pearl’s car appointment. Blythe is such a wonderful word-carefree, indeed. And I felt carefree at Blythe Island! Here’s to  a Blythe day to you all!

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Visit with family a pleasant break and now headed to St Augustine then Cumberland Island in GA. Thanks to Bruce and Anna (and also Bella, the cat). A bit chilly for FL this morn. Went to St Patrick’s Day parade with more beautiful dogs than I’ve ever seen in a parade followed by a great band comprised of 2 bagpipers, fiddler, keyboard player, drummer, and guitarist-an amazingly different combination. Some pix below – the video of full moon with sound of musicians in the background may not play. have a gratitude-filled day!

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