July 12: ATV'ing

Yesterday, we dined at the Old Mill. They have a tour, but after seeing two working mills already - we went straight for the food. Larry and I both got the country fried steak with corn chowder, corn fritters, mashed potatoes & gravy as sides. Larry said it was the BEST fried steak he'd ever had. It was all good. Because my camera got a little wet on the hiking trail Thursday, it didn't want to work while we were there. We'll probably have to go back for another meal so I can take photos of the mill.

After roaming around and doing a little shopping at the local Old Mill Mall (purchased more food items--did you know they can put cobblers in a jar?), we headed for the afternoon show called the Comedy Barn. I had specifically asked for center - not front row - when I called for tickets several days ago. I was told that there were center seats in row B - great. Any one that knows Larry, knows there are two things he doesn't like to do: 1) sit on the front row and 2) sit on an isle in any row. Got there and they gave us front row - on the isle. Since I thought it was funny, I didn't complain. He pretty much got over looked until the juggler came out. He pulled out three handles with buzz saw blades attached to the end. Said he had a dog that went to the corner of the room every time he practiced this particular routine. Said he calls that dog Sissy Dog. He pointed at Larry and asked if he'd like to help. Of course Larry shook his head and put up his hands saying no. The guy looked at Larry and called him "Sissy Dog". Throughout the juggler's entire routine he'd look at Larry and say Sissy Dog. At the end he thanked Larry for being a good sport and said no one enjoyed it more than Mrs. Sissy Dog. I gave him a thumb's up.


Several days ago I saw that there were Gold Finches in the trees, so I put out my Gold Finch feeder.Had not seen any until this morning when one kept wanting to come into the window. First we had the Tufted Titmouse and now a Gold Finch. I managed to get photos of her sitting in the tree and trying to fly in. This afternoon, she has learned to sit on the outside edge and look in. She pecks on the window like a woodpecker. Larry thinks she hears Cuddles chirping; I think she sees herself in the tinted glass and is trying to defend her territory.

By 9:30 am today, we drove up this cute little lane that was dangerous at some points (signs said so) and ended up at the Bluff Mountain Adventures office on the side of a mountain. We geared up, got instructions and headed out. What fun that was for someone who had never done this on flat ground. The trails were filled with loose rocks and boulders, not to mention the tree roots and ditches created from when water runs down the hill. Lots of water (mud) puddles and a creek to splash thru. The views were breathtaking. This one on the left is showing the Smoky Mountains looking right into North Carolina. We had been on the other side of these mountains Wednesday. The photo on the right is looking into Kentucky. I had no idea that these little machines could climb over rocks and ditches like they do - and they didn't even high center out when I drove over boulders in the middle of the trail.






Came down the mountain, changed clothes and went into Pigeon Forge for lunch. Had local BBQ that wasn't all that good. Guess you have to get a couple of bad meals to make you really appreciate the good ones. Right now we're going swimming. Nothing planned for tonight or all day tomorrow.