August 7, 2023

The Apple Barn and Cider Mill

A cold glass of cider anyone?

After seeing an ad for this establishment we decided to pay it a visit. I wasn’t as much interested in the apples as I was the cider. Think hard!

In the early 1900’s this was an active, working farm. The centerpiece of the complex today is the iconic barn itself. Built of wood sourced from the land it sits on, today it is the hub of all activity that goes on in the current complex.

The farm and the barn were eventually sold to a local resident in the 70’s who renovated the barn and turned it into a home for his family. As the years went by he gradually established a business selling apples and cider and thus turned the barn into a general store.

Today that business has grown into what you find today. Here, you’ll find apples and so much more. There is apple cider, jams and jellies, wines, pies, cakes and fritters, and of course apple butter. In addition there is . . . well we’ll get to that in a minute.

Let’s begin with the general store. It is store filled with

crafts galore. But what always interests me when I visit a store like this are the signs and plaques on display for sale.

Here’s a small sample of what I discovered.

I kind of like, Dreams don’t work unless you do. What’s your favorite?

Unfortunately, the one I can best relate to is If stress burned calories, I’d be a size 0.

Yes indeed! I can’t tell you how many times a perfect stranger has said Good Morning to me while walking Proton and brought a smile to my face. So, I strive to do the same for others.

I believe this says it all.

I know this sign will bring a smile to a certain someone’s face.

YUP!

Shame on me if I forgot this one.

Time to visit another building in the complex. Oh, I was looking forward to this.

So many flavors, so many decisions. This could take some time!

I finally decided on Peanut Butter Fudge. You just can’t beat home made ice cream.

Moving on, there was a candy store, and

a Winery with

a wall full of award winning wines all made on site.

Of course some more really neat plaques. How about the one regarding exercise? And the one about waking up in the afternoon!

One more shop to visit and it was

I was more than ready for some taste testing.

And after several rounds I decided to bring home a

a bottle of Red Lemon Head. It has a nice, smooth taste and is easy on the palate.

OK, first day out is in the books. The Apple Barn was definitely worth the visit and proved to be a delightful way to spend a morning out together. We’re looking forward now to the next two days. We have two special activities planned. Now, if we can only get the weather to cooperate, especially on Wednesday all will be well.

Thanks again for spending some time with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.

On The Road Again

August 3, 2023

We rolled out of Candy Hill Campground headed south to our next overnight stop. This would be Fort Chiswell RV Park in Max Meadows, VA. We’ve been here before and find it to be a wonderful place to stay when heading north or south on Route 81.

The forecast was for rain and sure enough within an hour or so we were in it. At times it was just a drizzle, then a downpour, then a drizzle and so it continued the whole trip.

We arrived at Fort Chiswell, found our spot and pulled in. It was level and plenty long enough for the rig and the car. The best part though was that the rain let up just long enough for us to connect to both electric and cable. Perfect.

August 4, 2023

Our trip today would be a short hop to TN. Therefore, we just sort of took our time in the morning and finally got on the road around 10 am.

The drive was fairly easy, except for the nuts on the road. At one point I actually had a car pass us on the right shoulder doing about 70 mph! He couldn’t get around on the left so he went the other way. Crazy.

Just a bit over 3 hours and we were home for the next week.

We’re at Riverside RV Park and Resort in Sevierville, TN. Our spot is in the back in a football size area that is all pull-throughs. Our site is really nice. It has a base of hard packed gravel, it is reasonably level, and all utilities are right off the wet bay. And we again have satellite!

Our first glitch of the trip occurred when I went to set up. The black tank valve would not close. OK, it is the original one so it is 18 years old. I guess I should of expected issues at some point. Now, if I were home and could take my time I would have replaced it and the gray tank valve myself. But, I decided to call in the pro’s to handle this one.

That’s Jeff getting into his work. He had some issues but eventually got both valves replaced and now all is well.

Well, we’re here until next Friday. We have some shopping to do as well as some sightseeing to do in the Pigeon Forge area. Life is good.

Thanks again for spending some time with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.

July 31, 2023

Operation Extraction: Leaving the Forest Prime Evil

Five States

322 Miles

Five Hours

One Lunch Break

0800 hours the Operation began. Slowly our convoy of two weaved its way down the narrow and rutted road toward freedom.

Soon enough we broke out of the forest and into daylight again. Our hearts began to sing.

Down county roads we rolled until at last we turned west on Route 195. We were doing it. All systems were within normal operating parameters. We hit the cruise button and let Elvira do her thing.

Then it was a turn south on the NJ Turnpike. We received a report from our advance scouts of possible problems along our route. Sure enough we eventually found ourselves encountering resistance in the form of construction and a closed lane. Not to worry, we were prepared and so just sat back and slowly worked our way through. Soon enough we were rolling again at normal cruising speed.

We saw the Delaware Memorial Bridge ahead of us and as we started up and over we saw the line announcing we were now out of NJ. Our first major objective had been reached. We gave each other a high five and smiles broke across our faces. One state behind, four in front of us.

Down the other side into Delaware. Through the toll both with just inches to spare on either side. Wow, it was a tight one but no mirrors were lost.

Our convoy of two rolled on into Maryland. Three states down and two more to go. Bogies came at us from all lanes. The pilots of vehicles in these parts are as nuts as they come.

Our advance scouts reported the road was clear and we would be able to roll through Maryland without an issue. On to Route 70 we went and then we began to climb. Our lead vehicle, Elvira, got quite a workout. She was putting out some horsepower during a couple of those hills. Our vehicle behind did nothing to help, except to merrily follow along. Would sure have been nice if it had offered to push a time or two. But no, as always it just hitched a ride and went were we did.

Our tummies were beginning to rumble so we rumbled into a rest stop for a little down time. A couple of sandwiches, some potato salad and a cup of iced tea and the convoy was ready to go again.

It was south on Route 81 and we knew now we were definitely heading toward home. In the blink of an eye were we through West Virginia and into Virginia, our fifth state. Time to give Elvira a much needed drink of fuel. She’s frugal with it, but still needs it every 300 miles or so.

Back on the road and just minutes later were at our new home.

What a difference from our last stop. This campground is fantastic! Nice sites, good spacing between, lots of green grass, we were definitely impressed as we drove in.

Our new home until Thursday when we will be back on the road again. What are we going to do here? Sightseeing. Nope. Not even going to take the car off the bar. Naps. Yup. And get the sand out of all the nooks and crannies it has gotten into. And now that we have cable as well as satellite we’ll watch some TV. Life is good.

Thanks again for spending some time with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.