The colder the temperatures drop the lower my attitude drops as well. I'm starting to question why I suffer with the cold, ice and snow when I don't have too. I could just as easily be sitting in the warmth of a sunny beach, sipping coconut rum and feasting on lobster. But I'm not. I'm trying to stay warm in a place where it seems to get colder with each new day dawning. Like so many of you I too am suffering the winter blues. While my mind may wonder to far away places, my body is in the realism of where it physically is. I have found the correct definition for "IS!" Is is the place where I is, ha ha
The cold weather has most of the country in the grip of uncertainty. The good news is it's only temporary and spring isn't that far off. I know that gives little comfort when your freezing your imagination off. Going out requires layers and bundling up. Still the cold air finds a way to chill my very souls. That's right, even my toes feel the sting. Just to think, only a few days ago and I was walking up and down a beach in Florida.
It was 80 degree's and I was enjoying the warmth and picking up sea shells. Now I'm trapped by bitter cold and a climate that is so unstable that it dropped 30 degrees in less than three hours.
I'm starting to think of ways to send my mind off to a warmer place while my body remains in a state of confusion. Sorta like mind over matter. You see I really do mind but it doesn't seem to matter. Not to Mother Nature. I'm getting cabin fever. It was warm, then cold and now it's warming up again.
Do I dress for the colder temperatures? Or just wait a day or two and put my shorts back on? I need a break and what could be better than an RV show? Wow, Gatlinburg TN is having one this weekend. January 10th, 11th and 12th. Wait a minute, don't they also make moonshine in Gatlinburg? The cold just got a lot warmer, especially in the Smokey Mountains of Ten-r-see.
I started for the hills of the Smokey's Saturday after the rain left for other places. As long as it left my area I didn't care where it was headed. It seems it has rained the 17 weekends out of the last 18. That's the true cold fact of it. The lakes and small streams are over flowing everywhere in the south.
The drive from GA and into NC then TN was pleasant and we had lots of sun all the way. It was 64 degree and almost like a spring day. The slight breeze was cool but comfortable. I was satisfied with long sleeves and no jacket. It was almost dark by the time we reached the pass thru the Smokey's and the NC and TN state line. From here it was all down hill to Gatlinburg and beyond.
By then Kathie had immersed herself in her fleece lined jacket. I was still comfortable in my long sleeves, no picture but that's my story and I'm sticking to it, ha ha.
Gatlinburg was all a glow in it's Christmas decorations and lights. It seemed funny to be looking at Christmas lights in mid January. But this is Tennessee and we are a little slow around here, ha ha.
It was late by the time we got to Gatlinburg. By late I mean it was after 5 PM and the RV show was over for the day. We had decided that we'd make the last day of the show (Sunday Jan. 12th). Saturday (Jan. the 11th) we'd use for shopping and fun stuff. I knew exactly where the fun started, ha ha. We made a few shops after securing parking. There were still plenty of folks, tourist and the likes walking up and down the small streets. We worked our way up to Moonshine Alley. Now that's where the fun begins, in a corny sort of way, well shucks it's where the liquor is made. You see it rains a lot in the mountains of the Smokey's. No one really cares as it makes the corn grow. The corn makes the whiskey, it all just seems to work out.
Now the ole boys who make the squeezing's are a friendly bunch of folk. They like to make sure your a satisfied customer, so they let you sample the makings. They even show you how it's made. They believe that a happy customer is a repeat customer. Funny how that just seems to work out as well!
It all starts with the copper still and a worm. Not your garden variety dirt worm. A copper coil feeding from the still to the containment barrel. These folk have been in the business for hundreds of years, generation after generation. Long before it was legal to do so. Back in those days it was commonly referred to as Bootlegging.
All that meant was it was illegal if you got caught by the Feds. The government wanted their cut of the funds being collected. A lot of taxes for the big spenders in our Government. But these hill people believed in free enterprise. Those who made the illegal brew were known as Moonshiners. The product they made and sold was simply known as Moonshine as well as a few other adopted names along the way.
I want go into detail about the process, except to tell you it's all about the corn. That old mash fermenting smells s-o-o-o-o good.
The best way to describe the full effect is to tell you, No Smoking. That was one of the hazard's
of the job. The smell was so potent, it could be smelled for miles away. Many a good still was discovered by the pungent odor of the mash. The Revenuers just followed the smell to the still's location.
It was a way of life. The stuff made in the hills and hollows of the Appalachians was better than the store bought stuff. Usually 100 proof or more in alcohol content. Fruit was used to add flavor and make it more of a smooth taste. It was in such demand, a regular pipeline was formed to meet the delivery demands. A lot of NASCAR drivers of old got their start hauling the illegal loads of hooch. Lots of movies were made to glorify the trade. One of the best and well known was "Thunder Road" starring Robert Mitchum. Like all good things, it came to an end. Those who fought the battle to the end, like the famous Popcorn Sutton. Popcorn died after a long stretch in the Federal Penitentiary. The secret of his famous brew was left solely to his wife, she later decided to go legal.
The process of making liquor was never illegal, not to start with. It only became illegal after those who made it refused to pay tax on it. Refusing to give the Government a share (tax) resulted in arrest and imprisonment. Those who continued to make the liquor in secret was considered to be outlaws and given the name Moonshiner's by the feds. Over the course of time it was the Government that won and they took control. Like all things of Government, it would never again be the same. Once the Government got into the making and distribution of the moonshine it became a legal source of tax . Our Government knows what is best for us consumers! I really prefer the original, especially when you can buy the better stuff for less. When you can find it that is! It's not healthy to go poking thru the woods looking for a moonshiner and his works. Not wanting to be shot or bear bait in the woods I decided to be a good citizen and buy my hooch from the legal market. So here I was, belly up to the bar. Free samples, what could be better. Here is my plan for a great night out on the town.
There are 10 samples in all. Eight bars set up in a rectangle. I made my stop at the first bar and enjoyed the 10 free samples. The bar's are always crowded, no control over how much or how many times you can sample, woo-whoo. I moved from bar to bar until I ended up back where I started.
I was feeling no pain by the time I made the rounds. Like grandpa Walton sampling the secret recipe handed out by the Baldwin sisters on Walton's Mountain. My eyes bugged out and singing hidi-hoo, chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug.
As you can see, I'm in complete control as I prepared to leave after drinking my fill. But I wasn't leaving empty handed.
I ordered take-out. A couple of to-go bags and I was set for the night. What a great bunch of folk. They even had rockers and a band, free entertainment to boot. You just can't buy that sort of kindness.
I'll be going back to see them neighbors again real soon. What a nice bunch they are. All that free samples of hooch and a ho-down, all in one place. "Now that's true Southern Hospitality." Just three words describe the way I felt about it, "migh-t-fine."
My plans were to stop and see another old pioneer of a Bootlegger, Davy Crocket. You most likely heard of him, he killed a bear when he was only three. Funny how them legends are born, ha ha. Kathie thought it best we get something to eat before I drank any more. So we headed over to this fish place some Alabama boy had opened. He was a legend in his own right, having run all the way to Tennessee from his home down there in Greenbow, Alabama. Forrest called his place Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.
Forrest wasn't there but he had left us with a lot of family photo's. There was Lieutenant Dan and Jenny as well as Bubba and Momma's pictures for us to look at. Someone even scribbled on the table some of Forrest's famous sayings. Our waiter Harold even played trivia with us, we learned so much more about Forrest and the whole history of his life, before, during military and after. Kathie said she felt so much closer to Forrest and understood a lot more about Jenny. I just didn't get that whole shrimp being the fruit of the sea stuff.
Kathie ordered shrimp and ate it all. She don't like sea foods, but it was like that life being like a box of chocolate. With her I just never know what she will get, and that's all I got to say about that.
She even ordered one of those fancy drinks. It looked green to me, but my vision wasn't all that clear. I think it had something to do with the moon shining in my eyes :)
After dinner Our waiter Harold wanted to know if we had left room for dessert. I told him we had apple pie in the bags. We'd enjoy dessert later, ha ha.
We left Bubba Gump and headed on over to Davy Crocket's place. Davy was making whiskey and he too was handing out free samples. Davy's place wasn't crowded, the bluegrass boys were singing "Man of constant sorrow'' as we arrived. Like Pappy O'Dainel's flour hour I broke out into happy feet and then started clogging. It was a crowd stopper. Kathie quickly rescued me and ushered me inside. It was the 1786 whiskey hour. Now ole Davy had a lot of critters running around. I could have sworn that the raccoon was wearing a coon skin hat.
I couldn't help but think that that rodent must have had a big mouth, someone had blackened both his eyes. I guess he wasn't much of a fighter. That whiskey will make even the best of us think we have great abilities. I was working my way thru the bottles when a groundhog showed up with an open bottle. I'm guilty of a lot of things but I aint drinking with no ground pig.
Singing and just plain making a fool out of himself. That groundhog was starting to get on my last nerve. He just looked plain silly wearing that fur hat. They sure weren't particular who they let into this place. There was a jar on the bottom shelf and I could have bet there was more than one? My vision was a little on the blurry side.
Now I have seen a lot of sights in my life. But what I saw on the street outside would stay with me. A horse ridding a cowboy. Now that just aint natural. "Save a horse, ride a cowboy."
Ever get a song stuck in your head. All night long, I went to bed with those lyrics in my mind and still singing them over and over when I got up. "Save a horse, ride a cowboy." Gee, enough already. I did have a great time. I was buying everyone at the bar a drink and never spent a penny. Well not at the bar that is. I did order take out and after leaving the bars went shopping. More about that later.
Well I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt. The drink I had for breakfast wasn't bad until I had another for dessert. Ever hear those words before, it's from an old Johnny Cash song? "Sunday morning coming down." Actually I felt pretty good considering the condition my condition was in. Kathie and I were up making ready for our day at the RV show. We had spent the night in Sevierville and the RV show was about three miles from La Quinta Inn, where we spent our nights lodging. But first it was off to Cracker Barrel for a great breakfast. No apple pie please, laughing out loud I've had my fill. The Smokey Mountain RV show was a three day event and this was the last day. The weather promised to be in the low sixty's with a slight breeze. It was to be a great day weather wise.
Kathie and I made our way to the Convention Center. We were there when the doors opened. The RV show was so large it was in two different locations. Just a few miles apart and one fee for both locations. There was a shuttle service that would pick up and transport you to and from if you didn't want to drive. It didn't take us long to look it over. I was disappointed, mostly low end stuff. There wasn't much for the expensive Fivers and Diesel Motor Homes. A lot of gas powered motor homes and the fiver were mid range as well. The interiors were all dark décor. We are not fans of dark cabinetry, drapes and furnishings. After an hour we left for the second location, in hopes that the dealers would make a better showing at that location.
Location two was at the LeConte Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. It was about the same size facility. The Dealers were indeed making a better showing. Still the decors were dark on most all the units we looked at. That must be the theme for 2014. There was a $165,000.00 Mobile Suite Fiver and a $400,000.00 Motor Home, 45 ft. with a tag axle. Even a great looking 2008 used 40 ft. Motor Home with less than 50,000 miles on it. Out of all that we looked at, nothing grabbed our attention. When we compare what we want with what we already have, it just seems we have better than what we're looking at new.
One of the things that I did notice was how cheap a lot of the units were regarding their steps. I'm 230 pounds and when I step onto a step, entering of exiting and the step flexes and bends under my weight! Leaves me to wonder how long it would last, before breaking. I realize the cost of steel is high. Those with aluminum steps were stronger than the ones made from steel. Our fiver is a 2008 and it has strong steel steps, no bending or flexing. Another issue for me was the floor plan designs, just didn't fit with the options that were available. For us the RV show was a bust. When leaving I looked at Kathie and laughed, "Why did you go Dutch?"
We headed back to Gatlinburg and some last minute shopping before parting for Home. The weather for the weekend was beautiful for this time of the year. I was wearing a cotton sweater and very comfortable inside or outside. It did snow over night on top the mountain, but where we were it was beautiful. Once back at Gatlinburg we found suitable parking. The sun was warm and felt good out of the breeze. We had a couple of hours to look around and grab something to eat before starting the three hour drive home.
I made a stop back at Crocket's Place This time I took my own bottle, ha ha. I was surprised to see that they were still serving, on a Sunday. I guess the tourism trade is a seven day, twenty four hour event.
My drinking friends, raccoon and groundhog were still there. Raccoon was holding up a post or holding onto it not sure of which. He had that I'm stoned look about himself.
Gatlinburg is one friendly place for sure. You can tell a lot about people by the way they treat their animals. Southernism is hillbilly's living in perfect harmony with the wild less fortunate critters, raccoons, possums, groundhogs, squirrels and the like. That's ok with me as long as man comes out on top! No, not that stupid song again. You know the one I'm referring to ha ha.
It was after 3 PM by the time we headed for home. Plenty of snow and ice up on the higher elevations of our route. We had little difficulty and made it to the top and down the other side. Once we hit the valley off Newfound Gap the elk were out enjoying the warmth of day. We snapped a few pictures from our front row seating on the highway. There were plenty of wild turkey out scratching as well.
It's nice to know where these critters hang out in the event I need to make friends with them. They will store nicely in the freezer. The turkey's are plentiful, in just about every open field we saw lots of them.
We made one more stop before reaching home. That was at the Cherokee Veterans Memorial. The Cherokee have served in all our armed forces and in every conflict.
Did you know that out of all the Cherokee who have served, from all the nations, there has been only one to be awarded the Medal of Honor. I'd tell you of him and his name, but I think it important for you to take the time and look it up.
I have always been proud of the Cherokee blood that flows in my veins. I never miss a chance to learn more about these great and proud people. All that we have today we owe to them. At one time it all belonged to them before the white man came, destroying and stealing it all from them. The American Indian can tell you much about how your Government works. Next time you think your Government won't take all you have, just ask an Indian.
The above statue travels from place to place. It's called the Transforming Bronze Monument. Look that one up as well and you will discover "Transformation Through Forgiveness." Our Indian brothers have much they can and are willing to teach and share with us. A people that we the whites tried to erase from the face of the earth. Yet they are forgiving and gentle.
Once back home I unloaded my backhaul of hooch, boots and hat. I did mention I went shopping after all the sampling of fire waters. Well, I ended up with a few items I must have wanted. There's just no excuse for class. Either you have it or you don't ha ha.
So next time you get bored and find yourself suffering from the winter blues, or just plain cabin fever. Stay home and watch cable. If you don't you could end up in Moonshine Alley or drinking whiskey at Davy Crocket's in Gatlinburg TN. Talking all night to some groundhog who inspires to be a folk singer or a raccoon with two black eyes. After which you could end up with snake boots, hat and jars of liquid refreshments. (Moonshine) That apple pie, blackberry, peach and my favorite coconut is lip smacking good. Please drink responsibly and be sure to take along a designated driver. Preferable one who won't drink or you'll both may be talking to that groundhog when morning comes.
*The things we get into while we're waiting for our next camping adventure*
