Anakeesta.....

Anakeesta...They advertise it as a theme park, but it's really not.



It's situated at the top of a mountain overlooking the ski town of Gatlinburg, Tn. It's beautifully landscaped and has some incredible views.








They also have a single rider rollar coaster called the Rail Runner. It's the first of it's kind in the United States because it rides on a single rail. My daughter and her friend rode it, but I passed. She enjoyed it, but said they could've cleaned up all the construction stuff they left lying around, which was in full view as they rode down the mountain.






They also have a really cool swinging bridge trail that takes you through the tree tops.



On our way down we got a really nice view of Gatlinburg. All in all, it was a nice trip and the food at the top is very good, but be prepared to wait in line. There's just not enough restaurants for the amount of people that are up there. Other than that, I would definitely recomment it, even if you just go for the scenery..:)

{{hugs}}

Trista

mini golf or putt putt?

Which do you call it? I've always called it putt putt. Not sure why. I mean...sounds kind of weird, doesn't it? Putt putt seems more like a small car putt putting along rather than describing miniature gold. Not even sure where putt putt came from, but it's how I've always heard it.

Anyway, regardless of what it's called...:) When we were camping this last trip, we played a round of putt putt.

We had to take a train to the top of the hill and then work our way down the hill by playing the various rounds of mini golf.



My daughter's bestie giving her putt putt lessons...:)

This is my daughter's bestie. Should she go pro? :)






The course was decorated with all kinds of waterfalls and bridges. Even a plane, which is what attracted my daughter to it. She loves anything to do with planes.



Selfie time!! From right to left my daughter, her bestie, and me..:)

After putt putt we headed to The Island in Pigeon Forge for some Ice Cream..:)



It was so good!!



Then we stayed for a bit and watched the fountain. I hope the video uploaded. It's a really cool show..:)

After all this we headed back to the camper for a good night's rest. We had plans to get up early the next morning and head to Anakeesta. Pictures on that to follow soon..:)

Hope you enjoy!

{{hugs}} 

Trista

The perfect camping trip

Okay, maybe not from my perspective, but certainly from my husband's..lol. As you all know, my husband loves to fish. Being on the lake in his boat is his happy place.



I can tolerate the boat for a while, but with my fair skin, the sun gets to me after a bit. Which is why you'll usually see me in long sleeves and a hat..:)



And nope. Still will not hold the fish..lol

For this trip, we took the camper to Blue Water resort in Dayton, Tn. It's a really nice campground on the lake and one of the only ones I've found so far that will let you keep your boat on the campsite with you. They cater to fisherman and I really like that. It makes it so much easier when you have a big 5th wheel and a boat.



The view from our campsite was pretty nice too. Even our dog, Nay-Nay liked it..:)

I especially liked the swing. I sat in that thing every morning and enjoyed a cup of tea watching the boats go by.



And of course, there were also the sunsets on the lake.



It was a fabulous few days and I'm actually looking forward to the next trip, even if it is a fishing trip..:)

{{hugs}}
Trista

Take me out to the ballgame....

I love baseball. I always have. Especially in person. There's just something about the atmosphere of a ballpark on a summer day.



Last month we took our grandson, who's a huge baseball and football fan by the way, to Atlanta to see the Braves in action.



We had a lot of fun and spent the afternoon prior to game time walking around the Battery, which is the shops and restaurants lining the street outside the Brave's new stadium.





















I think his favorite part of the Battery was the huge fountain they had outside the stadium gates, which was a huge welcome on such a hot day.

And it was definitely hot. They don't call it Hotlanta for nothin'...lol



Even though the Braves lost to Washington Nationals by one point, it was still a good game. We plan to check out another game next year.

Go Braves!!

{{hugs}}
Trista

Things we do...

My husband is a big fisherman and has been trying to get me to go fishing with him for years. This year, I finally gave in and started going some. It's not too bad. Sometimes, I just like to go and take pictures of the water.



As above, so below...:)

Some days I even catch a fish or two.



Still can't bring myself to hold one...lol

At least I'm going with him some and that makes him happy. Or at least he says it does...lol. Maybe one of these days I'll catch a big one...:)

<sigh> The things we do to make our spouses happy.


{{hugs}}
Trista

Day trips

I love doing day trips with my kids. We're lucky enough to live in Tn, which is within a day's drive to a lot of different and fun places. One of our favorites is Biltmore.

When we first arrived it was cloudy, but the day cleared up and by the time we finished touring the house, it was a beautiful blue sky day.

One of my favorite things about Biltmore is the gardens. I think I've been every season, but my favorite is spring.

As you can see, I love taking pictures of flowers..:)

My son and I enjoying the greenhouse..:)

We had a great day. The weather was cool, but not too cold. The flowers were gorgeous and the food at the Stable cafe was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend it if you visit. After a walk in the garden, we stopped for ice cream at Biltmore's ice cream shop just outside the house. 

If you're ever in Ashville, North Carolina, stop by Biltmore. You won't be disappointed..:)

{{hugs}}

Trista

A walk in the park

Sounds easy. A walk in the park.



It was if you don't count the hills..:)

I love hiking. It's one of my favorite things to do. I have some interesting experiences on hiking trips. Like the time I had a little um....accident...a mile from the trailhead on my back from the waterfall...lol.

That's an experience I won't live down anytime soon..:)

While on our last camping trip, we took a hike down a trail at Cloudland Canyon. It was a short hike. They had a longer one, but we chose to save that for the next time, plus we had the little one with us, my Pekingnese Nay-Nay, who just couldn't seem to stay out of the creeks along the way..lol.



She's not in the picture above. I should've taken one of her in the water, but I was too busy holding her leash and keeping her from chasing after all the birds and squirrels. That dog went nuts over the squirrels.

The hike wore her out and by the time we got back to the camper, she found her spot and stayed there...lol



Yep, that's one tired and spoiled dog...lol

{{hugs}}

Trista