After some good times in Kentucky, our next stop was Tennessee. This time, we’d be camping near Pigeon Forge, which is near Gatlinburg which is the western entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We selected a campground with high marks but not having a lot of the extra amenities (no pool, no outdoor games, no laundry room, no bathhouses, etc.). It was known for large, shaded campsites along two creeks and it lived up to its reputation. Up the Creek RV Camp may have won the award for the best campground of the trip. Paved roads, lots of space and shade, a nice shaded dog park, and very quiet. But only 10 minutes from all the shopping and sights at Pigeon Forge!
Although this is a mecca for tourists with tons of shops, restaurants, and activities, we didn’t really have a ton of plans for this stop. We knew we wanted to do a few things, particularly see some of the mountains but otherwise wanted to take it easy. This was also a stop to get some long overdue maintenance work completed on Lola’s shade awning but more on that later.
We knew we wanted to check out the new section of the Foothills Parkway that had just opened in 2018 (we’ve been to the park many times over the years including Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, and various trails). It was a nice little ride with good views of the park although the heat and humidity limited visibility somewhat.
Another day, we tried out a few wineries. Not really at the level like what we enjoyed in Michigan but given the tastings were free, it was a nice way to see parts of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. And we got a couple of wine glasses as part of the deal!
On another day, Jill remained back at camp while Dan explored two things that were of great interest to him:
- The Titanic Museum – Yes, Dan realizes the ship sank but he’s still interested even after 100+ years and this was a unique chance to see many artifacts from the wreck as well as 6 or the 12 known existing life jackets from the ship.
- Moonshine tasting – we’ve tried wine, we’ve tried bourbon but if we are in Tennessee, we have to try the moonshine!
Unfortunately, photos are not allowed in the museum but Dan was able to get some exterior pics as well as pics of the largest lego model of the Titanic (built by a 10 year old!).
Ready for boarding 
Damn iceberg! 
Amazingly realistic Lego model
After some history and culture, it was time to head over to Ole Smoky Distillery for some moonshine tasting. They have a great process where you step up to the bar and for just $5 (which you get back if you buy anything) you get to taste 13 flavors! It was a challenge Dan was happy to take on!
But probably the most important and exciting plan we had was to have our awning repaired. A little background on this awning:
- The day we took possession of Lola back in February of 2018, the awning (which is on the right side and provides a ton of shade when it is open) worked the afternoon we got her but then went in and would not extend again.
- We had it repaired back in Atlanta
- We took it out to Stone Mountain in May 2018, it extended and then would not go back in. We had to pay a Mobile Tech to come out on Mother’s Day to get it manually pulled in and secured so we were able to leave the campground.
- We got it repaired prior to going full time and it worked a few times in Florida before it refused to go out again.
- We had another mobile tech come out while in Florida and he wouldn’t work on it – too complicated.
- So, we basically gave up on it for awhile. We did reach out to a few mobile techs along our travels but in all cases, they either didn’t work on awnings or didn’t even bother responding or showing for appointments
But this all changed as we contacted Longship Mobile RV based in Pigeon Forge. They responded to our questions and even showed up for the appointment as planned. They were able to diagnose the core issue (poor wiring done by the previous owner) and then built an entire new wire harness to replace the mess that we had. They came back multiple times to ensure the awning was repaired correctly and was functioning reliably. So far, the awning continues to work, a first in more than 1 1/2 years! Now we can have shade even when we are in a campground with no trees!!!!
After a great week in Tennessee, it was time to turn south once more, back to Georgia for the first time in over 3 months. This would bring a close to the Mended Bones Tour but not the end of our adventures. Stay tuned for the next adventure!!!