Knoxville, TN: Explore

Four years ago, three girlfriends and I enjoyed a weekend at Autumn Olive Camping. None of us had been camping in years (or ever) and it was quite the adventure. From Vicky scaring us so badly no one except her could sleep in the tent the first night, to shooting guns, drinking moonshine, and just generally acting a fool. None of us had been to Knoxville before so we planned to spend the last night of our weekend there. The majority of our time was spent on Gay Street and we had an absolute blast! We saw the sites, met many locals, danced to Gangnam Style in the square, and gained superhero powers after dark. This time around, I got to explore Knoxville with my family. No superpowers came to light, but we did have fun. 

Norris Lake, TN: Reunion Day

While this whole weekend is a family filled weekend, Saturday is the only day where everyone is here for the whole day. We declare it this year’s reunion day! Aunt Joyce rented a pontoon boat for a few hours out in Norris Lake. Certainly not a paddle boat, like Mom told Lori. That would be one hell of a day for our crew. Aunt Joyce also gifted us Autumn Olive Camping t-shirts; she’s the best. Everyone piles into someones car and we set off! The ride took longer than anticipated due to A) construction and B) one wrong turn. Cousin Josh is driving the car I’m in and he tells us (after we’re on the road) that in Tennessee the law is that a passenger in the car can drink, just not the driver. Good to know. I actually just now looked this up to verify and there are 7 other states where this is legal. In fact, in Mississippi the driver can also drink, so long as his/her BAC is under .08%. The more you know.

LaFollette, TN: Family

When I was a child most of my family lived within 20 minutes of each other. There was a time when I was visiting Aunt Joyce’s house and I heard a scary voice coming from behind her couch, but couldn’t see who it belonged to. She explained to me that it was Aunt Tilly, a mean old lady who hated children. I can't remember how long I thought this was true, but over time she would tell me, “no, you can’t go in there, Aunt Tilly is in there” or “you better be good, Aunt Tilly is watching” and things along those lines. Needless to say, I was terrified of this woman that I had never met, and never would meet because she didn’t exist. Aunt Joyce claims that she never knew I really believed in Aunt Tilly.. I don’t know if I believe her. Fast forward about 20 years, I fostered a mastiff mix who was just a unique dog with a creep stare that had a high prey drive. She needed a name and was gifted with ‘Tilly’. Aunt Joyce loved it and the name fit my girl so well. She didn’t last long as a foster dog before she became my forever furbaby. I’ll come back to Aunt Tilly.

R.I.P. Tilly

LaFollette, TN: Autumn Olive Camping

Nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains is a rustic, fun, and best yet- inexpensive campsite. There are four cabins varying in size that are set up with comfortable beds, electricity, and heat/AC. There is space for tent camping as well, either bring your own or rent one. A clubhouse is available with a large satellite TV, pool table, dart board, hottub, wifi, outdoor games, and indoor plumbing. The owners provide you with the option of having them cook for you; I recommend it, the food is delicious... the got-to-have-it speciality is the biscuits and gravy. The name of the campsite comes from the numerous Autumn Olive trees on the land. A variety of products are made by the owners using the Autumn Olive leaves, such as chapstick, sunscreen, bug spray, soap, face cream, and the list goes on. Within an hours drive are fishing spots, hiking trails, ATV tours, and Norris Lake. The property is located about an hour north of Knoxville in LaFollette, Tennessee. All of that being said, the highlight of your visit will be the company. 

GA/NC: Mom's Post

I wouldn't be honest if I didn't admit to being afraid for my baby to embark on the adventure you've read about. What about all those crazies out there? And what will happen if she breaks down, etc.?  So when I was invited to join her on the first leg of the trip I was happy to say yes. Now, I have no more experience pulling a camper or planting organic foods than she, but at least I could be another pair of eyes and ears for car trouble or any other kind. I could also babysit  my grandson, Neville, if so needed. 

Asheville, NC: Explore

As I’ve mentioned before about the WWOOFing experience, the past few days weren’t all work, there was plenty of time for play. The mornings consisted of breakfast, feeding chickens & pigs, shower, and play. 

 

The pigs are so excited that they stand underneath the food and don’t move out of the way when it’s poured, so they end up wearing it on top of their head. They have no manners and completely dive in, with their heart and soul, if they have one. Makes total sense when someone says “So and so eats like a pig.” Yuck. The chickens seem scared of the feed until its done raining down through the coop. Then they come over and start pecking and I keep thinking of Zac Brown Band's song Sic Em on a Chicken. I would post the video, but this wifi just isn't cutting it.

Asheville, NC: Farmhands

One of the things that I was curious about before WWOOFing was Neville’s reaction to chickens, since many places have them. I parked right next to the chicken coop and let the beast free. He was curious, ran around them and sniffed a few times, then basically ignored them from there on out. Good! Mom and I started off learning what the chickens ate and helped feed the pigs. They get excited like dogs do and sound about the same around feeding time. I loved it. 

Asheville, NC: The Farm

We made our way to the Asheville area for WWOOFing adventure #2. Passed by a produce stand off the side of the road and stopped for a looksee. There was a lot of locally made honey, preserves, jelly, and cheese so we picked up some snacks for the road. 

Helen, GA: Adventure

As I previously mentioned, there is plenty of down time involved in the WWOOFing experience (hooray!). The Helen area of Georgia is beautiful, but not that big. Prior to leaving on this trip I read about tubing in the Chattahoochee River and thought we'd give it a try. The website even indicated the tubing is dog friendly- not that that's an option for Neville. He would not appreciate just sitting there, half wet, and would probably pop the raft in an attempt to escape. So he stayed behind while Mom and I went on what I thought would be the first leisure activity of our trip.

Helen, GA: Stovall House

573 miles later, my crew and I arrive at our first official stop: Helen, GA.

"Life is a journey; not a destination." That quote is the theme of this trip so far (points to anyone who sang it as they read it). Instead of focusing on all that has gone wrong in the first 48 hours- and believe me, there has been a lot- I'm choosing to be thankful for all of the things that have gone right. All two of them. 

Tampa, FL: Take Off

Since I bought my travel trailer I have been waiting for a name for it to hit me. I don't like to rush these decisions, I like for the name to fit. Hell, it took me a few weeks to pick 'Neville' for the pup. Then one day, while chatting with a coworker,  in a moment it happened- she was christened! But first, a story.