Monday, October 09, 2006

Columbus Day

It's Columbus Day, and I'm feeling adventurous. So I got to Googling around on the Internet and found out that The NIÑA is going to be in port at Chattanooga, Tennessee this month. My kids are fascinated with tall ships right now because they're into all things pirate. I'd love to take them to see The The NIÑA firsthand. It won't matter a lick to them that it's only a replica of the original.

I also came across The Wonders of Rock City, which is just south of Chattanooga, at Lookout Mountain in Georgia. Looks like a grand place for an adventure, no?



Now if I can only talk my husband "HAL" into a trip on such short notice. I'm having flashbacks to our other foray into Tennessee. Once upon a time, in an October of yesteryear, we decided to see Memphis, Nashville, and Gatlinburg. (Well, it was my idea actually. HAL just happily went along with my spur-of-the-moment notion.) Clueless hicks that we are, neither of us had any idea that October is the busiest season of the year in the Great Smoky Mountains. HAL was dumbfounded when he learned that we couldn't get a room in Gatlinburg because the leaves were changing. Yes, people come from far and wide to view the autumnal transmogrification every year. After spending half the night driving around, we ended up finding a room on the west side of Knoxville and returned to Gatlinburg the next day. Aside from that one little setback, we had a great time. Of course, we were childless then, making the driving around half the night a tad less troublesome. Reckon he'll remember that little adventure less fondly and say, "No way!"?

Stand by and I'll let ya know.

Update: 5:02 pm

Okay, you're gonna love this. HAL suggested we borrow a travel trailer and go for it. We are the epitome of the blind leading the blind. He did have enough sense to hedge with, "We'll talk about it tonight." So, of the two of us, he might actually be the brighter bulb. Time will tell.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

HAL?!

Just do it!

Average Jane said...

HAL is an acronym, and I'm not tellin' what it stands for. It ain't from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey though.

Anonymous said...

Oh. That takes the wind out of my sails.

Average Jane said...

How so, anonymous?

Anonymous said...

I thought HAL was a reference to 2001.

Anonymous said...

If it's the blind leading the blind, who will drive?

Average Jane said...

HAL has a tendency to fall asleep behind the wheel, so I'll either be driving or yelling at him to "Wake up!" Picture Ma and Pa Kettle in their mid-life years.

Anonymous said...

LOL, I thought HAL was a reference from Malcolm in the Middle. I'm Lois, by the way. Nice to meet you!

We went to Rock City when I was a child. I have never forgotten it and also plan a trip back sometime with the kids.

I can't wait to hear about your adventure. Have you rented the movie "RV" yet? You might want to do that before heading out on your own. :) KIDDING!

Average Jane said...

Hi Lois! I haven't seen Malcolm in the Middle or RV. It might be better if we don't see "RV" before this trip. Don't want to dissuade HAL, y'know.

Anonymous said...

I don't think it would dissuade HAL...it might dissuade you! How about Lucy and Ricky in "The Long, Long Trailer"?

OK, I'll stop.

Seriously though, what you are planning sounds like fun!

Have a nice evening!

Anonymous said...

HAL can always try driving with all the windows wide open so the fresh air keeps him up. The noise is guaranteed to drown out the chorus of "I'm cold!" coming from the back seat.

Average Jane said...

Now that one I've seen, Taximom. Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous, there's also the little problem of the VCR (in the car) going kaput two weeks ago. Hmmm...I wonder if we can get a DVD player installed before the trip.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement, guys! I'll let you know how it goes.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mom, are we there yet?

Anonymous said...

I gotta go to the bathroooooooommmmmm!

Hey, miss ya!

I copied the pic of Lover's Leap from your main page for my own personal viewing pleasure-hope you don't mind. Did you take that? It brings back memories!

See you soon!