As we start our planning for Dimmlers RV Adventures of 2021, we are still in Covidland but we feel more comfortable traveling in the RV, our own space that we can control. We begin our trip prep for February 8-28, as a foot of snow falls on our neighborhood. Picking up the RV from storage is challenging…especially since Quakertown got almost 2 feet of snow. Thankfully Paul thought ahead and we moved the RV from the back of the lot to the driveway so it would be easier to get out at some point. Don’t get me wrong, we love snow and were looking forward to having a big storm this winter. It is so pretty.
We got the RV home 4 days before leaving and started loading up, cleaning and making sure there were enough supplies, gas and propane for the first leg of the trip. Putting the plants in one spot to be watered, and lining up the liquids for storage in the RV, waiting until the morning we left due to the projected 15 degree night Sunday….AND THEN IT SNOWED 7 MORE INCHES the day before we left.
We left anyway, on time and ready for an adventure.
One Alpaca, Two Alpaca, Three Alpaca, Four. Baby Alpacas, Mamas and so much more (Day 1)
** reminder that the underlined words lead you to a website about that destination for more information**
Going from icy roads and 18 inches of snow and ELEVEN DEGREES to slightly warmer temperatures was our goal for the day. Our first night of this trip was spent at Ridge Valley Alpacas in Fairfield, Virginia which was one of the Harvest Hosts that we connected with. Harvest Hosts is an organization where you can stay with a local businesses for one night free along the way. It’s a great way to camp if you are just passing through. We get a feel for the local culture and have met some wonderful folks. After going up some very steep gravel roads, we were thankful Janis, the owner of Ridge Valley Alpacas, had recommended that we unhitch our tow car when we got off the interstate. We were greeted by Janis who guided us into our parking space by the barn where the adult alpacas stay.
Across the way there is a smaller barn where the mamas and babies are residing. Janis gave us the grand tour and showed us her shop where she spins the fiber from the alpacas and uses it to make yarn, socks, clothing and toy animals. She also gets some alpaca merchandise directly from Peru. Janis let us settle in and came back an hour later so I could feed Rosebud, the 6 month old alpaca that lost her mother when she was 2 months old. They bottle feed Rosebud throughout the day and let me have a hand at it! Too Cool!
We stayed outside for a bit to watch the sunset behind the mountains.
After dinner we took a quick jaunt outside and caught an amazing view of the sky… sooooo many stars! It was a real treat.
Warmer Weather, Here We Come! Day 2
Our travels today were pretty uneventful. Most of the day was spent on Interstate 81 bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains on the left and Appalachian Mountains on the right. It occurred to us about half way to Tennessee that there was no snow on the fields, just some snow spotting the mountain ranges. Warmer Weather, ahhh ( the high today was 59 degrees, down right balmy!)
Once off the interstate, we drove through some major tourist areas, so much to do! Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are the places to be if you like that kind of stuff. You could be there a month and still not have completed all the shows, rides and “must see” shops. Here are some pictures from Pigeon Forge… not sure what was going on there!
Once off the main drag in Pigeon Forge, we started a VERY winding road through the mountains. Paul was doing an amazing job of staying on the road and taking the turns like a professional. I was holding on…
We arrived at Little Arrow Camping Resort, hooked up and made ourselves at home for 4 nights. NO driving tomorrow 🙂
We explored the campground after some drinks and relaxation. This resort has quite the variety of places to stay with Tiny homes, Vacation homes, Premier cabins, RV sites (of course), luxury tent areas (with wood deck floors and 2 bedrooms), glamping lodges, and cozy cabins, many with porches and all with fire rings and outdoor seating. Nice dog park and kids area too! We found this cool wood carving next to one of the cabins during our after dark excursion.
There is some major construction going on here to get ready for the spring and summer seasons. Apparently the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the country.