Day (7) Volunteer Park, CG– American Museum of Science and Energy, U.S. Department of Energy Y-12 National Security Complex Exhibit, Oak Ridge, TN

 

Once again we woke to rain on the roof and overcast skies. The weathermen keep saying clearing skies and sun but we’ve only gotten short glimpses so far.

We heard sirens that seemed too close –like in the park close. Sure enough a fire engine and ambulance pulled up behind us to another camper.  A little while later a  women living in the camper was brought out on a stretcher with 02 in place. I must say we saw no sense or urgency when the fire truck or ambulance arrived. The men slowly got out of their trucks and slowly walked to the door – I wanted to go out and light a fire under  them to get going. After loading the lady into the ambulance it was another 15 min. before they left. Hope our neighbor will be OK.

It continued to rain but since we will be touring the museum for the biggest part of the day the weather didn’t matter. We got to the museum around 11 am between rain drops.

The museum is very big and we knew it would take us at least 4 hours to get through. The staff was very helpful and recommended that we begin at the Manhattan Project display room. American history has become an interest of mine (Ron has always been interested) so reading the details of the Manhattan Project and the ultimate results that ended WW II was enlightening and frightening.

Link to Museum

Enlightening to know how well our government was able to rally the manpower and resources to develop a warhead that could end the war but also frightening for the very same reasons.

The people in the Tennessee valley that were affected by the project were displaced with just three weeks notice. These were many of the same people that had been displaced by the Tennessee Valley Authority 10 years earlier to build the Norris Dam.  Now many of the same people had to pack up and leave with as much as they could carry leaving un-harvested crops behind. And some left  properties that had been in their families for 200 years.

Despite the fact many  people were angry, the majority understood the move was for the good of the country . Initially when goods were coming into the area towns were sending them back to the manufacturers because there was no city of Oak Ridge. That caused a few problems.

At one point Oak Ridge housed 75, 0000 people all working toward the same common good,  except they did not know what they were contributing too . All they were told was that their efforts would help end the war.

Only the President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a few top military men and scientists knew about the Manhattan Project and  its goal - Separating   U 235 from U 238 , harness the energy and build a bomb to end all wars.   Vice-President  Harry Truman was left out of the loop and did not become aware of the project until  he took over as President when Roosevelt died of a stroke while in office.  That must have hurt – your own president didn’t trust second in command with the info !!!!!!!

Homes were being built at enormous speed in Oak Ridge. It was said when you went to work or school you had better know the number on your house because another 300 would be built that same day all exactly alike. They were brought in three modular pieces and put together in 30 minutes. Plywood with no insulation – chilly in the winter very hot in the summer.  The rent was $38.00 a month , utilities paid by the government

 

 

LINK: Flat Top Houses

This flat top home was one of thousands auctioned and or dismantled when the project was completed.  The  couple that bought this home used it as a beach house for over 55 years then donated it back to the Science Center several years ago. This is the 520 SF two bedroom one bath home with kitchen and living room.  There were families of up to 9 people living in these homes.

During our time at the museum they had several videos regarding the building of the A-Bomb and the facility built to separate U-235 from U-238. When the building was completed it was the largest building in the world.

             

LINK: K-25

             All the rooftops in the picture below are part of the structure,

A smaller example of diffusers used to separate U-238 from U-235  (1500 were built and used)

There were other demonstrations that included an electrical display with a Vanda Graft Generator.  They were looking for volunteers to participate in the demonstration and much to my surprise Ronnie raised his hand. (Way out of character for him –who is this man????)

It was certainly a HAIR-RAISING experience for him. LOL

It was a fun and educational day at the museum. On the way out we stopped to try the Parabolic Whisper Dishes set about 30 feet apart. It was cool that Ron could whisper into one and I could hear him clearly 30 feet away.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were told that we could drive to other sites in Oak Ridge to view the remnants of the buildings and to check out the overlook of the actual facility. Unfortunately, all entrances were closed to the public so we were unable to get a closer look at our history. Also, unfortunately most  everything that was the original Oak Ridge is being demolished. Another part of American History lost to progress.

Day (6) Volunteer Park CG, Heiskell, TN

 

Our motto for this trip has been “Slow and Easy.”  And that motto has taken on a life of its own. We have definitely slowed down and are both enjoying  the less hectic pace that we usually get into.

The drive to Volunteer Park was only 78 miles and we were settled in our camp site by 1:30 pm. It has been raining  fairly heavily off and on for the last three days and today was no exception.

We spent the afternoon planning the next two days events and unfortunately discovered that the bus tour of the WW II secret town of Oak Ridge and the factory where the  Manhattan Project was developed doesn’t start until June 1. Oh well, we’ll tour the American Museum of Science and Energy and read through the exhibits re:  the Manhattan Project instead.

During breaks in the rain we walked Jewel for some exercise. So far we haven’t gotten into our usual daily hikes. This area of the country is so different from our normal travels. More cities and less country. We know that will change when we get to the Natchez Trace Trail Parkway next week.  Another “SLOW” day on the road.

Day (5) Drive to Around Pond CG–Greeneville, TN

 

It was still over cast and drizzling when we left this morning. Today is basically a driving day (approx. 278 miles) to our next stopover in TN.

We drove I-81 promising ourselves we wouldn’t stop at the infamous rest area we were hit at in January. As luck would have it, we ended up stopping there tempting fate. As we drove in there was a row of military vehicles where we had originally parked. We pulled up further, out of harms way and had a quick lunch.

 

Back on the road we arrived at Around Pond CG to no rules/regulations and a $12.50 full hook-up camping spot with Passport America. It was a great deal and really pretty spot.

 

 

 

Cool Old Gas Pump  – replica I think – Check the gas price! Ron wanted to fill up at this pump – but no luck there LOL!

It was very hot so we had the AC’s in the MH working hard. Another good travel day with more miles behind us.

Day (4) Shenandoah Valley CG, Grand Caverns in Grottoes, VA and visit to Staunton, VA

 

We woke to an overcast day with a light drizzle. Unfortunately, as the day went on, the rain intensified and torrential  downpours became the norm. Today was the day that participants in the MH decorating category were to be judged, but the rain interfered with decorating outside.

It never stopped and got worse as the day progressed so the Santa parade was washed out , too. We felt bad for the all the kids but at least they had the protection of the pavilion for some of the days’ festivities.

It was a great day for cave dwelling so headed out to  tour the Grand Caverns. As I said before we toured the biggest and best in Carlsbad so weren’t sure how these caverns would compare.

As we were preparing to leave, Jewel jumped up on the chair and sat herself in a very unusual spot. She does the oddest things and can always make us laugh.

 

 

 

 

 

The beautiful stone lodge outside the entrance to the caves caught our attention right away and we both said almost simultaneously – “that would make a beautiful house.”

 

 

Once inside the caves we were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed them immensely. The caverns were incredibly beautiful with features that we had never seen before. Each room was different and some  were over 100 feet high . We walked over 1.5 miles and down 200 feet below the surface.

The reflecting pools were perfect ( except when the little boy was kicking stones into them).

The  room of shields was also  incredible with a record of  over 350 shields in one concentrated area. Hard to believe these shields could be the result of dripping minerals and water developing in something so round and thin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the many curtain formations hanging from the walls and ceilings

 

 

Reflecting Pool  - Back lit for effect

After finishing the cave tour we both agreed that the Grand Caverns was our favorite because of  the unusual features it offered. A must see for anyone interested  in caves.

It was still raining quite hard when we exited the caves so walking around the grounds or hiking by the river was not an option. Instead we opted to drive to Staunton (pronounced STAN-ton) to view what has been deemed a National Register Historic city. So named because Staunton was spared during the Civil War and the buildings in the city and surrounding homes are original to the pre-civil war era.

LINK TO CAVERNS

http://grandcaverns.com/v.php?pg=15

The ride to Staunton took us through beautiful country roads and more torrential downpours. We happened on a new neighborhood that was definitely not pre-Civil War. The houses were spectacular  and we did get a shot of at least one.

We had hoped to walk through downtown Staunton but the rain would not stop. So, we opted to ride around and take pictures from the car.

We only captured a small portion of Staunton in pictures because there were so many beautiful homes and buildings we only chose a few that we felt reflected the essence of this beautiful place. Ron and I both felt the same about our observations of Staunton – everyone here has lots of money. A beautiful and well to do place.

Back at the CG we caught a short break from the rain and took Jewel for her walk. We headed down the path along the river and enjoyed the views and the vibrant color of the greenery  from all the rain.

 

 

 

 

We were able to get in a good 45 minute hike before the rain started again. Once back at the MH we settled in for the night. The rain was coming down so hard and making so much noise on the roof of the MH that it scared Jewel. She headed for the bed and wanted up. I put her up on her towel but she headed for the pillows. Somehow she thinks pillows are her protection because she does the same thing at home, cuddles into the pillows and goes to sleep.

 

 

 

 

FOR THOSE WHO WOLD LIKE TO SEE ALL PHOTOS

Grand Caverns 2012-05-05

Tomorrow we continue our journey with new adventures on the horizon.

Day (3) Shenandoah Valley CG: Verona, Virginia

 

We were back on the road around 10:30 am and decided to stop at the Shenandoah Valley CG  so we could take in the Grand Caverns in Grottoes, Va.  It seems that  we cannot get through a trip without  a visit to a cave.  Grand Caverns has been ranked # 2 in best caves in the US with Carlsbad Caverns # 1. Since we have been to Carlsbad we weren’t sure how this one would compare.

After securing a spot at the CG we were told that this weekend was their Christmas in May Festival. There will be a contest for the best decorated camper, a Christmas parade and Santa will be delivering gifts to the kids. Should be interesting.

We took the waterfall trail and were pleasantly surprised to see such a nice flowing fall.

Along the route we did see some campers decorated but not as many as we had anticipated. There were, however, lots of happy screaming kids looking forward to the festivities.

Watch Santa Pop Out of His Camper

We spent the rest of the day reorganizing the MH and relaxing. (something we don’t usually do). We took Jewel for a few walks (she loved that)  had dinner, watched some TV and hit the sack listening to the sound of rain on the roof. (Hope the rain doesn’t  ruin the festivities planned for the kids on Saturday).  Not much to report today except that we are enjoying life back on the road.

Day (2) – Clinton, NJ Truck Stop, Flying J, Carlisle PA

It was extremely quiet at the Casino so we both slept very well. Jewel was very anxious so she ended up sleeping with us. She definitely doesn’t  like sleeping in parking lots, rest areas or truck stops.

We were back on the road by 8:30 am.  The traffic was wicked and the slow downs in construction areas incredible. I didn’t think we were ever getting out  of Connecticut. Finally, into New York, then the slow down for the GW Bridge. By the time we got through it was after 12 pm.

In the northeast there are very few rest areas to pull in to for a quick break or lunch. We pulled into the Clinton NJ Truck Stop and experienced a sinking feeling. This was our first stop on our interrupted trip to Florida in January.  Ron and I looked at each other and said  lets not repeat the same events from the last trip. LOL

After lunch it was back on the road. Around  4 pm Ron asked for me to check out CG’s one hour out. I did find a place we had stayed at before. Since it was also a half-priced  Passport America CG we were both in for that. However, my lack of navigational skills resulted in us missing the exit for the CG because I still don’t and never will be able to read a map. I had Tom-Tom  talking to me but ignored the directions so off we were down the road with no place to stay. Eerily, like our January trip. Searching for a resting place on I-81.

We finally  rolled into  a Flying J Truck and RV stop.  It worked out fine and we found a great spot near a grassy field for Jewel.

Nothing big to report here except that in the morning there was another near tractor-trailer event. This guy pulls into the non-truck area then could not maneuver his tractor-trailer around the MH’s in the parking lot. Once this guy got himself stuck he tried to back up – guess where – Yes into us. I ran out to make sure he didn’t hit us but fortunately he wasn’t able to back up without taking out the other guy’s Jeep. (Did I mention this guy was from the Middle East too!)The owner of the MH towing the Jeep was making sure the left rear of his Jeep was intact. He did have to move his entire rig so this guy could maneuver his tractor-trailer out of the way and into the truck lot. We later saw him and his partner going in for breakfast. We still haven’t figured out how people who don’t really understand  English or posted signs , nor have the ability to drive can get a license to drive tractor-trailers across the country.

I guess that is a question we will never be able to answer. So we packed up and left.

Day (1) May 2, 2012, Foxwoods Casino, Connecticut Captain’ Blog

 

After a whirlwind five days of  testing all systems, loading, packing, sorting, taking care of both Mothers needs, Stevens’ Driving lesson and Tiffanies Birthday party we finally blasted off at 1:30 PM today.

Before we left, our landscaper showed up to mulch the flower beds. I ordered red mulch but got a darker shade then I wanted. I was promised that when the much dried it would be a brighter shade of red.  Then states Paul “you won’t be here to see it anyway.” REALLY – then just maybe I won’t spring for the wrong color mulch.  LOL.

Then the propane guy shows up to fill our home and   RV tank. A new company took over so now this guy will only fill our home tank to 50%. He says our tank is too old and it is too dangerous! Again, REALLY. It seems they want to install a new tank – another expense on the horizon I believe. Oh well, it’s warm so we won’t be using the fireplace anyway.

Gosh, no wonder we got off to such a late start. By the time we left our yard we were both already tired. 

 

 

 

I tucked Jewel in on the couch after sedating her with some lorazepam.  She shook a bit then calmed  down. We opted to drive to Foxwoods and boon dock to make sure all systems  would work.  The traffic was quite heavy and we arrived at Foxwoods around 3:30 PM. They are doing a major reconstruction in the parking area for RV’s so spaces were limited.

 

Getting set up took some time because we had to reacclimatize to all the operating systems. After setting up we hit the casino, (no gambling for us) walked around and stopped to have dinner.

Back at the MH we settled in to watch Idol. Of course we had to move to a different spot to prevent interference with the digital signal.  Then it was off to bed after  our first day on the road.