Hall of Fame Week

We are in Canton, OH right now visiting my mom and dad. This is a big week for Canton since it is the Pro Football Hall of Fame week. We got here Thursday and my sister and her family came up and joined us on Friday. We all were here in time to watch the balloon festival Friday night and then as an added bonus we woke up to the sound of hot air balloons flying overhead Saturday morning. Yes, they do make noise when they use their burner to heat the air in the balloon. Above is a picture from our camping spot in my mom and dad's driveway.

Tomorrow me, Karen, Erik and JT are signed up to run in the Hall of Fame 2mile and 5 mile races. Here is a picture of me and Karen at the Hall of Fame for our race packet pickup. The last time we were at the Hall of Fame together was almost 19 years ago when I took Karen there on our honeymoon (she picked the location, not).

Mammoth Cave KY

We spent the day at Mammoth Cave, KY.  Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system and a part of the Green River valley and hilly country of south central Kentucky. This is the world's longest cave system, with more than 365 miles explored.  If you have never been to a cave before it was well worth the visit.  Below is a picture of Karen, Jason and Erik at the "New Entrance" to the cave system.  It is called the "New Entrance" since it was created by a competing cave guide back in the 1920s.  This tour only covered about 3/4 of a mile but it took 2 hours.  The next picture is one taken in a cavern called "Grand Central".  Apparently there are about 8 tunnels leading off of this one room.  All in all it was a fun trip but I am now of the opinion if you have seen one cave you have seen them all.  Tomorrow we are off to Ohio.

Diamond Caverns

Well, we are at Diamond Caverns finally.  I took us out of Stone Mountain and dealt with Atlanta traffic.  17 miles in 30', boy did I miss that while I was in Afghanistan!  Karen took over the driving about 40 miles east of Nashville.  I am not sure if Nashville was worse than Atlanta or not.  She got mountains, rain and traffic all in the same driving stint.  Oh well, she is a seasoned driver now :-)

Yesterday we had a blast at Stone Mountain.  We got there at 1000 for the park opening and did the Sky Hike first.  Good thinking on our part.  A YMCA Summer Camp of 200 kids showed up 30' later.  We spent the rest of the day touring the mountain and taking in the sites.  I will have to let Karen send you the pix via snapfish since they are too big for me to post via my data card.  Tomorrow I will use my cellphone to take some pictures of our vacation so I can post them to the blog (there are some advantages to having a cheap cellphone camera).

We are busy trying to get our portable satellite dish to work.  At the rate things are going this cheap portable satellite dish will be going back to Camping World.  More to follow.

If you are keeping track (because we are) here is our latest "Visited States" tally

Stone Mountain

We decided to take in the laser show at Stone Mountain Sunday night incase it rained for Monday nights show.  The show was very impressive with the music, lasers and fireworks.  Apparently it is a special show for the 25th Anniversary.  I was amazed at how many people were in attendance for the 30' show.  It was jammed packed.

We made our way back to the RV and pretty much everyone called it a night.  We want to get an early start tomorrow for all of the attractions at the park.  More to follow this evening after we spend the day at the park.

Return from Afghanistan

Well, I am back from my trip "Downrange" and the only fireworks I will see tonight will be here at Stone Mountain Park outside of Atlanta, GA.  This is day one of our 18 day trip.  By far our longest trip in the RV yet.  Karen is all excited because we can add some stickers to our state map by the time the trip is over.  

It was about an 8 hour drive today.  Most of it on I-75.  I took us out to 75 and about 20 miles up the road before giving Karen a turn.  It has been awhile since she has driven and she was a little rusty.  As we pulled out of the rest stop the conversation went something like this;

Karen:  Oh shit (a bunch of cars were merging in front of us)

Bruce:  Don't worry about them.  Just keep going your speed and let them maneuver around you.  It might also be a good idea to drive on the road instead of the shoulder.

Karen:  Bruce, I haven't driven the RV in 6 months and I am a little rusty.

Bruce:  Let's pray you get unrusty in the next 75 yards before we hit that bridge.

Just wanted to make a quick post before we go and jump in the pool with Jason and Erik.