Branson, Missouri to Crossville, Tennessee 10/25/2013

OCTOBER 25, 2013 (Friday)

Moving day. Always stressful on moving day. Not sure why but I become somewhat of a terror on moving day and everyone seems to just want to run out of my way. I’ll have to work on it I guess.

Long drive. Up hills, down hills, in valleys that reminded us of the Central Valley in California with all the cotton they were growing. Lots of different landscapes. We traveled through four states – Missouri, about half an hour in Illinois, about two hours in Kentucky, and then Tennessee. The drive was about 10 hours (over 600 miles). We stopped for snacks and gas twice, and then for dinner in a Cracker Barrel in Kentucky (we think).

The two worn paths to the right of the fog line are from Amish wagon traffic. I tried to get a picture of the road sign warning us of wagon traffic, but it was beyond my ability with the new Nikon, which we have now returned and exchanged for a Canon.

Wasn't sure I was seeing correctly, I handed Edie the camera and she asked, "what is this for?" All I said was, "casket". — Wasn’t sure I was seeing correctly, I handed Edie the camera and she asked, “what is this for?” All I said was, “casket”.

Felt like Tulare, California. Cotton almost defoliated and ready for machine harvest.

We drove through Cario, Illinois. Lex observed that it looked like a ghost town. I agreed. Above is a beautiful church, next door is an abandoned house, with windows knocked out and left to rot. Lots of poverty and very sad looking.

At one point I made a wrong turn, or should I say I missed a turn, easy to do when you are being a tourist.

Barges on the Mississippi, as far as the eye can see both up and down and on both sides of the river. Huge amounts of goods being moved.

Welcome to Kentucky sign. Really missed my Canon at this point.

Edie really liked saying, "Paducah" , she though it just rolled perfectly off the tongue. — Edie really liked saying, “Paducah” , she though it just rolled perfectly off the tongue.

My Cracker Barrel Chef Salad, croutons and dressing to the side..

Lex's grilled chicken salad. — Lex’s grilled chicken salad.

Edie's chef salad, she totally copycatted me. — Edie’s chef salad, she totally copycatted me.

While on the road, Cousin Kathy called to confirm us coming to visit them on Sunday. She said Cousin Wally and his son, Hank, would be there around 3 PM. We’re going to aim for a 3 PM arrival to get a nice visit in with everyone.

Got to the resort but couldn’t really see anything due to the darkness. The pool was closed because of the cold. The lobby was nice, it has a lovely rec area with ping pong, pool, shuffle board, a nice workout room, and a hot tub. There are also paddle boats to rent, a computer you can rent, and lots of activities throughout the week.

The room at the resort is a bit different. We’re on the third floor (has an elevator but we like the stairs) and when you enter you’re at a lower level, the kitchen and dining area (with a little eating area bar) are up two steps, along with the bathroom and vanity/closet area, then you go down two steps to a huge bedroom with a balcony overlooking another part of the lake. Quite lovely. The internet doesn’t work all the time but we’re glad we have it close by and don’t have to drive a mile to get it.

Lex's bedroom/our living room. — Lex’s bedroom/our living room.

An odd vanity area adjacent to the bathroom.

The pool is closed, but there is a hot tub and steam room.

That was our day. Hope yours was wonderful!