[Bigtime53]

Originally Posted by RubyCamaro

You just have to learn the back routes. We are not into the touristy stuff. We mostly try to avoid peak seasons whenever we go. Our annual timeshare condo week is always MLK week so we get groceries & go up the mountain & mostly stay put until after the weekend then the crowds have pretty much cleared out. We even learned a new back road to avoid the Pigeon Forge chaos this year by using GPS. We dressed in layers & never really got that cold & we did not try to do any long hikes.

That is the key is to avoid the peak seasons and the touristy stuff is what I like to stay away from. Sounds like you had a good time. About the cold I can stay warm like you say with layers of clothes but I just cannot seem to keep my feet warm then I start freezing up! I got some heated socks given to me by my x sister in law that was battery operated and they worked great but when my first wife left me so did my socks! Damn I miss those socks!

[Trickskier]

Originally Posted by RubyCamaro

Welcome aboard Bigtime53. Good to see other old farts checking in too. I have been away for the last week in the Smokey Mts with my daughter. Got back Thursday then today went on a hike to a prehistoric Mississippian era settlement site. It was pretty chilly but we bundled up & did not get too cold. I'll post a few pics from both trips and a couple of my art work.

Retirement life is great. I have been doing some paintings & other art work. Art was my first major in college until I realized I could not support myself & my child very easily in that field. Having hobbies & things to keep you busy is key along with learning to enjoy chillin' & doing nothing sometimes AND that there is nothing wrong with that.

Nice Art Work and great pics of the Smokie's Jan!

[Trickskier]

Originally Posted by Bigtime53

That is the key is to avoid the peak seasons and the touristy stuff is what I like to stay away from. Sounds like you had a good time. About the cold I can stay warm like you say with layers of clothes but I just cannot seem to keep my feet warm then I start freezing up! I got some heated socks given to me by my x sister in law that was battery operated and they worked great but when my first wife left me so did my socks! Damn I miss those socks!

I'm fortunate to be born and raised in Florida. Aside from work and "SOME" social events I wear Flip Flops year round.....

[RubyCamaro]

Originally Posted by Bigtime53

That is the key is to avoid the peak seasons and the touristy stuff is what I like to stay away from. Sounds like you had a good time. About the cold I can stay warm like you say with layers of clothes but I just cannot seem to keep my feet warm then I start freezing up! I got some heated socks given to me by my x sister in law that was battery operated and they worked great but when my first wife left me so did my socks! Damn I miss those socks!

Just get some hand warmers & put them in your socks.

[RubyCamaro]

Originally Posted by Trickskier

Nice Art Work and great pics of the Smokie's Jan!

Thanks. I need to get myself motivated to get back at my artwork. I have just wanted to sit & do nothing the last couple of days.

[Bigtime53]

Originally Posted by RubyCamaro

Just get some hand warmers & put them in your socks.

That is a good idea and I will do that the next time.

[ragzl1]

Jan - like the Smokey mountain pictures and your artwork.

Trick - “wears only flip flops”. You do not have to rub it in !!

John

[Joecruiser]

Hi all...haven’t posted in a while.
Welcome to the ol’...nevermind, welcome Bigtime!
I retire at 57...went back to work part time.
I worked 30 years for a municipality...did the maximum pension ride!

Ruby, we may have crossed paths in the Smokies.
I was there when you were.

Sadly, my mountain carving dreams quickly turned to a will to survive.
I went solo, after dropping my son off at Davidson College, 18 miles north of Charlotte.

I lied...God was my co-Pilot. Encountered some really strong winds and down tree limbs. Fog, ice, rain, moonless nights, thunderous lighting..well suffice I did not enjoy the mtns. this trip.

But I made it back to the Sunshine State!

[Joecruiser]

Highway 441, Cherokee entrance...closed to Gatlinburg.
Frost pic at Davidson. That’s my son’s dorm in background

[RubyCamaro]

Wow! Are you sure we were there at the same time? The road up to Newfound Gap was only closed one day the week that we were there. Even that day, I was not sure why, roads were fine at the bottom & probably passable on top. I saw on the news a high wind warning but where we were, there was hardly a breeze & I discussed that with my daughter. Clearly, there were high winds somewhere. Of course, I did not attempt to go in the Camaro. (though I did see a couple of Camaros driving around, maybe I did see you). The road our condo is on (Ski Mountain Road) requires 4WD or chains if there is a heavy snow/ice & you never know what you will get when staying a week in the mountains. Sorry you were not able to enjoy your visit. Hope it is better next time you come through.

[Joecruiser]

At Mignus Mill, I got caught in a heck of a rain storm.
It was 2pm. Around 48. 30-40 wind gust.
Not Chamber of Commerce weather!

[RubyCamaro]

Nice pics though.

What college? I got my masters from UT Knoxville.

[Joecruiser]

Hi Ruby! Sorry last batch of pics. They show a celebratory Stella somewhere in the middle of the Everglades. Makes for an awesome sunset.
LOL...the upside down pic is Hotel SS...conveniently located near Waynesville, NC.
The climate control wasn’t the best but the bathrooms and coffee were to die for.

Yes, I slept in my car...because it was either that or go over the side.
Seemed like every motel was either closed, too far or too expensive.
So,,,Hotel SS it was. Spent 10 hours in there

That day I hiked all but one (Skyline Trail) at Chimney Rock. That, plus setting up my son and the long drive...I was exhausted. Lonely too

[Joecruiser]

Davidson College, in Davidson. On Lake Norman.