Guns, God and Fireworks

The drive across the states of Arkansas and Tennessee has been interesting. The billboards seem to focus on God, Fireworks and the sale of guns. And then there are the radio stations... . Let's just say there is little news and music and a whole lot of fundamental Christian talk radio, and Christian programming... focused on salvation and revelations.

We arrived at Sevierville, TN, last night. It is the entry point to Great Smoky Mountain National Park where we will camp for two days. But the options in Sevierville are so tempting... The Big Black Bear Christmas Jamboree, The Temptations Revue, Dolly Parton's Dixieland Extravaganza in Dollywood .... .

It is still early Fall here in Appalachia. The leaves on the trees are in full color and are just gorgeous. We are looking forward to great hiking and viewing of waterfalls. Then off to Shenandoah National Park and then to Philly. We plan to return to civilization on Thursday.

Highlights:

Bites: Hot Fish (a Tennessee delicacy) at Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish in Nashville. The choices are whiting, catfish or chicken, served hot or mild, lightly breaded and fried with some 'special seasonings' (which seemed a lot like paprika!), with sides of mac & cheese, turnip greens, coleslaw, beans... . At first we weren't sure the restaurant was open, given the bars on the windows and doors, but we were in luck. A lovely woman runs both the "front of the house and the back of the house." She was delightful, and the food was absolutely, surprisingly, satisfyingly delicious.

Sights: Hope, Arkansas, birthplace of Bill Clinton. It certainly didn't take long to tour Hope. It is a desolate place.

Hot Springs National Park - Hot Springs, Arkansas. This national park is in the city of Hot Springs and reflects the traditions of bathing that were prevalent in the area in the 1920's - 1940's. Except for one, the bath houses are no longer operational, and there is one that is preserved and is available to tour. Many of the procedures seem somewhat medieval - such as all of the electrotherapy gadgets... . But all in all, the bath house was the precursor to the modern-era day spa. There were changing rooms, massage rooms, baths, salons for men and women, a music room, a card room... . But most interesting was the gymnasium. The 'work-out' machines were early versions of today's Cybex machines, made of leather with leather straps and pulleys. So interesting.

Memphis, Tennessee - Beale Street, an avenue very reminiscent of Bourbon Street in Nawlins, indeed, with lots of decent music played in the bars, and, of course, Elvis impersonator acts!