Held this year for a second time at Big Meadow Family Campground, in Townsend Tennessee -- 65 trailers of Tabbers and former Tabbers descended on the peaceful side of the Smokies. Hosted by Sharon Sigmon and Splash Tab, along with assistance from her sister Becky... this is the rally highlight of my year. As evidenced by the growing numbers, lots of people feel the same. The rally is now attended by R-Pods, Roadtreks, Airstreams, Transit Vans, Lance trailers, a Sonic, and of course - a plethora of T@Bs. Sharon will tell you, once you are part of the Blue Ridge family... you are always a Blue Ridger. I've never met a more welcoming group of people. There is so much to do and see, and you can participate as much... or as little...as you'd like. I was having such fun this year, I forgot to take photos but here are a few highlights from the week!
 |
| Our campsite at BRR |
 |
| Florida meets Redneck - sign contest |
 |
Bear sighting!
|
Cade's Cove Driving Tour
We had a pancake breakfast, a potluck, bingo, corn hole, Bill's now-famous Happy Dance Party to start the day. There were drives to Gatlinburg and the NOC store there, along with Pigeon Forge and the Lodge and Coleman outlets. We toured a winery, had a free tasting (or three), some went horseback riding, on a hayride or fly fishing in the Little River.
 |
Lois, Elaine and Bill gave a dutch oven cooking presentation.
|
Townsend held it's annual Old Timer's Festival with local crafts and music and fresh fried pies.
Sharon held a make-a-sign party and accommodated all of us and our various camper shapes!
 |
| Grace and I had a great time and can't wait for next year!! |
The Old Stone Fort is a prehistoric Native American structure. Most likely built between 80 and 550 AD during the Middle Woodland period. Native Americans used this area continuously for about 500 years, eventually leaving it abandoned. The park's museum consists of displays of prehistoric Native American replicas as well as dioramas and photos. The exhibits provide information on the theories regarding the enclosure's builders, archaeological excavations at the site and the culture of its builders. There are some great walking trails with small waterfalls and access to the Duck River. According to the website, the main hiking trail follows the wall of Old Stone Fort which was used by the Native Americans as a ceremonial gathering place. You can see the original entrance of the fort which was designed to face the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer solstice.
