#en route to gatlinburg

[sohannabarberaesque]

Postcards from Snagglepuss

Meanwhile, somewhere in Beautiful Downtown Cincinnati ...

It can be pretty frustrating trying to park a motorhome downtown in some major city, and not get dumb looks in the process. Especially when you're celebrities in animated form just cruising the countryside--or, in the current circumstances, heading off to the Easter Parade in Gatlinburg, to be led by the Cattanooga Cats even!

Yet, for some reason, you wonder why Longfellow, of all writers, chose to call Cincinnati "the Queen City of the West" back in the day when it rivalled Chicago as a major hog market and processor, in its turn explaining how Procter and Gamble (I assume you know much about them) came to be quite the influence even before sponsoring those midday "washboard weepers" on radio and television ... as in turning waste fat from the hog butchering into soap, candles, lard and also creating Crisco shortening.

But this time around ... it's in a Cincinnati chili parlour somewhere between Fountain Square, long the heart of the Queen City, and Eden Park, just to the east of downtown. And along with my own company--including Huckleberry Hound, Crazy Claws, The King and Sheena and Ruff and Reddy--off to Gatlinburg, in their own way.

For it turns out that the likes of Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo, Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy, Magilla Gorilla, The Banana Splits and the Hair Bear Bunch even, were in the same Cincinnati chili joint. (And need I explain what Cincinnati chili is: It's a chili made without beans, but with a richer spice blend, served atop spaghetti and itself topped with shredded Cheddar cheese.)

Hopefully the moist towelettes were in abundance, even if one of the guests had to bring them along. And were they surprised when our presence got to be noticed, even ordering some Cincinnati chili ourselves.

"I sometimes wonder myself," Huck remarked, "how many here in this here old Cincinnati mistake Cincinnati chili parlours for cheap spaghetti palaces." Which was bound to have Quick Draw McGraw, who probably knows chili in the more Texan manner, steamed up when he remarked "NOW HOLD ON THAR!! How exactly does serving this on spaghetti make this chili when I happen to know what chili is, to begin with?!"

To which it was explained that such was the Cincinnati manner.

"CINCINNATI?!!" exclaimed Quick Draw. "It seems I must have taken a wrong turn at Keokuk ... wherever that is!" To which Babalooie was quick to rejoinder, "I admit taking a liking to this Queekstraw fellow, even if the chili here lacks beans and is served on spaghetti!"

"Which has me pretty surprised there," Hair Bear was quick in adding at the sight, adding that he might try making some such on occasion during the mating season road trip of his madcap trio this summer, "probably in northern Wisconsin, Snag," he explained. "We sort of wonder ourselves if the bears up that way can resist our legendary charms in the sexual arena!"

"How could I have guessed?" sighed I.

"And what must those Cattanooga Cats be thinking," Magilla Gorilla chimed in, "about us being on our way already via Cincinnati?"

In a nearby parking lot, where The Banana Splits parked their school bus rebuild, The CoolBus, that quartet couldn't resist signing the odd autograph or posing for the odd selfie, even with a couple of containers of takeout chili ("for fixing some Chili Cheese Coneys on the road," Bingo was quick to explain, "en route to no less than Gatlinburg!").

Whence a call came on the mobile. Country from the Cattanooga Cats was on the virtual line.

"Snag?"

"Yes, Country?"

"Rather glad you could assist with the Easter Parade in Gatlinburg."

"I just hope the proverbial wrench hasn't been thrown into the plans."

"Would that it were ... but even then, trying to keep an Easter parade low-key, like we're trying to do, may not be that easy. So when you and your party get set up in Gatlinburg, we can meet in our apartment above Cattanooga Klatsche and work the whole out so that such is a surprise."

Yet how can you imagine keeping an Easter Parade in the Queen Mother of Tourist Traps low-key?

*************

@warnerbrosentertainment @groovybribri @theweekenddigest @zodiacfan32 @indigo-corvus @iheartgod175 @archive-archives @themineralyoucrave @thylordshipofbutts @thebigdingle @screamingtoosoftly @warnerbros-blog1 @ultrakeencollectionbreadfan @passionateclown @artistic-octopus @jellystone-enjoyer @funtasticworld @warnerbrosent-blog

[litrvluxurytravel]

Luxury Motorhome Travel during Holidays: Celebrating on the Road

Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, many travelers look for unique ways to celebrate. Luxury Motorhome Travel Experiences offer an exceptional opportunity to experience the holidays with unparalleled freedom and comfort. Whether it's Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s, celebrating on the road can be a memorable and joyous adventure.

Preparing for the Holiday Journey

Planning Your Route:

Choosing the right destinations is crucial for a festive holiday experience. Consider places known for their holiday celebrations, such as:

Christmas: Towns like Asheville, NC, known for the Biltmore Estate’s Christmas decorations, or Leavenworth, WA, a Bavarian-style village with a stunning Christmas market.

Thanksgiving: Explore places like Plymouth, MA, for historical Thanksgiving celebrations, or Gatlinburg, TN, for a cozy mountain retreat.

New Year’s: Head to vibrant cities like Las Vegas, NV, or Miami, FL, for spectacular fireworks and celebrations.

Booking Campsites:

Holiday seasons are busy, so booking your campsites early is essential. Look for sites that offer:

Holiday-themed events and decorations.

Special amenities such as heated pools, hot tubs, or festive communal gatherings.

Proximity to holiday activities like ice skating, holiday light displays, and local parades.

Decorating Your Luxury Motorhome

Holiday Decorations:

Transform your motorhome into a festive haven with compact and safe decorations:

Festive Lights: Use battery-operated or solar-powered LED lights to add sparkle without draining your motorhome’s power supply.

Ornaments and Themes: Opt for shatterproof ornaments and decorations that can be easily stored and transported.

Seasonal Touches: Add holiday-themed throw pillows, blankets, and table settings to create a cozy atmosphere.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere:

A warm, inviting interior enhances the holiday spirit:

Scented Candles: Use battery-operated scented candles to infuse your motorhome with holiday scents like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla.

Music and Entertainment: Create a holiday playlist or bring along holiday movies to enjoy cozy evenings inside your motorhome.

Holiday Activities on the Road

Local Festivities:

Immerse yourself in local holiday traditions and events:

Holiday Markets: Visit Christmas markets for unique gifts, festive foods, and holiday cheer.

Parades and Festivals: Participate in local parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and holiday festivals.

Community Events: Join in community caroling, ice skating, and other holiday-themed activities.

Motorhome Holiday Traditions:

Create your own holiday traditions while on the road:

Gift Exchange: Have a small, thoughtful gift exchange with your travel companions.

Decorating Together: Make decorating the motorhome a group activity, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Special Meals: Prepare traditional holiday meals or try new recipes together.

Cooking and Dining in a Luxury Motorhome

Holiday Meals:

Prepare festive meals with these tips:

Simplified Recipes: Choose recipes that can be easily made with limited kitchen space and appliances.

Pre-Prep: Prepare ingredients in advance to save time and reduce stress on the holiday.

Versatile Dishes: Opt for dishes that can be cooked using multi-purpose appliances like an Instant Pot or slow cooker.

Outdoor Dining:

Take advantage of your motorhome’s mobility to enjoy unique dining experiences:

Festive Picnics: Set up a holiday picnic with seasonal foods and hot beverages.

Campfire Cooking: Roast marshmallows, make s'mores, or cook festive meals over a campfire.

Staying Connected with Loved Ones

Virtual Celebrations:

Technology makes it easy to stay connected with family and friends:

Video Calls: Use apps like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime to have virtual holiday gatherings.

Virtual Games: Play online games or participate in virtual holiday trivia with loved ones.

Hosting Guests:

If possible, invite friends or family to join you:

Guest Preparation: Ensure your motorhome has adequate sleeping arrangements and supplies for guests.

Shared Activities: Plan activities and meals that everyone can enjoy together.

Safety and Comfort

Weather Preparedness:

Stay prepared for winter weather:

Winterizing Your Motorhome: Ensure your motorhome is equipped for cold weather with proper insulation, antifreeze, and heating.

Emergency Supplies: Keep a supply of essentials such as extra blankets, food, water, and a first aid kit.

Health and Safety:

Maintain safety during your travels:

Travel Insurance: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Local Health Guidelines: Follow local health guidelines and COVID-19 precautions.

Making Memories

Documenting Your Journey:

Capture the holiday memories:

Photography Tips: Use natural light and festive settings to take beautiful holiday photos.

Videography: Record short videos of your experiences and compile them into a holiday travel video.

Sharing Your Experience:

Inspire others with your journey:

Social Media: Share photos and stories on social media platforms.

Travel Blog: Start a travel blog to document and share your holiday adventures.

Conclusion

Celebrating holidays in a luxury motorhome combines the joy of travel with the warmth of festive traditions. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, you can create unforgettable holiday memories on the road. Embrace the freedom, comfort, and excitement of luxury motorhome travel during the holidays, and make this season truly special. Luxury Motorhome Travel Experiences provide the perfect blend of celebration and adventure, making every holiday a unique and cherished memory.

[risingphoenix761]

Vacation, day 5

En route to Gatlinburg and the Smokies. Late start due to tire trouble, which guarantees we'll have to stay overnight. *eyeroll* It's rainy on the interstate, but it took an hour on the back roads to get there. Windy af, no-shoulder, two lane back roads that are even more nerve wracking in the rain. But the further into the foothills you get, the better the scenery. Trees on all sides, either evergreen or in fall color, a few homesteads, a fast-moving creek along the road. And higher up in the hills? Nothing but trees and fog...

[molliewilber04-blog]

Keurig Eco-friendly Hill A Year Full Of Bad End Results And Also A Projection For Declining Incomes.

While climbing to the summit of a hill, the weather can end up being quite tough, impersonating much of a difficulty to the mountain climber as the rough as well as icy areas themselves. Only TWENTY percent of Mountain range Dew enthusiasts are responsible for nearly 70 per-cent of its quantity, inning accordance with Mountain Condensation moms and dad company Pepsi. A few of the durable monitors that weave by means of the hill passes were actually built by hand more than ONE HUNDRED years earlier. Currently he is funny post actually currently a Total IFMGA Mountain Guide; AMGA Stone, Ski, Alpine Certified as well as a AIARE Level II Barrage trainer. As kept in mind above, Iron Mountain range carries out certainly not have an assets grade measured financial obligation score; however, the company has moderate secured financial obligation. Manage your own self to a beer in the only bar in the area after you leave of the mountain; you have earned it. The entryway to Great Smoky Hills National forest is actually merely beyond the Hill Ranch Gallery. He stated that can be 10C cold at the summit of Snowdon in comparison to that remains in Llanberis, the town at the feet from the hill. For that reason, you should put your feet at the best position when riding your mtb This will enable you to be comfy, do much better, and also keep security plus effective management from your bike. The mountain bestrides Switzerland's perimeter along with Italy, where it is actually referred to as 'Il Cervino'. For the $550 the full revocation Motobecane 550DS prices you can easily rather purchase a hardtail mountain bike. The Generalising Phase - Below you have to carry on experimenting your Mountain range Cur in different locations and also in a setting along with a couple of disturbances. This hill should be actually addressed along with appreciation, several, because that is actually a non-technical climb, presume it is the equivalent from a 5 day stroll in the playground - having said that - as lots of as 10 folks perish on the hill every year.

In several hill log cabin markets (like Gatlinburg, TN or the North Georgia Mountain ranges), hot tubs and also pool dining tables are must-haves! The Mountain chains 2500 kilometers long extending though Tunisia, Morocco and also Algeria is called Atlas chain of mountains or Atlas Mountains. Sources of several significant Europeans streams; like Rhine, Rhone and Po, lies in this mountain range. En route there certainly you may be actually blessed adequate to find mountain goats next to the street, although they are actually very likely to be set down on a cliff higher above you.

Up at the really top from Black Mountain range, there are actually numerous Nightkin waiting for you, unless they received sent out to the bottom from Black Mountain by using the pork broadcast or even if you got Neil in order to help you. In the direction of completion this part, our company top Rock Mountain range from which we acquire our first scenery from Mt. Monadnock, some 25 miles far-off as the crow flies. There is actually a place of the fantastic mountain called the death area due to everyone which has died there certainly. Matthew 17: 2-5: Currently after six days Jesus took Peter, James as well as John his bro, led them up a higher mountain on their own. Right now, after intense hill training - hillside playing around Scotland to achieve peak physical fitness to manage 4400ft back and forth - Tony has changed his lif e and developed closer to his father compared to whenever sinc e his death.

[geensandalen]

Bryson City (NC) – Pigeon Forge (TN), 1 oktober 2019

We missen, inmiddels haast traditiegetrouw, weer de ontbijttijden doordat we te lang uitslapen en bezoeken de lokale Snak Shak, waar we een hamburger eten voor ontbijt. Enige zelfreflectie moet nu wel de conclusie opleveren dat we aardig goed aan het integreren zijn! Nadien zetten we koers naar het stuk Smoky Mountains National Park dat vandaag op de route staat. We rijden terug naar Cherokee en daar komt de natuur ons letterlijk tegemoet: op het grootste kruispunt van het dorp staat een imposante elk (wapiti in het Nederlands) die zowel van gewei tot grond als van kop tot staart zo’n 2,5 meter blijkt te zijn. We zij dan wel goed verzekerd, maar besluiten toch zodra het groen wordt de huurauto buiten bereik van het gewei te maneouvreren.

Direct na het dorp begint het natuurgebied, waarbij we slingerend de bergkammen beklimmen en weer afdalen, oude boerderijen en watermolens bezoeken en genieten van de spectaculaire uitzichten langs de weg. Afhankelijk van de hoogte rijden we langs riviertjes en oude spoorwegen omzoomd door herfstkleurig loofbos, naar meer gemengde begroeiing waar de weg omzoomd wordt door wilde bloemen, tot puur naaldbos op de grootste hoogten. Onderweg kruisen we de Appalachian Trail op haar hoogste punt, en beklimmen de top naar een uitzichtpunt vanwaar op een heldere dag vijf verschillende staten in gekeken kan worden. Heldere dagen zijn helaas steeds zeldzamer in dit gebied, waar de smokiness nu met name wordt veroorzaakt door luchtvervuiling in plaats van mist en bewolking, en ook vandaag blijkt het zicht niet verder te reiken dan ‘slechts’ 30 kilometer in alle richtingen. Dat maakt het echter niet minder indrukwekkend. De hele middag doorkruisen we het natuurgebied, tot we na enkele uren het plaatsje Gatlinburg naderen. In elk andere land zou dit een bergdorpje met blokhutten, kampvuren en veel groen zijn, maar niet in de V.S.: abrupt houdt het natuurgebied op, is er geen boom meer te zien en zijn we omgeven door motels, midgetgolfbanen en goedkope restaurants. Commercie ten top.

Gelukkig is er vanaf Gatlinburg nog een extra natuurrondrit, die heel Amerikaans vanuit de auto gedaan kan worden. Het blijkt een prachtige route te zijn, die leidt langs diverse goed bewaard gebleven koloniale bouwwerken en een aantal groepen wilde kalkoenen. Het bos is groen, dichtbegroeid en behoudens de sliert asfalt erdoorheen ongerept. De weg terug is echter vrijwel hetzelfde als heen en die hoeven we nu niet per se weer met hetzelfde slakkengangetje te rijden. Bovendien is het bijna etenstijd... We hebben inmiddels vastgesteld dat Amerikanen zich nergens aan de snelheidslimiet houden behalve in bochten, waar ze onnodig hard voor afremmen, waarschijnlijk omdat overal in dit land alleen maar rechte, brede wegen zijn en ze niet hebben leren rijden zoals een Europeaan leert rijden in onze historische binnensteden. Dat betekent dat we op snelweg, terwijl we precies de snelheidslimiet rijden, steevast tijd verliezen ten opzichte van wat de navigatiesoftware op basis van de snelheid van diens eerdere gebruikers, van ons verwacht. Maar hier, op deze supersmalle eenbaans slingerweg door het bos, kan ik mijn eer terugwinnen. Terwijl alle anderen stapvoets tussen de bomen en stenen doorkruipen, rijdt deze Europese rallycoureur de route waar bijna een kwartier voor staat in een respectabele vijf minuten. Vanaf het einde van het bos is het een brede rechte weg naar Pigeon Forge, en worden we weer van alle kanten ingehaald...

Pigeon Forge blijkt nog erger te zijn dan Gatlinburg, en doet denken aan Las Vegas: een lange brede weg omzoomd door attracties, neonborden, waterparken, grote billboards, dinner shows en heel veel motels. Het is bijna aandoenlijk te bedenken dat Amerikaanse dit bombardement aan kitch gelijkstellen aan een leuke vakantie, en onbegrijpelijk dat een uitvalbasis voor het natuurschoon van de Smoky Mountains er zo uit kan zien. Maar de slimme vakantieganger (ondergetekende en partner) kan er wel zijn voordeel uit halen: door de enorme concurrentie liggen de prijzen van de accommodatie laag en dat maakt een upgrade binnen handbereik. Daarom verblijven we vanavond in een kamer met bubbelbad en openhaard! We eten een, overigens prima, schnitzel bij wat door moet voor een ‘traditioneel’ Beiers eethuis en halen dan nog maar een fles Californische champagne, want als je toch decadent doet, moet je het wel goed doen. Met zicht op de open haard en tussen de bubbels van het bad, schieten we de kurk door de kamer en vermaken ons de rest van de avond prima.

[michelea198531-blog]

The Keys To Purchasing The Homeowner's Insurance policy That Is Right For You

There are a great deal of companies available contending for your company as a homeowner, yet it's up to you to learn which firm is using the very best feasible insurance for you and your family. Your residence should be safeguarded, but none old policy will certainly do. Check out these ideas in order to help you pick discovering residence insurance.When you removal residences, be sure that your belongings are insured for the step. This may mean buying insurance policy from the moving firm. Your property owner's insurance plan could likewise cover things that are harmed, lost, or stolen en route. Get in touch with your insurance coverage representative about a "unique dangers endorsement", which will certainly safeguard belongings during a relocation.Speak to your homeowner's insurance coverage as well as see if they have any type of pointers. They might also give discounts if you make sure alterations or improvements, since they believe that it makes your home less of a danger. These improvements may wind up spending for themselves gradually with the cash, they'll save you.Take your ex-spouse spouse's name off your property owner's insurance policy if you have actually lately obtained separated. The names on the plan are those checks are written to in the event of an insurance claim, so seeing to it the called insured on the policy is appropriate can save you time as well as trouble later on.Understand how recommendations could influence your resident's policy. These are modifications to your basic homeowner's policy. They make sure that your costly properties will certainly be guaranteed if a calamity occurs. As an example, you could reveal evidence of an assessment if you shed a ring. Formal endorsements could help ensure that you get the amount of your item in case it is shed stolen, lost or harmed due to a disaster. homes for sale gatlinburg tn You need to make certain the insurance provider you opt to work with is a trusted company with your benefits in mind. Check different objective sites to consider evaluations on how cases are managed, the customer support you will certainly obtain and also the promptness of the cases being paid out.Prior to the climate gets cold, prepare your house for wintertime problems to decrease the possibility of damages caused by weather. Listed below freezing temperatures can cause icy pipes as well as various other problems to your residence, so making the effort to winterize your home can save you from home owner's insurance asserts pertaining to weather damage.House owners that settle their home mortgages faster will certainly see less expensive insurance faster. Insurance provider think that if you have your residence outright or have a higher stake in it's equity, you will certainly be most likely to take good care of it and maintain it's value higher. Try to boost the quantity you pay monthly to pay it off quicker.Your natural disposition could be to incline the company with the most affordable prices on insurance, but you must withstand that lure. Use the suggestions you've learned below to discover the most effective policy for you as well as your liked ones. Do not go the generic path as well as compromise your residence's insurance coverage.

[jimcutfro212-blog]

The Keys To Investing in The Homeowner's Insurance policy That Is Right For You

There are a great deal of companies out there contending for your company as a property owner, yet it depends on you to figure out which company is supplying the very best feasible insurance policy for you and also your family members. Your residence should be protected, but none old plan will do. Read these tips to assist you select finding house insurance.When you move homes, be sure that your belongings are guaranteed for the action. This might indicate acquiring insurance coverage from the relocating firm. Your homeowner's insurance plan might additionally cover products that are harmed, shed, or taken en route. Talk to your insurance coverage agent regarding a "unique dangers endorsement", which will certainly shield valuables throughout an action.Talk to your resident's insurance policy as well as see if they have any type of ideas. They may also offer price cuts if you make certain alterations or enhancements, since they believe that it makes your house much less of a risk. These renovations may wind up spending for themselves with time with the money, they'll save you.Take your ex partner's name off your home owner's insurance policy if you have actually recently obtained separated. The names on the plan are those checks are written to in the event of a claim, so ensuring the named guaranteed on the policy is right could conserve you time and also hassle later on.Understand how recommendations could impact your property owner's plan. These are modifications to your standard property owner's plan. They make certain that your pricey belongings will certainly be guaranteed if a disaster takes place. As an example, you might show proof of an assessment if you shed a ring. Formal endorsements can help make sure that you receive the amount of your product in the event that it is lost taken, shed or harmed because of a catastrophe. homes for sale gatlinburg tn You need to make certain the insurance company you opt to collaborate with is a trusted firm with your best interests in mind. Inspect various unbiased websites to check out evaluations on just how claims are taken care of, the customer support you will obtain as well as the punctuality of the insurance claims being paid out.Prior to the weather obtains cool, prepare your home for winter months conditions to lower the probability of damages brought on by weather conditions. Below freezing temperatures could create icy pipelines and also various other damages to your residence, so putting in the time to winterize your home can save you from resident's insurance policy claims pertaining to weather damages.Home owners that repay their home mortgages much faster will certainly see less pricey insurance faster. Insurance provider believe that if you have your residence outright or have a greater stake in it's equity, you will certainly be more probable to take good treatment of it and maintain it's value higher. Aim to raise the amount you pay every month to pay it off earlier.Your all-natural disposition could be to incline the business with the lowest costs on insurance policy, however you should resist that lure. Utilize the ideas you have actually discovered right here to locate the very best policy for you and also your enjoyed ones. Do not go the common path and compromise your house's coverage.

[aviationhistory]

The port side cargo door of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules explosively blows off the aircraft at 19,000 feet above the Smoky Mountain resort town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, carrying one crewman to his death and another hanging onto a chain outside the aircraft as the fuselage decompresses. Crew chief Jose Gallegoes, 32, was holding a length of chain attached to his bolted-down tool box when the access door blew off. "Something like an explosion happened and I found myself hanging out of the plane", the San Luis, Colorado man said later. "I was hanging by the chain with which I was securing the tool box. That chain saved my life", he said. His fellow crewmen pulled him back inside the cargo plane, but there was nothing they could do for the as yet unidentified crewman who fell to his death on the mountainous slopes below, ~35 miles E of Knoxville, Tennessee. He had no parachute. A search was begun for his body. The departing door also sheared off the number two (port inner) propeller. The pilot, Flt. Lt. David W. Parsons, a RAF exchange officer from Wellington, England, was circling over McGhee Tyson Air Force Base when the door gave way. He immediately initiated an emergency landing, but found that he had no hydraulic control for the nose gear, touching down on the main gear before the Hercules settled onto its nose, skidding ~5,000 feet along the runway before coming to a halt. None of the seven crew remaining aboard were hurt. The C-130 was en route from Sewart Air Force Base, at Smyrna, Tennessee to Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina, when the accident occurred. Most of the plane's parachutes were stacked near the door and were carried over the side by the decompression. Sheriff Ray Noland stated that an open parachute was seen drifting down near Sevierville, Tennessee, and deputies searching for the crewman's body found a parachute, a seat and the door ~two miles N of state highway 73, E of Gatlinburg.

[americandailylife]

National Park Service: Three dead in Smokies plane crash - Johnson City Press (subscription)

National Park Service: Three dead in Smokies plane crash Johnson City Press (subscription) Three people are dead after a plane crash in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, according to the National Park Service, which confirmed Tuesday that a single-engine plane, previously presumed missing en route to the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport, ...

[sohannabarberaesque]

Some especially interesting stops on Yogi's Holiday Jolli-Day Tours from the past

San Francisco: As if the inevitable stops like Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill and the Golden Gate Bridge weren't predictable enough, on occasion they're bound to call at a Japanese noodle shop in Japantown said to have especially decent ramen and odon noodles. Thankfully, those aren't the supermarket sort, and slurping is expected when having Japanese noodles.

Arizona: While the Grand Canyon may be a must-see, naturally, you can also expect Yogi's tour groups to pay calls at "the corner" in Winslow immortalised by The Eagles in their hit "Take It Easy" ... not to mention London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, the original wavepool (Tempe's Big Surf), Phoenix' Hall of Flame (dedicated to historically-significant firefighting equipment), "La Paloma Blanca del Desierto" (as in San Xavier del Bac Mission outside Tucson) and the quaintly historic copper-mining centre of Bisbee.

Texas: Plenty of the obvious, but especially noteworthy stops were the Blue Bell Ice Cream plant in Brenham (with free samples, naturally), Eilenberger's Bakery in Palestine, Corsicana's Collin Street Bakery (as in The Original DeLuxe Fruitcake) and The Dr Pepper Museum in Waco. Not to mention plenty of small-town cafes fond of Tex-Mex fare (and serving Dr Pepper, naturally) and chicken-fried steak.

The Upper Midwest: Obviously an underrated sort of vacation paradiso, yet the opportunities for stops galore were legend: At least two Wisconsin cheese shops serious about selling cheese, some time in a Wisconsin Dells waterpark (and enjoying the "real" such), the SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota, the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa--and some cream of wild rice soup loaded with diced ham and turkey breast. And did I mention the Wall Drug Store?

Breezewood, Pennsylvania: If that isn't one of the more unconventional tourist towns in the country (credit a rather illogical connexion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to I-70), then such wouldn't be a stop for Yogi's Holiday Jolli-Day Tours en route to a sampler of select Broadway and Off-Broadway shows (out of homage to Joe Barbera's fondness for the floorboards and the footlights). Including, obviously enough, breakfast.

Lookout Mountain, outside Chattanooga: Blame all the barn sides proclaiming "See Rock City" or "See Ruby Falls" for making such obvious. Not to mention, in a way, the Cattanooga Cats, making Chattanooga their sort of hometown, as well as the old RC Cola-and-Moon Pie bit. (Never mind their Gatlinburg coffee shop and roastery, Cattanooga Klatsche.)

[sohannabarberaesque]

Postcards from Snagglepuss: So this is "Florabama"?

In case you didn't know this, the area between Gulf Shores, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida is known affectionately as "Florabama," straddling as it does the Alabama-Florida line. Yet still fronts the Gulf of Mexico, never mind that it's well west of the Emerald Coast, alias the Redneck Riviera. And it just so happens that Alabama's contribution to the Gulf Coast resort life is in Gulf Shores--and, to a lesser extent, in Orange Beach, on a small barrier island just offshore.

Which, after spending the night in Pensacola Beach at an "old school" motel for the most part, seemed like what could be called the eternity of this campaign I had with Crazy Claws to promote Wisconsin Dells, of all places, in Florida and parts of the South. Just be glad that you could call it winding down, and then some. Especially after getting some coffee, followed by a decent breakfast at a breakfast place off the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk that the motel owner had recommended for some reason: Rather wonderful pancakes and waffles especially. Which, when all was said and done, turned out to be everything as was expected, and then some. And what a conversation we had, even to the point of Crazy Claws bringing in Mr. Pancake at the Dells into the conversation, even recalling his bringing over the likes of Penelope Pitstop and Top Cat's crew for breakfast there.

So we began winding down this little crusade, and by the looks of things, some attention (though not exactly astronomically earth-shaking) had been made of Wisconsin Dells among respondents so far ... and so back to US 98, and stopping in Paradise Beach, perhaps the last resort of some consequence in Florida; the Alabama line crosses just ahead. And we wondered if there was bound to be much response anyway, by the looks of it ... so we make it into Alabama at last, and head to the Foley Bay Expressway to Orange Beach. Not exactly much of a climate for oranges, come to think of it, but still, the place didn't look too shabby in all honesty. It was still practically morning, and you couldn't expect too much on the ur-Boardwalk that early in the day. Anyhow, we found ourselves a coffee place as was fond of serving it in the Southern way--with chicory root added. Unmistakably mellow, especially considering (or so the waitress explained it to me) that it was probably a badly-roasted batch they got from the roasters, to begin with. As she explained, "Chicory can easily make an otherwise bad batch of coffee alright." Gave her a Dells brochure, walked along the Boardwalk (or what passed for it) and took in the sea air.

"You know, Snagglepuss," Crazy Claws remarked, "we're coming down to the end of a rather wonderfully crazy drive we had."

"So it was," I replied. "And what a time it was ... what wonderful times they were."

"Yeah, plenty of wonderful run-ins like you wouldn't believe."

"Like, remember when we ran into Scrappy-Doo at the Salty Dog Surf Shop, thinkingthe store's mascot was his cousin?"

"Like it was yesterday," saith Crazy Claws. "Even Scooby-Doo couldn't resist our presence. Or even when Top Cat and crew stumbled upon us in Key West, after we did a bow for the Dells at the Sunset Ceremony ... and TC treated us to conch stew."

"Best cure for hangover, or so it was said."

"Or even our encountering alovesick Jabberjaw in the Pennekamp Reef."

"He did look a little paunchy, I have to acknowldge."

"And perhaps the ultimate highlight ... meeting the Cattanooga Cats in Gatlinburg. Whod've thought there were still fans of that feline quartet thinking about them?"

"And the view--THE VIEW!!!--to be had from their retreat!" (A pause.) "Are we getting ahead of ourselves?! No matter; maybe head to Gulf Shores for a buffet lunch, and plan the way back."

Thankfully, the buffetw e went to in Gulf Shores wasn't the overdone Chinese sort; rather, they had much in the way of comfort food--meat loaf, fried chicken, chili mac, beef stroganoff, chicken noodle soup; I assume you get the idea. And after no less than three trips through said buffet, with about twice as many glasses of sweet tea between us--

"You'll never guess where our next stop will be," saith I

"Now let me guess--the Mall of America?"

"Close. Actually, it's the Minneapolis Aquatennial. Where another Major Convocation of our fellow characters has been scheduled."

"The Minneapolis Aquatennial? Who still attends that festival?"

"It may not quite be what it was of yore, but still, it's expected to be an interesting occasion."

So with that in mind, considering our eschewing the predictability of the Interstate system for as much as possible, we considered the most direct route there--US 98 to Mobile, thence US 45 to Fulton, Kentucky ... thence US 51 to Bloomington, Illinous (even allowing for a part of the journey on I-57) ... thence I-39/90 onward via the Dells to Minneapolis. About a couple nights out, to be frank about it, even if Tennessee and Kentucky pass through in less than an hour each. Meaning plenty of coffee and the odd convenience-store microwave sandwich en route. And while Crazy Claws managed to keep his enthusiasm for the Aquatennial Convocation in check, he certainly expected to meet quite a few people around Mineapolis (of all places) as much as the Greater Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera.

Just be lucky we didn't fall victim to ptomine poisoning, let alone the addiction of a sweet tooth manifested in buying bakery donuts just to keep our appetites controlled ... and when we got to Minneapolis--

[sohannabarberaesque]

Postcards from Snagglepuss: Pushing waterslides in the bluegrass and bourbon country

Heading southbound from Cincinnati on US 27 in the interest of taking a "more realistic" vision of the country than would be likely from I-75, the main highway south towards Florida from the Midwest, could get to be rather fascinating for me and Crazy Claws, in service to the cause of promoting Wisconsin Dells in such an interesting region as central Kentucky. Otherwise in a state of serious socioeconomic decline, with attempts to try and rectify same such as the pseudo-religious "Ark Encounter" distraction in Williamstown, as in I-75 Kentucky Exit 154.

"To me," Crazy Claws remarked on my bringing such folly up heading down towards Grants Lick, Falmouth, Four Oaks, Sunrise, Oddville, Cynthiana even--giving Dells brochures away in pretty much every town, and in at least one crossroads store where we took up the RC Cola-and-Moon Pie thing, "about the only Noah's Ark that really matters is the waterpark in Wisconsin Dells. No doubt one of the better such, never mind Mt. Olympus just up the road somehow taunting them--or trying to."

"Point well made," saith I. Not to mention taking note of a barn roof proclaiming SEE 7 STATES FROM ROCK CITY heading down US 27, and wondering how many more we were bound to encounter en route to our encounter with the Cattanooga Cats just above Gatlinburg. Who, I will have you know, were the ones who called me last time out as we headed out of Cincinnati (and I hope you had the idea of who I alluded to). (Oh yeah--did I tell you about the Cattanooga Cats' fondness for RC Cola and Moon Pies, at least musically?)

After the literature pass around in Cynthiana, we headed to Lexington, the heart of Kentucky Bluegrass Country, down US 62--and at Broadwell, taking Kentucky 353 with an eye to avoiding the traffic. Some local FM station called us heading down from Cynthiana, and asked if we could do an interview. To which wegraciously agreed--howbeit after picking up another load of the precious brochures to pass out at a UPS Stote location in some campy strip mall. And managing to get some directions to the studios of this small time FM station (just be thankful they didn't play the same predictably saccharine Top 40), we set up for the interview.

And boy, was it an interview to remember: No less than 30 listener calls and enquiries throughout between hilarious exercises in trying to explain our mission, Crazy Claws and I, to the hosts. (Best response to a listener's enquiry from Crazy Claws: "Isn't a motel with swimming pool just as good as a waterpark resort, and for much less money besides?") Followed by some late-night barbecue of the best Kentucky sort possible, messy fingers and all ... and parking for the night in a desolate strip-mall parking lot outside Richmond, Kentucky. Which came out to be a rather interesting gateway to such whimsically-named, out-of-the-way towns like Paint Lick, Preachersville, Crab Orchard and Gum Sulphur before hitting US 25 near the legendary Renfro Valley.

As in the famous country-music venue which was on a par with the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville when it came to prestige back when country music WAS country music, come to think of it. Only they don't broadcast too many concerts from Renfro Valley much anymore; it's largely live shows for the most part. Still, they have some wonderful little shops there ... not to mention a decent little candy kitchen as well. Even the clerks there were bemused by what we were doing there to begin with, and explaining that we were promoting Wisconsin Dells, the Wisconsin Opry came up, prompting Crazy Claws to remark "At least country music doesn't have to be overbaked, like they do it in Branson. And speaking of Branson, if you had The Banana Splits performing there, they'd be booed off the stage rather quickly."

Which got quite the laughs as we were picking up some old-school fudge. Chocolate nut. Crazy Claws, himself something of a fudge expert, was quick to admit that while Renfro Valley's such was acceptable, the Dells always manages to produce the best. ("Setting aside such who insist Mackinac Island IS fudge," he was quick to add. "And could you just imagine the Cattanooga Cats playing Renfro Valley?")

"Hardly the sort," I remarked. "Their style, while having a country sort of flavour, isn't exactly the Renfro Valley style. Or, for that matter, the Branson style even."

So it was heading down US 25 through London to Corbin, where it divides into US 25W (towards Knoxville) and US 25E (towards Asheville via Cumberland Gap). We settled down in Corbin in a municipal parking lot close to the railroad tracks, the front seats able to fold down into bedding, remember....

Stay tuned, folks: Next week, it's going to get rather interesting!