LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES

Mom and Dad loved to have the family together as often as possible. After the children were married and living from St. Louis to Columbus, MS to Knoxville, TN it became very difficult to arrange family time that included everyone. They began planning family gatherings every Memorial Day in addition to Christmas. About 1980 the family began meeting at a park on Memorial Day weekend. It is amazing this continued because the first Memorial Day trip was at a cheap hotel near Land-Between the Lakes State Park. It rained all weekend. The hotel was uncomfortable and the food was not good. The next year cabins at the Kentucky Dam State Park were rented. These accommodations were better. The weather was good and the food was better. More activities were planned for the grandchildren. My Dad brought his ski boat. Uncle brought a trailer load of games and equipment. These Memorial Day trips continued for several years at Kentucky Dam State Park or Lake Barkley State Park. Later, a Memorial Day weekend was enjoyed in Gatling and at the large Wallace home in Columbus, Ms.

GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAIN TRIP

The Smokey Mountain Memorial Day weekend was a tremendous hit with everyone. My uncle brought all his toys. The sons & daughters challenged mammas and the poppas to a volleyball match. Somehow the mammas and poppas pulled off one more win. I think that was the last. We fished in the Pigeon River, bike on the mountain trails, and went tubing in the Pigeon River. We shopped and ate in Gatling. At night, we played games and enjoyed visiting in the big lounge.

Trip ideas - Great Smoky Mountains National Park One of the most popular day trips in the Smoky Mountains is to Cade Cove. Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours in the Cove where you will want to make frequent stops to view historic buildings, wildlife, scenic views, and maybe take a hike. There is a picnic area with BBQ grills. There are also several areas throughout the Cove where you can enjoy a picnic, but there are no tables. Close to Cade Cove is Townsend, TN which has several great mom and pop restaurants.

MONTE EAGLE BAY JAMAICA

We resided at the Royal Palms Villa near Monte Eagle Bay owned by Rev. Janet Trout. We spent the days walking the white sandy beach in front of the villa. We looked for shells, soaked in the wonderful sunshine, and went snorkeling on the corals. We shopped at the markets in Coho Rios and Monte Eagle Bay. We golfed at Runaway Bay, Wisdom Rose Hall and Half Moon golf resorts. We watched the locals. At night, we often went to Taney to listen to the steel band, watch the entertainers and the crab races. We visited Plymouth, an 18th century port town, to see the historical buildings and Discovery Bay: Site of Columbus' landing in 1494. We traveled in a rental van. Driving was a challenge since driving is a national sport in Jamaica. Everyone drove on the left side of highway (wrong side) with the pedal to the metal and horns blaring. If everyone went on the van trip, kitchen chairs were added to the van for seating.

CRUISES TRIPS

This adventures started when I was at Stewart Home School. We took a lot of cruises trip to different places like Canada, Mexico and Bahama. They were a lot of fun we saw different kind of things to do when we were on shore they were snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and much more. We to the Cardinal Ship to all these places. When we were on the ship they were, different kind eating places like buffets with a lot of food. You can even go swimming the pools on the deck and look out over ship at the ocean. They were different kind of shows to see while we were on board.

COSTA RICA OF MEXICO

Hike in cloud and rain forests, pristine golden brown beaches and active volcano's craters. Get closer than you ever imagine to frogs, monkeys, sloths, birds and wildlife and do something different that you have always wanted to do- yoga, whitewater raft, zip lines, surf, dive, snorkel, and enjoy yourself.

BAHAMA TRIP

My family went on a trip to Bahamas for my brother and sister law for their wedding and I was in the wedding as a bride made. We had the usual things that a wedding has like cocktail hour and dinner and the food was fabulous. They had different things do to while you there. You could go deep-sea fishing, swimming and snorkeling and golfing. The cabins were very nice a decorated they had good service while we were there.

BAHAMAS HOTEL OR RESORT!

On Nassau Paradise Island, you can board a 45-foot catamaran for a coral reef excursion, explore a shipwreck on a half-day scuba diving trip, stroll the bottom of a shark exhibit for a little face-to-nose time, or even try Snub, which pairs the simplicity of snorkeling with the wonders of underwater breathing. Add in the Caribbean's largest marine habitat and water park at Atlantis, and you'll soon discover a world of wonderful water activities awaits you on Nassau Paradise Island.