Pigeon Forge - Another Apology

I've been away on vacation, but in my absence a few posts that I had written before I left came out a bit screwy. The previous of which "Polar Bear Opposites" was sabotaged and some of the text did not appear. I blame the NSA but that's what I get for showing my political leanings.

It is fixed now.

Anyway. I'm back and will post some Smokey Mountain spelunking, salamandering and "bear frightening baby" photos over the next few days, but to lighten the mood and assure I have a post that does not mention hurricanes - here's a few photos of our final adventure from Pigeon Forge, TN. (Described in a travel guide as such -"If this town were a haircut - it would be a mullet")

MaLe was too scared to race on the 4 story go-kart track and Ash "had to hold the baby", so Kate humored me and raced around the track of doom. When in Pigeon Forge do as the tattooed, tube-topped, chain-smoking teenage locals do.

7-10 Split

We're finally heading to the Great Smokey Mountains for out "honeymoon". We'll be missing the 7-10 Split Bowling Event this evening in Naples (Sorry Gomer and Kara). That is if Hurricane Gustav doesn't alter plans.

We'll get a 7-10 split of our own as that hurricane passes by and Tropical Storm Hannah lingers to the east. We'll squeeze up I-75 between the two storms and hope that all remains well back at home. On our way north, we hope to stop at Ziggy's - an animal sanctuary in Lake City, FL where 4 of our monkeys from the former Florida Monkey Sanctuary now reside. Most noteable is Gertie - a 26 year old spider monkey who was raised by my parents and is like a long lost sister to me. There may be tears. 100% chance if she remembers me.

Gertie is seen above - swaddled in the pink and white crocheted blanket - playing the role of the baby Jesus. (circa 1983?) Gertie was brought to a new sanctuary in 2008 after suffering was a skin problem (seen below) at her home in North Carolina. I'm told she's doing much better.
Then its up to Tennessee for a few days of hiking, waterfalls, train rides and cave exploration.

I hope everyone stays safe in the storms.

HurriCone Honeymoon

I rarely buy into the hype. I'm not one to succumb to mania or participate in a frenzy but when my home is projected to be within the HurriCone I can't help but freak out a little bit. First of all I would trademark "HurriCone" but apparently its some type of floor drying equipment. "Floor soaking wet from the latest storm? You need a HurriCone!"

2nd of all - I'm in the freaking cone for Tropical Storm Gustav.

My boss says don't worry as he packs his travel bags to head to the Dominican Republic. My dad says not to worry as I need to pack my bags to head to the Great Smokey Mountains for our honeymoon. Mine and Ma-Le's. Not Mine and my fathers.




The cone essentially represents the area that a hurricane has the potential of hitting. It's the probability that suggests if God drops his ice cream - will it land on you?

Fay has passed by and here comes Gustav. It quickly went from Tropical Wave to Tropical Depression to Tropical Storm and Hurricane within 24 hours before weakening over the mountains of Haiti. But forecasters say it will head through the Gulf of Mexico and as of right now (Wednesday 8/27) the storm is forecasted to head towards New Orleans by Sunday. It could go any which way regardless of the cone. I know that.

But Tennessee doesn't get hurricanes. Right?