Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

Our Friends

Saturday, May 5, 2018

On to the Rally

After a quiet peaceful nights sleep we were on our way to the Oliver factory Tuesday morning!!  We backtracked into Florence so we could catch that section of the Natchez Trace!!  Since we had already completed this part of the Trace we didn't pull off too many times.  We had never seen the Trace during late spring before.  Every season seems to look a little different and beautiful in its own way.  
We pulled off at a picnic area to take a bathroom break...so nice to be able to just carry your own bathroom around with you.  I know its clean!!      



Anyway, we found this lovely creek with lots of running water.  What a beautiful sound!!  We stood there for awhile just enjoying the serene view and listening to the soothing sounds of creek water.  
A little further along the way we rediscovered our first stop and picnic on the Trace.  This is Metal Ford.         




  When we were here in late September the water wasn't running nearly as fast.  What we did discover is that in May there are plenty of little black gnats all over the place!!  Very annoying!!  I doubt we could have had a picnic there on this day!!  Still a beautiful area and obviously a favorite of local fishermen!!

We made it!!!!!   We arrived at the Oliver Sales Office Tuesday afternoon and got all set up in our spot.  We wanted to have our Oliver at the factory first thing Wednesday morning so spending the night here would really help us make that schedule happen.  This is such a nice privilege offered to Oliver owners (if space is available).  We usually call in advance to make sure there is space for us.  We are able to hook up to electricity and water.  So Wednesday morning we were at the back service area of the Oliver factory at 8:00 sharp. We were there to have a kit put on our Truma Aqua Go Tankless Water System that will allow us to decalcify the system so the water flows proper, not clogged and the system is easily maintained for proper use.  We have an endless supply of hot water in about 15 to 20 seconds from turning the hot water on.  Wow, it sure is nice to take a long hot shower and not worry about running out of hot water. That process took the factory a little over 2 hours to install and we received a discounted rate since they installed the system to begin with.  Always nice to save money!!               


Yoders Amish Market outside Hohenwald
While all of this work was taking place at the factory we made our pilgrimage to Yoders Homestead Market for Mike's favorite....homemade sweet rolls!!!  They are awesome!!  We also bought some of the homemade soaps they sell. 

The Old Natchez Trace Trail at Meriwether Lewis

This is just outside Hohenwald

 We drove through the Meriwether Lewis area of the Natchez Trace.  Once again, the bugs were pretty bad so we opted to return to the sales office and eat our lunch.             
Entrance to Cedars of Lebanon

 Our site at Cedars of Lebanon
From Hohenwald we headed east to Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon which is just outside of Murfreesboro which is where Mike's mom lives.  We wanted to spend some time with her and for an added bonus our very good friends, Darrell and Judy Patterson, were going to be camping at Cedars of Lebanon so they can visit their kids in Murfreesboro.  We hadn't seen Darrell and Judy in about a year and half but we picked right up as if no time had passed at all.  I keep in touch with Judy through emails, text messages and phone so we do keep in touch!!  Darrell and Judy full-timed for many years before buying a home in Crossville, Tennessee.  We met them when we stayed the winter at Rainbow Plantation in 2010.  

We were able to visit with Darrell and Judy on Thursday as well as eating lunch together at Demos Restaurant.  This is a new place to eat for us and we were very impressed with the food and the service!!  A definite place to return to.  We visited with Mike's mom, who lives in an assisted living facility in Murfreesboro.                         

Mike and Mimi, she is 95
She showed us this neat bird exhibit that had been placed in the main lobby since we were there last.  It is definitely a big hit with the residents but also the guest.       


It's been a great few days since leaving Chewacla.  We have accomplished quite a few things and now its on to the rally!!

We are now in Lake Guntersville State Park just outside of Guntersville, Alabama for the third annual Oliver Rally!!  This will be the first one we've attended and we are excited about meeting some owners we have corresponded with via facebook or blogs.  
Stay tuned for the fun and excitement of the Oliver Rally!!

Thanks for stopping by our blog!!












16 comments:

  1. Note to self: Avoid Natchez Trace in May! It's nice that the Oliver factory is located in such an interesting place to visit. Glad you were able to work in a visit with Mike's mom, too. What a pretty lady. I've seen similar bird exhibits in other facilities, but this one looks especially well done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it was quite buggy!! Hohenwald, Tennessee sits in a beautiful little area of Tennessee and of course, the Natchez Trace!
      Mike’s mom is a special lady!! Beautiful inside and out!!

      Delete
  2. Oh My Goodness... You weren't too far from US. We have been to Cedars of Lebanon State Park... When G's daughter and hubby lived in Nashville, we met them at the state park a couple of times...

    Where in Crossville do the Patterson's live? IF you ever get back up this way, maybe we can get together... Cumberland Mtn State Park (here) has a nice campground.

    Enjoy your Rally...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy and Darrell go to Cedars of Lebanon often to visit with their children and grandkids! We meet them when we full-timed the first time (about 8 years ago) and have remained friends ever since!
      We definitely want and plan to meet you and George!! We will have to get our son moved to Baton Rouge and settled and then we’ll be traveling more. You all are on our list!!
      Cumberland Mtn State Park is a nice state park and does have a nice campground!!🙂

      Delete
  3. I was at the Meriwether Lewis campground and monument a couple months ago. Must've been before the bugs. I love that place. And it's so interesting because most of us know Lewis and Clark but when I tell people I visited the place where Lewis committed suicide, the reaction is always the same. "I didn't' know he committed suicide."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We love The Trace!! We have one more section toward the southern end...Natchez, Mississippi that we look forward to doing!
      There were no bugs there at any other time we’ve been there but this time they were awful!! We love to picnic and hike there!!

      Delete
  4. Some of these areas are so pretty. That gentle running water must sound wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhh, the sound of a stream or creek running just puts me to sleep!!!

      Delete
  5. We always enjoy driving the Trace. Have a great time at Guntersville SP. Tell all those ex-Casita folks hello for us.😁

    ReplyDelete
  6. It appears that I can only comment on your blog from the web version. Tried Saturday from my phone. Have a great time at your rally. Looking forward to pics of all the Ollies and friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sorry you had trouble posting a comment on our blog. Do you have any idea what might be wrong? What we might try in order to fix the issue?
      The rally was a huge success and lots of fun!! It was great meeting other Oliver owners and even some former Casita friends!! We loved finally meeting Pete and Bosker!!

      Delete
  7. Love the creek side areas along the trace.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice photo of Mike and Mother...in south Texas we would call that a "River" vs a "Creek" :))...that is a peaceful sound, kinda like a passing train or a Rooster in the morning...Thanks for sharing...enjoy the Ollie Family gathering! Horst sends

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Horst, thanks for your comments...yes the sound of a creek is such a peaceful sound, it could put a person to sleep. The Oliver Rally was a huge success and enjoyed by all. Take care...

      Delete
  9. Nice to get that work done at the factory, Love enjoying the trace too have done it a few times years ago.
    Enjoy your first Oliver rally am sure it will be fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The rally was a huge success and tons of fun!!! Good to meet other Oliver owners!!!

      Delete

Thanks for taking your time to read our blog and to share with us your thoughts and comments. We really do appreciate hearing from you.