October 29 - November 3 (Pigeon Forge, TN)

11/3/2007: Even though Thursday evening was the official end of the Barb reunion, we were able to continue the theme of new and old friends on Friday and again today as we were leaving the Knoxville area. We enjoyed an afernoon and evening with Lan & Miriam at their home in Knoxville on Friday. Alhough we had enjoyed visiting with them on Wednesday, we still had quite a bit of catching up to do (40-years worth). We will meet up again in Arizona later in the winter. After checking out of the RV park this morning, we made a stop in Knoxville to thank Rick and Kate (and Rusty, the wonder dog) for the hard work of the group that made the reunion a huge success. Keeping a group of 50 or so people fed and accomodated for 4 days took a lot of work and effort, and we sincerely appreciate their efforts.

11/1/2007: Yesterday was the day for shopping and sight-seeing in nearby Gatlinburg. Came home with some beads and a dulcimer. We spent the evening with friends who we last saw 40 years ago in New London, CT. Today was the final day of the USS Barb reunion. The end of a great week with new and old friends. A highlight of the evening was a tribute to sailors on eternal patrol, written and performed by Gary Gard. http://www.submarinesailor.com/poetry/garygard.asp


10/29/07: It was a very short trip this morning to move from Raccoon Valley to Pigeon Forge, TN for a weeks stay in King's Holly Haven RV Park (http://www.hollyhavenrvpark.com/). Today is the start of the Navy reunion for those who served on the USS Barb, a nuclear submarine. We anticipate lots of story telling and renewed friendships. The fact that there is so much to do here in Pigeon Forge is a bonus, so we are sure we will be busy for the week we are here.