What to do with 5 hours in Crossville, TN !?...

For the past few weeks, we had been discussing plans for the upcoming MLK weekend, stay at home, overnight or day trip?! At some point an afternoon trip to Crossville entered the conversation (it might have been John, it definitely wasn't me).  Crossville, TN really?!  What can you do in Crossville for an entire afternoon?  Well, the answer just might surprise you...

I believe that half the fun of any trip is planning, but finding enough things to do to fill an afternoon in the self proclaimed "Golf Capital of  Tennessee" challenged me a bit. Discarding the Cumberland Playhouse (on break till the end of January) and golfing (cause we don't) left me with a short list: The Minister's Tree House, Cumberland Mountain State Park and Homesteads Tower Museum.

Our list narrowed by a third when I discovered the museum was closed for the day. This left us with two sights fill an entire afternoon, could be dicey. We knew what to expect from the state park (we have visited several times), but the Minister's Tree House, now that had us scratching our heads.

Crossville, population 11,900 (about) and self proclaimed "Golf Capital of Tennessee"

It was almost noon on Sunday when we jumped in the car and headed west toward Crossville, an easy 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Knoxville on I-40.  Since the Minister's Tree House was first on our list, we exited the interstate at #320, turned right on Hwy 298, right again on Cook Rd, left on Beehive then drove about 1/2 mile on a partially gravel road. Easy, peasy! 

The gravel road led us to an open farm gate with "No Trespassing" signs on both sides.  As we drove through the gate (obviously ignoring the signs), a most amazing structure came into view. A jumble of plywood and odd pieces of lumber that seemed to stretch toward the sky.  We had arrived, the Minister's Tree House. 

The "Ministers Tree House"

Words of warning at the entrance!

Here's a little history about the Minister's Tree House.  In 1993, minister Horace Burgess had a vision.  God spoke to Horace and said that if he would build God a tree house, he would never run out of material.  So, for 14 years Horace has been working on his tree house and has apparently never run out of material (as evident by the piles of scrap lumber scattered about the property).

The tree house is built around an 80' white oak tree with 6 other trees serving as pillars.  Standing some 90+' tall, the structure has between 8,000 and 10,000 sq. feet and is held together with 258,000 nails.  The building is multi-level with numerous decks, rooms and dead end staircases.  A sanctuary can be found on the 4th level, chapel on the 1st and belfry complete with bells at the top. There is an open deck on top of the belfry but that just too much to think about!

Most of the walls (and windows) are covered eclectic artwork, wall hangings, signs, sayings,  names and dates.  We explored for over an hour.  We did not chance the flat wall ladder to the belfry and top deck and I am sure we missed some of the countless nooks and crannies scattered about. 

John in front of the entrance to the tree house

The 4th floor sanctuary as viewed from the 5th floor

Another picture of the sanctuary

The windows and walls are filled with graffiti 

In one of the rooms above the sanctuary, we found a room filled with Bible figures, probably Jesus and the Disciples

More figures (note the artwork behind the carvings)

"Owl we need is love" 

Photo from the top floor, we did not go into the belfry

Incredible

A mosaic of small boards lined a stairway that twists around the big white oak.  I believe every one of the boards contains a name, written message or date.

A rather frightening swing

A swing was hung from a small platform secured about five stories above ground. Two pieces of very long, thick nylon rope secured the swing to the platform.  I gazed long and hard at the platform and would swear it looked like a piece of weather worn plywood, nevertheless, I plopped myself in the seat and started to swing.

The chair appeared to be a handicap shower chair with strips of duck tape for seat webbing. Duck tape was also strategically wrapped around sections of the rope.  I didn't want to think too hard about that.

Is that a look of panic on my face?

On our way out of the house, we heard a lady mutter about the lack of "Beware" or "Caution" signs. We were surprised too, we could see a careless visitor threatening suit.  I am guessing that Horace Burgess expects you to take responsibility for yourself and family members when exploring on his private property.


We passed Stonehaus Winery on our way to and from the Minister's Tree House. Stonehaus Winery was not originally on our list of places to visit but as you know by now, our list was pretty short and we had only spent an hour exploring the Tree House so John suggested we stop and taste. I was reluctant about "Tennessee" wine, home grown in red clay, but John was driving so we stopped.
  

Stonehaus Winery

Wineries are like gambling joints, they never look quite like one expects they should.  The tasting room had a large bar and a number of wine related gifts.  A second room was filled with trinkets, gourmetish foods and sauces.   Several cute t-shirts caught my eye including the one below.

'Nuff said

We slid up to the bar and began tasting... Merlot, Pinot Gris, Homestead White, Fairfield Red, Lantana White, Blackberry Summer, Raspberry Mist, Orange Squeeze.  Stonehaus offers free wine tasting but I think the wine  pourer was ready to cut us off.  Finally we selected bottles of Merlot, Homestead White and Blackberry Summer and a jar of Chili Stone ground mustard for dipping. 

John at the wine bar

I was wrong about Tennessee wine, at least about Stonehaus Wines.  If you are in the neighborhood, stop by Stonehaus on the corner of Hwy 298 and Cook Road. The tastes are free and you might find something you like.

Last stop for the day was Cumberland Mountain State Park.  The stone bridge is my favorite structure in this park.  We are looking forward to early spring, renting a cabin and going to a play at Cumberland Playhouse (and maybe back to Stonehaus Winery)!  Additional pictures are here.

Munich, December 17-19, 2011

Munich was not in our original plan.  It was always about the Christmas markets in Austria-Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna.  Then, in mid-August we had dinner with some friends and one of those friends is German.  "Munich" she insisted,  "the best Christmas markets are in Munich."   She was right...

Our adventure began on Friday, December 16th with a 7:30 PM flight from Knoxville to Dulles in Washington, DC. After a full day's work, I was excited about the trip but dreading the three flights ahead.  The fact that we would be awake until Munich bedtime on Saturday the 17th just added to my dread.  Luckily most of us grabbed a few hours sleep on the planes and, aside from a little turbulence over the Atlantic, our flights were smooth and on time.

We arrived in the Munich airport late Saturday afternoon, working our way through luggage, immigration and a 30 minute train ride to our hotel.  Daylight was fading when we boarded the train.  By the time we arrived at Marienplatz Station, darkness had blanketed the city.

Athought we had boarded the train above ground, our terminus was a multi-level underground station.  We were tired, a little confused and struggled to locate the exit.  Eventually we got our exhausted bodies, luggage and carry-ons up the escalator and out into the night air.  Finally we had arrived, Marienplatz, the main square in the heart of old town Munich.

John will tell you this was his WOW moment, the special time in any trip that grabs your heart and lingers long after other details have faded. As we stepped off the escalator into the square, we heard the sound of voices singing Christmas carols.  A gentle snow was falling and holidays lights lit up the darkness.  For just a moment, time froze and we were in a magical place, in the middle of the biggest Christmas market in Munich. 

We quickly realized  that we were in the path of hundreds, no thousands of people, walking, talking, laughing, drinking wine and shopping.  We grabbed our luggage and moved to the side of the market.  John pulled a map out of his pocket, located our hotel and we made our way to the beautiful, Platzl Hotel . 

The Christmas market on Marienplatz

Our rooms were ready so we checked in and settled in.  The Platzl Hotel is a 4-star luxury hotel and a perfect choice for us, comfortable and just steps away from Marienplatz, shops and restaurants.  Our rooms were elegant, the staff, very accommodating.

Platzl Hotel lobby

In Munich, darkness falls early this time of the year, around 4:30- 5:00ish. Deemed too early to go to bed (probably by me), our travel weary group headed back to the market for dinner and shopping. We strolled through the market, grabbing sausages and biscuits for dinner and looking at the wonderful Christmas crafts.

Christmas tree in front of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) dominates Marienplatz.  The choir we heard on our first (and last) night was positioned on one of the balconies on Neues Rathaus.

Right: gingerbread stand. Above: sausage and mulled wine booth.

One and one half days is not enough to see the sights in any city so prior to our trip we selected a couple of  "must sees".  Any extra time would be spent shopping and exploring.  First on our list was the Neues Rathaus-Glockenspiel or carillion, which according to wikipedia, is a musical instrument typically housed in a belfry of a church or municipal building.

Torre and Daniel waiting for the Glockenspiel show to begin

Everyday at 11:00 AM and noon (more often in the summer tourist season), the Glockenspiel comes alive with 43 bells and 32 life size figures that re-enact two stories from the 16th century. The top half  tells the story of the marriage of  Duke Wilhelm V (founder of Hofbrauhaus) to Renata of Lorraine. Two life size knights on horseback joust at the end with the Bavarian knight knocking the Lothringen knight off his horse.

As the figures on the top half of the Glockenspiel go still, the bottom half comes alive. The bottom re-enacts the "coopers dance" which occurred during the great plague of  1517.  According to myth, coopers were said to have danced through the streets to bring vitality to the fearful.  The cooper figures twist and spin in place as they circle around on a ring. The total performance lasts 15 minutes and is definitely worth the top spot of any one's "must see" list.

The Munich Glockenspiel  in Marienplatz

After the performance, we walked across the square to St. Peter's Church. We arrived in the middle of services and waited quietly in the back of the nave until the benediction was given and  the congregation departed.  Incense was still heavy in the air when the photo below was snapped.

St. Peter's Church, the oldest parish church in Munich and presumably the originating point for the city

After exploring this remarkable church, we headed out a side door to the St Peter's Church tower to see the famed 360-degree view of Munich.  After a quick glance at the oh so narrow, 302 step climb to the top of the tower (no elevator available), Daniel, Torre and Lee sprinted ahead, while John and I brought up the rear (well, me really). Bebe headed back inside the church to get out of the lightly falling snow and enjoy the warmth.  

The view was worth the climb!

The Cathedral of Our Dear Lady (twin towers) is considered the symbol of Munich

Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) is to the right of The Cathedral of Our Dear Lady.  The Glockenspiel is visible about halfway up the main tower. We watched the 12:00 PM performance of the Glockenspiel from the tower balcony.

In front of the Neues Rathaus in the Marienplatz (main square) is one of the many Christmas markets in Munich.  The roofs of the market are usually green but it had been snowing on this day and the roofs were covered in snow.

John and me in the stairway of the St. Peter's Tower.  This is no place to get claustrophobic

Bebe, John, Torre, Daniel and Lee (far right) in a courtyard outside St. Peter's Church

We also visited The Cathedral of Our Dear Lady including a fascinating stop in the catacombs below the nave.  This cathedral is the seat of the Arch Diocese for Munich.

Hofbrauhaus

Among the things we most wanted to see in Munich was Hofbrauhaus.  As it turned out, Hofbrauhaus was located a block behind our hotel.  I am not sure exactly what I expected from a famous German beer house but I can tell you, the beautifully painted ceilings surprised and delighted me. 

Painted ceilings in Haufbrauhaus

John and me in Hofbrauhaus

Yes, even I enjoyed a beer at this famous Munich institution 

John and I knew we wouldn't get a lot of time to ourselves on this trip so late Sunday afternoon while everyone else was resting, we slipped out of the hotel alone and headed to Marienplatz to absorb some of magic of Christmas in Munich.  To our delight, a choir was singing from a balcony on Neues Rathaus.  The air was bitter cold, snow was falling lightly and we stood among the hundreds of  other holiday revelers, hand in hand, totally in the moment.

Choir singing from Neues Rathaus

For our final dinner in Munich, our group chose a traditional  Bavarian restaurant near to the hotel, Haxnbauer .  The house specialty is pork and veal knuckles, which are slow roasted over beech charcoal grill.  The result is a crispy, delicious and very rich meal.

Exterior of Haxnbauer

Everyone ordered a combination of veal and pork knuckles, except Torre, whose food choices include no meat.  Below is pictured a half  knuckle serving, a full serving would be just too much.  Along with knuckles, we had pretzels for bread, mashed potatoes and sauerkraut.  Yum, yum!

Bavarian style pork and veal knuckles

After dinner we drifted back to the market for the final time before leaving on a morning train to Salzburg. 

John, Bebe, Lee, Torre and Daniel

One last look at Marienplatz

One step at a time...

Last November, on my initial physical therapy visit for the second flare up of my piriformis muscle, my physical therapist told me, "there is a reason why most elite women runners have bodies that look like men, a man's body is more efficient for running.  You are not built like a man"...

Okay, I get it, I have wide hips, too many curves and my weight fluctuates, widely, but I do love to run!  Unfortunately, I have been on the side lines since late last summer when pain from my piriformis muscle stopped me in mid-step.

This morning was the target date for my first real run since the summer of 2011.  The run would be short, just one mile around a flat area in our neighborhood.  As it turns out, I could have picked a better weather day!  A temperature of 24 with a blustry "feels like" of 15, sent me back to my early running days when winter overdressing was the norm.  Not long into the run, I had my jacket tied around my waist.

The run went surprisingly well.  I paid careful attention to stride follow through and keeping my legs loose.  As my anxiety subsided, my labored breathing became relaxed and I enjoyed experience.  The mile went by too quickly. I could have continued on but my promise to myself and to John was to take it slow so I stopped and walked home (no hills just yet).

Providing the hip discomfort remains minimal today, I will be back at it in the morning.  One more mile...

After the run, I took the opportunity to walk around the yard. Along with the cold temperatures, we had a bit of snow last night.  Daffodil leaves are about 8" above ground now.  My initial surprise quickly subsided as I remembered that the temperatures in Knoxville have been hovering in the 50's daytime and 40's nighttime.  The daffodils are as confused as we are.  
 

Daffodil leaves in the snow

The Lenton Roses looked cold.  Buds should be forcing their way out right now but on casual glance, I did not see any.

   Lenton Roses mingle with daffodils

A moment or two spent digging leaves away from the center of a plant netted this little treasure. The season of Lenton Roses is almost here....

Christmas Vacation 2011, the Travelers...

Several times since the New Year, I have been asked what my husband gave me for Christmas.  The short answer is Europe, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna. The long answer involves six days, six travelers, six suitcases, six carryons, six planes, four trains, a couple of taxis, and a big spirit of adventure.  Interested? 

The Travelers
Planning for this trip began in late Spring.  I was contemplating cancelling on a backpack to Glacier National Park with friends.  John had cancelled several months prior due to work issues and I just had no enthusiasm for going without him.  One evening, during the middle of my 100th or so, "I think I am going to cancel" conversation, John looked at me and said "I have an idea."  Suddenly,  Glacier was forgotten and our Christmas vacation was born.

As the trip took root, the cast of travelers began to crystallize.  John's sons Daniel and Lee were first to join our adventure.  They took their first international trip with us in 2008 when we took our second trip to Peru. Both are curious, adventurous and good natured which makes them great travel companions.

John's mother, Bebe (Johna) joined our group next. She took a little longer to make up her mind.  At 81, the long flights, anticipated cold, possibly snowy, icy weather and hours of walking gave her reason to pause.  With some encouragement from John and her friends, she decided to embrace the opportunity. Her only international trip was some forty years ago to Brazil with her late husband. 

And finally, our six traveler was Daniel's girlfriend, Tory. At 21, she was the youngest member of our group.  She had met us only a couple of times and we were quite impressed that she was willing to travel for a week people she did not know particularly well.  Much like Daniel, she is curious, adventurous and easy to be around. We think this is her second international trip, the first being to Central America, Guatemala, I think.  

Our City Has a Christmas Hangover...

We claim downtown Knoxville as our own, our neighborhood within 2 miles.  Although we have looked at downtown condos and talked extensively about the possibilities, we haven't taken the plunge...yet.  Meantime, we continue to enjoy the short commute, the many restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping available in our little city.    

This morning we were up early for a walk and what better place to than the streets of downtown Knoxville...

We started walking in the Old City.  Today is Monday. the day after the New Year and most places are closed tight.  No one out on the streets of the Old City but us and a train blowing through the Old City behind Patrick Sullivans (wouldn't that building make for beautiful condos).

We found this pitiful poinsetta on some pipes outside the Jig and Reel. Someone was ready for the holidays to be over!

Us on Gay Street, nobody on this street either

Some variation of this sign could be found in many store front windows.

Hmmm, Christmas in the City is over, but this is a great sign!

John on Gay Street, no, nobody around here.

Wow, post Christmas these pink decorations are, well, bright. 

The French Market was open and we found several people here drinking coffee, talking and eating. A trio of young professional girls were even exchanging gifts (I love how Christmas lingers).  Although the yummies listed on outdoor blackboards tempted us, we went in for take away coffee to enjoy on the rest of our walk.



Trio's is still decorated with festive doors welcoming in the New Year.

No one at the skating ring, actually it didn't open for another hour.

Left over New Year's confetti still littered several areas of Market Square.  The City has done a nice job of getting most of it cleaned up for the big New Year's Eve party in the City.

I will be glad when the giant cotton balls are removed from the Bliss windows.


No one on Market Square but some guy carrying a vaccum cleaner.

Happy 2012 and Happy Birthday Sonya

Last night we celebrated the New Year with our friends the Cissnas.  New Year's Eve is Sonya's birthday and over the years, we have had several occasions to ring in the New Year and sing Happy Birthday together (most memorable is a camping trip in Cades Cove - cold, bitter cold, freezing comes to mind).

The festivities were quiet and cozy, snacks, pizza and a competitive game of Hearts. Sonya and Mac are pretty serious about their Hearts, John and I are not.  Some day we will be able to give them a run for their money but last night was not the night.  We lost miserably, 529 to 423.  I attribute our poor performance to the new deck of cards, stiff and difficult to shuffle .... I'm just sayin'.

Sonya and me in her new kitchen.  Mac has been remodeling in between his other activities.  He does the most meticulous work!!

John petting Barkley the Cissna's Weimaraner rescue dog as Mac looks on

Seems like the Smith family is not the only one with a tradition of ice cream birthday cakes.  Mac picked this one up at Baskin Robbins, white cake with vanilla icing.  It was delicious! 

Okay, let the games begin...

John studying his options

Mac doing the same

Sonya trying to decide if she can go "low 50"

Me showing my hand...."see I told you I didn't have anything good"

Today we took it easy, a short walk in the morning and took in a movie midday.  Our pick was "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo".  John had read the book, I have not.  We agreed that the movie was a 2 thumbs up , John was  surprised at the graphic depiction of the violent parts.

As our day winds down, we are looking forward to country ham, biscuits and black-eyed peas for dinner.  Southern food at it's best. 
  

Happy New Year from us!