Friday, December 27 2024 April and I left Fort Lauderdale and flew out at 10am or so, picked up the rental SUV and David landed soon thereafter which gave us time to figure out the liftgate on the stupid Kia Sorrento. I dropped David off at his B&B nearby.
Then we got settled in at Mary and Mark’s upstairs.
The we went to the Mad Tree Brewery for a nice gathering. We saw Denny, Diane, Molly, Christine and Elliott, Mark’s brothers Tim, Steve, Bruce umm and sisters Debbie and Pam?? Maggie and John’s kids has a blast running around with Charlie.
Afterward, I picked up Joyce at the CVG, who got in about 9pm
Saturday, December 27 2024
Saturday morning found us at Mary’s gym, arranged by Maggie and Christine. What fun until the next day when the soreness set in. ha ha. The gym was closed for the holidays I guess???
Picked up Cathy and Joe after the gym, and took them to Hotel Clement and the got setting in.
I spent time at Hyde Park Square and met up with brother David, then Cathy and Joe joined us for junk food
Mark threw quite a party on Saturday, it was nice to see Molly and Mike as well as Aunt Marilyn and Linda and the others.
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Emmett’s 9th birthday was celebrated at Top Golf in the morning and then later at the house with a superb cake made by Sawyer.
Our Nashville Adventure
Monday, December 30, 2024 April and I drove from Cincinnati to Nashville via route 50 heading west, and followed the https://ohioriverscenicbyway.org/ and crossed the Ohio about 25 miles downriver from Cincy and picked up Kentucky route 1039 were we lost internet OMG for a few tense moments, and eventually to I-71 to Louisville. Route 1039 was quite rustic, crossing beautiful rolling hills.
Along the way, we stopped at Onyx Cave and took a tour which was nice and short, April and I had our own tour guide, Rachel. Pretty neat! If you are nearby, it’s https://onyxcave.com/ in Cave City, Kentucky. I love the address: 93 Huckleberry Knob Rd. It was interesting to learn that it was discovered in 1971 when excavation for a parking lot uncovered it. They tried to put the parking lot nearby, but found more of the cave to it ended up a tourist attraction. Another option was Mammoth Cave State Park, but the seemed to be more of an all day thing, so Onyx Cave was just right. We were there about 90 minutes and then hit the road and arrived in Nashville just about dusk.
Monday night April and I set off on foot to the madness of Broadway in Nashville and soon left it to was a few more blocks to Printer’s Alley which was more out speed. Laid back place! We ended up at Allley Taps bar, where Travis Bowlin was playing, he was great. He took a break so April and I walked back to Broadway which is just over the top crazy with sooo many music venues. They were all packed. The sidewalks were jammed with people, what fun. But back to Alley Taps for the next Travis Bowlin set, mostly blues with some covers and some of his own material which was great.
Tuesday, December 31 picked up Joyce and Ivan, saw their place and then took the rental SUV and got sliders at White Castle – they have Impossible Burgers. They hit the spot as we drove around Nashville, driving by Music Row and Vanderbilt University, and out to the dam and pasted Opryland complex.
The hotel here is very nice, with not only free breakfast but free food and drinks in the late afternoon.
I went to the gym at the hotel, got warmed up and then took a swim. Swimmming under the partition got me into the outdoor pool area.I then got in the outdoor whirlpool spa, ahhh this is the life.
Next, it’s off to see the Old Crow Medicine Show, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Crow_Medicine_Show an Americana string band based in Nashville. The show is at the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryman_Auditorium