Dollywood Vacation

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee..... If you are planning a vacation to the Smoky Mountains this summer you my want to allow a little time to visit Dollywood Theme Park located in Pigeon Forge.

It seems that every year Dollywood opens new and more exciting rides and adventures. This year it is RIVER BATTLE. ( http://www.dollywood.com/rides-attractions/ride-detail.aspx?AttractionID=1071 ). This ride pits passengers from different rafts against each other as they use water guns to soak the other. Originally they were going to use AK 47's but were afraid guest may turn the guns on the the park's staff. Plan on getting wet if you take to the River. There are still the classic rides such as the Thunderhead Roller Coaster. This wooden coaster has a 100 foot drop at speeds of 55miles per hour and I have to admit I closed my eyes when we took that fall. This was great fun but be certain to eat lunch after this one.

The old sawmill once moved lumber out of the mountains at ThunderheadGap. Wood is still the focus, but now the operation known as the Thunderhead is the wildest ride in the woods! Situated between two mountains, this massive wooden coaster stands tall among the mighty trees and takes advantage of the area's rough and tumble terrain to create a daring ride .

If you hurry you can still see the FESTIVAL OF NATIONS extravaganza. May 5 is the scheduled last day. International rhythm comes to life as the world’s most popular dances are presented, from Latin America’s spicy salsa and fantastic flamenco to Russia’s captivating Cossack. Ireland’s sensational step dancing in the highly anticipated return of Rhythm of the Dance, the show-stopping centerpiece of Celebrate Ireland featuring Irish dining, crafters, entertainment and more. Daring dance steps are just the beginning of Dollywood’s seven-week celebration of music, artistry, foods and crafts from around the globe during Festival of Nations.

If you are not able to make this one there are many more Festivals and special entertainment planned.

Our log cabin Hibernation Hideaway is just across the road from Dollywood. Each morning we wake to the sound of Dollywood's steam engine train as it blows it's whistle at the start of the day. We can watch the puff of smoke top the hill. It is sound and sight we enjoy. Dollywood is so sugary sweet you could end up diabetic after a week. Great family fun that should not be missed.

Air Travel Moves Toward Vertical Flight

Orlando, Florida.... Word from airline industry insiders is that the air travel is about to take a stand up position. At a time when the FAA is under fire for not adequately managing airline maintenance and Air Traffic controllers claim it is only a matter of time before a major accident happens, the large air carriers are attempting a major overhaul to increase passenger density on planes. They are hoping to boost profits that have been dwindling due to high fuel cost.

Stand up and be counted.... Vertical Flight Airliners or VFA's will begin this fall. No seats just polls and hand loops as you stand for the entire flight. Short commuter flights of 45 minutes or less will be the first routes to use the VFA's. One worker at the Orlando International Airport reported that he saw all the seats being removed from a Delta Connection Flight last week. There will be an estimated 20% increase in the number of passengers a plane can carry. Weight is the limiting factor. Some business travelers were excited about the lower ticket prices which are estimated to be 32% less according to a undisclosed source at United Airlines with Delta reporting that they will beat that by 2%. Sound far fetched? Just remember that in a society where seat belts are required in almost and moving vehicle the airline industry has elected to move you from one concourse to another via a fast moving train or monorail that has no seats, only polls and hand loops attached to the ceiling's frame. This was no accident. An insider at a major airport hub reveled that the airline industry purposely introduced this system of transport as a test to see if the public would accept such an inconvenience. And we do.

Bring one dollar bills... A spokes person from Hustler Magazine stated that though they were diametrically opposed to the airlines increasing their profits it may be an opportunity for some woman to pay for their flights by poll dancing their way to Newark. The now defunct Hooter's Airline had no comment but did say they wished they had thought of this first.