After much study, hair pulling and indecision, Mary and I bought a travel trailer this past week.  Though our plan upon retirement was to sail the Tennessee River, we never really made much of an effort and the really cramped cabin of our 19 foot sailboat took a toll on our aging bodies.

Our wanderlust has not decreased but we have opted for the relative luxury of a 21′ travel trailer and broadened our horizons by moving our adventures ashore.  There is something about hot showers, regular queen bed full kitchen and air conditioning that tends to tip the scales away from the boat.

Our land yacht is a 2010 Fun Finder X210 purchased from Chilhowee RV in Alcoa, Tennessee where the good folks serviced, tweaked, hitched and sent us off with a handshake and a free night at Misty River RV Campground in Walland, Tennessee.   The proprietors at Misty River assured us that they love first time RV campers and suggested that we just come on over and give it a try.  They were friendly and helpful and offered to help with any newbie problems we might encounter.

It took us a couple of hours to get completely setup as the sailor in me demanded that we do it all the “Right” way.  But all went well and we were grilling burgers on the barbie and sipping cold beer in no time at all.

As the sun got low over the mountain, Mary and I went for a stroll along the river.  For the first time in a good while, I actually grabbed a fly rod and waded into the river (something I have really missed).  Apparently I didn’t have the right fly as no fish rose to take my offering but then, standing in a mountain stream with rod in hand is about much more than catching fish.

Our first night was uneventful as we both slept the sleep of the just.  Comfy warm and dry.

Day 2 began with a foggy mist drifting through the valley and hot coffee outside.  Mary made the breakfast and I walked up to the office to let them know we were going to stay another day.

We headed up the road to Townsend, Tennessee to investigate a few of the many local artists and stores, we had to donate to the local economy before returning to camp for lunch and a stroll around the grounds and along the river.

I fished some more and we had a lengthy conversation with our neighbor about RVs, camping and life in general.  We were treated to a beautiful sunset as the threatening clouds broke just as the sun dropped behind them.

A second restful night led to breaking camp Saturday morning (much more efficiently than setup) and a mid day return to Tellico Village.

This was my first time towing with a weight distribution hitch and sway bar.  We got it dialed in on the way home for a smooth confident ride.  The old F-150 just settled in and did its duty without complaint.  We are rested and ready to go again.

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