Missing All The Modern Inconveniences

Posted on May 12, 2014May 12, 2014 by Dusty Roads

I told you I’d be back in time for vacation but now there is a technical snag. I am completely isolated here in Gatlinburg. I am not happy about it. I have no cell service at all. Forget about “spotty”. It is non existent. The resort offers wi-fi but I can only get on a couple of websites. Facebook is not one of them.

I only gave my computer a quick test run after I had it tuned up and it seemed fine but maybe the problem is with my computer and not the wi-fi here.

I can get to both aroundustyroads.com and dustyroadsphotos.com but I can’t log into either of them. I am beyond frustrated. I used my credit card for the rental car and they applied extra charges for deposits etc. I also used it to check in at the resort. I wanted to check my balance after all that activity but I can’t even get on the bank’s web site. And with no cell service I can’t call them.

Maybe if I go into downtown Gatlinburg tomorrow I’ll be able to get some cell service. Good thing no one is looking for me!

I will say that the resort is beautiful. I am in a one bedroom deluxe and it is more like a suite than a one bedroom.

The bathroom has a shower and a whirlpool tub.

I have a kitchen , a small dining area and a living room.

There is a large screen TV in both the living room and the bedroom.

Speaking of the Bedroom, it boasts a huge king-sized bed. I’ll be lost in it.

There is a porch and a screened in section with a table and chairs. I may not want to go any place else and just spend my time relaxing on the deck. (Just joking)

The living room has a gas fireplace too but it was 88 degrees today so I don’t think I’ll be using that. Nice touch though.

The resort is Bent Creek Golf Village so you know it overlooks a golf course. That’s ok with me. The golf course is on one side of the resort and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is on the other side.

I’m worn out from today’s travels so I’ll pick this back up in my next post.

There’s Something Missing

Posted on May 9, 2014May 9, 2014 by Dusty Roads

So you probably gathered from my last post that I’m preparing my belongings for my vacation. Monday morning I’ll be heading off to Tennessee for a week of fun and exploration. So what’s missing?

My helper, my always in the luggage kitty cat (and not Smokey). It’s Rocky. He hasn’t paid one bit of attention to my suitcase, even when it was open on the bed. That’s always been his invitation (in his mind) to hop in and stretch out making packing impossible.

Once I do manage to get packed his normal response is to sit guard duty on top of the suitcase, as if that will stop me from leaving.

This time he walked by, looked at it and went back to the living room. Packing was completed in no time since I had no interruptions. I’m not sure if I’m happy about this turn of events or sad. It’s been such a routine for almost 14 years that I miss him getting in my way.

I wonder if it has anything to do with our recent loss? I do believe animals mourn so maybe Rocky’s just missing Smokey and doesn’t care what I’m doing at the moment. I know Diane (my pet sitter) will take good care of Rocky and Buddy while I’m gone. I just wish Rocky had been his usual endearing but annoying self when I packed.

Concierge

Posted on May 6, 2014May 6, 2014 by Dusty Roads

I got a phone call. The caller identified herself as Jessie from Bent Creek Golf Village, the concierge. My first thought was that there was a problem with my reservation. I figured that would be par for the course (pun intended) after the way Smokey’s cancer went so I braced myself disappointing news.

To my surprise she wanted to know if I got her email with upcoming events. I confirmed that I had so she went on to welcome me, telling me how much she was looking forward to meeting me. She wanted to know if I had any questions but then she surprised me once again.

She gave me her phone number and told me to program it into the phone. She said she liked to do that if she knew she had someone traveling alone, especially a woman traveling alone. She told me any problems en route to just give her a call and if she could help she would!

All of the Diamond Resort properties that I’ve ever stayed at have a concierge desk. Often I’ve gotten a call from them once I’ve checked in making sure everything is satisfactory. They are very useful for tickets, often with discounts and they know which places, from attractions to restaurants, to recommend. But I’ve never had one go so far as to call me at home in advance of a trip. I think that’s a pretty special touch.

If you saw an episode of Undercover Boss you might not find it so unusual. The Diamond Resort slogan is “We love to say yes.” In the episode on Diamond Resorts the extra touch was what the boss was looking for.

I will have to be sure to fill out a comment card when I get there and give Jessie some high praise for going the extra mile. Do you think it might be a southern thing?

A Thought for Today

Posted on April 21, 2014April 21, 2014 by Dusty Roads

I could not agree more!

The Trip is Right Around The Corner

Posted on April 18, 2014April 18, 2014 by Dusty Roads

I’ve been so busy and had so much on my mind that I didn’t realize my Tennessee adventure is fast approaching. What made me think of it was an email I got from the concierge at the resort. It was a very nice email with a list of upcoming events and directions to the resort.

One thing that I was very disappointed to learn is that the Aerial Tram will be closed this year from April 28 through May 22, 2014 for additional scheduled preventive maintenance and updates. Of course my trip falls in that time frame 🙁 That was something I really wanted to do.

As if to make up for taking away one attraction I ran across the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

I loved the space needle in Seattle so maybe this will be a good substitute for the Tram. The advertisement encourages you to “Ride the glass elevators over 400 feet and step out to a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Smokies by day or Downtown Gatlinburg’s lights by night.”

There’s also a chairlift : Gatlinburg Sky lift. Enjoy a peaceful ride as the chairlift takes you to the mountain’s top and back, providing breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.

Hop on from the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, and experience a tranquil escape as the Sky Lift gently glides over the Little Pigeon River and then climbs to the overlook at an elevation of 1,800 feet. The vantage point and views are unparalleled. You’ve arrived at Gatlinburg’s #1 scenic overlook!