Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration

While attending the Wilson County Fair this summer, we picked up a pair of free tickets to the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville. This is the premier competition for the Walking Horse, and having never seen a Walking Horse in action, we went down to check it out.

The event has a high school football game atmosphere, if say, the team were extremely popular. Parking was only a few dollars and not too far from the stadium. Outside the stands they were handing out thick newspapers filled with information about the competition, and a lot of full page ads for individual riders and their horses. At the entrance various local clubs were selling cold drinks, cotton candy, pizza and more. The bleachers were unusual. General seating consisted of the normal rows of seats, but the rest was divided by metal rails into little boxes, where the seating consisted of tan metal folding chairs.

The crowd was casual, jeans and t-shirts and baseball caps, despite the long coats and bowler caps of the riders. Each competition consisted of a group of riders circling the rink, slow then fast, then doing an about face and circling the opposite way, slow then fast. All of this to the beat of various fairground organ styled songs. The overall effect is somewhat intoxicating for a while, but after several courses of competition, it lost it's interest for me, and I became interested instead in the dozens of nighthawks flying in and out of the floodlights. Ultimately, we left before all the competitions were complete, having seen enough to fulfill our desire to see the show. I firmly believe that watching more than we did would require the patience of a NASCAR enthusiast.

The light atmosphere of the show is darkened by the practices historically used to achieve the blue ribbon walks. Soaring, which is both inhumane and illegal, is still practiced today, however, the Celebration has taken strides to identify and block from competition those who practice it. With stricter regulations and better detection methods, it can be hoped that the future of such a distinctly Southern tradition may continue to be carried on with a cleaner conscience.

Falls and Jet

The water from Lake Taupo flows out via the Waikato river. One section of this river narrows to form Huka falls. The falls are not very tall. In fact, the water flowing over the falls almost hides them. But the water is a churning froth. This is beyond white water. Even above the falls, the water churns, and is a strange pale blue, marbled with white. Where it gushes over Huka Falls into the large and suddenly wide river below, The water bubbles up solid white for dozens of yards.
We arrived at the falls overlook, early in the morning. we had the short walk along the narrow stretch of river to ourselves. After we had taken many pictures, none of which look quite real, we headed to hukafalls Jet to get a different perspective of the falls. After suiting up in a rain jacket and life vest that would have made both Neo and Superman proud, we loaded into the boat, Jake and I taking front row seats.

Riding in the boat felt like gliding on ice, as our pilot fishtailed the boat along the banks, in and out of tree stumps and small islands, and under the wings of escaping black swans. On the open water, he cut the wheel, and whoo! partially airborne 360! splash! We headed downstream for a bit, then turned and headed up for the falls. Many "close calls" with the river banks, and spins later, we arrived near the foot of the falls. We could go no further. That white boil of water was more air than H2O, and boats only float on water.

Realm of Tane

A visit to the Realm of Tane, at Tamaki Maori village is an interesting ride. It starts with a bus trip to the grounds of the village, where we were greeted by the village warriors. Following that we entered through the gates and saw how a village may have been set up, and some of the activities that were carried out there. We moved into a meeting house, where they shared with us powerful haka dances, as well as sweeter songs. We left the meeting house and entered the dining hall to have some food cooked in a traditional hangi. The food is cooked by being buried in a pit with hot rocks. It is a similar method to the Hawaiian Kālua, often used to cook pigs for luaus, and no wonder, as the Maori people originated from that area.

Overall, the experience was fun and entertaining. The meeting house and dining hall we perhaps not the traditional experience I was looking for, but they weren't offensively so. The dancing was the best part. The food was somewhat bland, with the exception of desert, so please, have gravy with your meat, that is where the only real seasoning is.

Perhaps just as entertaining was the ride home, with the bus circling roundabouts while many were forced to sing songs they felt represented their country, whether they be anthems or other. While I was grateful not to have to sing, I was disappointed that the only other Americans chose to sing Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini....a song not on my list of conceivable options.

It appears that since my trip in the fall of 08, the website and the story theme of the trip has changed. I would assume the experience, however, would be roughtly the same.

Jamestown and Yorktown: National Roots

For our last day in Williamsburg, we headed over to visit the historic site of Jamestown. After perusing the museum, we roamed the grounds, enjoying the setting. While there is not much left of the original settlement, you can explore the roads, and read the stories of the buildings that once stood along them, and the people that lived there. We also payed a visit to the Archaearium, which displays items found during Jamestown digs. After exploring the immediate site, we headed off on the driving loop to see more of the area. We wanted to visit the Jamestown Settlement, a living history reconstruction of Jamestown, but unfortunately, they were closed due to the holiday.

After we had our fill of Jamestown, we headed to Yorktown, which is handily included in the Jamestown National Park ticket price. Along the way we passed by a small lake where a pair of white swans were feeding. When we finally arrived in Yorktown, we were just in time for a Ranger led walk. I always love ranger programs at our national parks. The guides know their stuff, and seem to able to answer any question. We started at the top of the hill, discussed the British fortifications, and the types of canons used. Then we moved down the hill, between enemy lines and discussed the American army's approach and ultimate success in the last major battle of the American Revolution.

After our tour, we headed back to Williamsburg for one last show, an evening of dance at the governor's palace. We approached the house, lit by torches, in the form of iron bowls filled with burning wood attached to posts. We were led into one of the palaces ballrooms, aglow with a number of candles. In the corner sat two musicians, reading their music by candlelight. We were lucky to get front row seats and settle in for the show. I had been expecting an informative production, but what I got was far more theatrical, where we were just guests to a dance, and some were even asked to dance. In between dances done in full costume and makeup, the actors played out a small love triangle among the guests. Fortunately, all was brought to a happy ending, and we left for home the next morning, having had a wonderful start to the new year.

Kooza Atlanta

Over Valentines weekend of 09, we headed down to Atlanta to see Kooza under the big top. Ever since I saw my first Cirque Du Soleil production on public television when I was younger, I've wanted to go actually see a show, so I was very excited to find that they were relatively near by.

This is one show where it is definitely worth it to arrive early. Before the show starts, there are actors in the aisles, in the seats, on the stage. So many clowns to entertain that it hardly feels like you are waiting for the show to start at all.

When the show finally does start, it remains a frequently funny, always interesting and some times artistically sweet production throughout. The entire show as a whole is rapid fire perfectly done entertainment. Some of the best acts are the incredibly quick juggler, and surprisingly fast contortionists. Equally impressive were the balancing chair and unicycle acts. Perhaps my favorite was a chance to watch a truly gifted pickpocket at work, on of all things an airline pilot.

The various characters, from the king and his clowns to the Innocent and his dog, provide the theatrical touch that makes a cirque production so much more than just a circus. Currently playing in New York, with additional dates across the US this year, this is a show not to be missed.

Williamsburg: History in Action I

After a music filled First Night, we spent the next day exploring some of the more traditional attractions at Williamsburg. The town was still decked in its finest Christmas decorations. Wreaths hung from every door, and garland edged the windows, the doorways, and the edge where the roof meets the wall. The decorations were are creatively designed from natural items. Pomegranates and horse apples, orange slices, peach pits, artichokes and more graced the wreathes. There were even garlands of strung sycamore seeds. We made our way through town, coming by foot from the visitor's center complex, passing in front of the governor's guarded and decorated palace, and made our way down the palace green to the Duke of Gloucester Street.

We headed to the Kimball Theatre, where we were scheduled to see Dean Shostak’s Crystal Carols Concert. Dean started off with the eerie and beautiful glass armonica, moved on to glass bells, played a bit of a glass violin, and ended with the Cristal baschet. This display and demonstration of unusual instruments is not to be missed. The sounds are unlike anything you have ever heard, and the delicacy of the instruments involved is stunning.

We made our way back to the Governor's Palace, and took a tour of its interior. Though rather small for a building with such a large name as palace, the rooms are beautifully decorated. From the sword and gun covered foyer to the spacious rooms for dancing and gathering at the back. After our tour, we headed down through the gardens behind the palace to the hedge maze there. While it was enough to entertain me running through it for a bit, it's not much of a maze, and the hedges are thin and sparse, making cut throughs all too easy.

We returned to Gloucester, and stopped in to visit the explore the magazine, and to learn a little about the colonial judiciary system at the courthouse across the street. We made our way to the Raleigh tavern, where we waited to get into to see some actors discuss the issues of the revolution. While we waited, Jake headed over to the Raleigh Tavern Bakery and got us some brownies and hot chocolate that was wonderful. We continued up the street to the Capitol building and took a tour of its interior, and learned about the colonial era government system. The green cloth gives many of the rooms the air of a poker joint, rather than the halls of government, but the rich wood decorations and historical narratives are not to be missed. We headed up the street, stopping in many of the shops, explored the wig maker's and some of the smiths. The smell of wood smoke from the fireplaces filled the air as we finally made our way to a bus station that carried us around to our car at the visitor's center.

We headed over to eat at Sal's Ristorante Italiano. The food was decent home style Italian, but certainly not fantastic, and the service was slow. It did make for a more relaxing meal than the hustle and bustle around historic Williamsburg. It was a pleasant end to a busy day.

Williamsburg First Night

We were looking for something fun to do to welcome in 2009. We had an extra long weekend, and initially thought of going somewhere warm. Instead, we wound up heading north to Eastern Virginia and Williams burg. As a child, I lived for a year near Roanoke, and had the opportunity to visit as a school trip, by my parents were unwilling to shell out the cash. I have been brooding ever since.

All was made well when we arrived on New Year's Eve. Through the magic of the Internet I had discovered Williams burg's First Night celebration. This comprised of a large array of activities taking place in various buildings on the campus of William and Mary, as well as Eastward into Williams burg. We had a schedule of what we wanted to do in hand, and set off, walking all over
the place to see what we could. Our very first stop was Bagels and Fraylox, a very good klezmer band. Klezmer is wonderful mostly upbeat Jewish music. I fell in love and bought a CD. We then went to the Matthew Whaley School, where we watched a juggling act, before heading over to the Williamsburg Library Auditorium to watch Suwabi African Dance. I love African dance because it is so energetically different from modern dance. Somewhere in there was also stopped by briefly to see Schnicklefritz and the Oompahs, where I learned I don't like that type of German music. Unfortunately, I still have the chicken dance stuck in my head, which they had also decided to play.
Here we paused for some food, pizza from some small corner shop I do not remember the name off. It was neat because it had dollar bills lacquered into the floor here and there, but the food was mediocre and left me hungry.

We continued out musical exploration by visiting the phenomenal Bobby Black Hat Blues Band, playing in the Kimball Theatre. I have never seen a man run about and be so energetic while playing the harmonica. And he did get down off the stage and run around the aisles. Accompanied by some swing dance students on stage, it was a high energy show and a lot of fun. From there we went on to see the far more subdued Rebbecca Davy, who performed on the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church's organ. Which was quit and interesting show. To top off our evening, before the Grand Finale, we headed over to see Williamsburg's Classic Swing Orchestra play, and to watch the dancers dance. I love watching people swing dance. I am especially fond of watching the older people do it, because they know just what they are doing, and can lead and improvise so well, even if they don't have the energy of their younger counterparts.

Finally, we headed to the Zable Stadium for the Grand Finale. It was very very cold, and after trying to stick it out, we left before midnight, but had a change of heart and returned in time to ring in the new year and watch the fireworks show.

It was a wonderful evening. What I find most amazing is that we didn't see half of the shows available. This is a great way to explore all the varieties of music of the world, and ring in the New Year in a family friendly way. I highly recommend it.

Dollywood

For my 2008 birthday, I was treated to my first trip to Dollywood, a theme park near Pigeon Forge and the Smokey Mountains National Park, in eastern Tennessee. While I've been to the area several times, I had never been to the amusement park. Dollywood, as you may guess, is operated by Tennessee's own, Dolly Parton. For those who may have had the good fortune to visit Opryland in Nashville while it was still operating, Dollywood is very similarly themed. Throughout the park are sound stages for musical performances, and there is a stage show featuring birds of prey, and an eagle sanctuary. But as with any theme park the main attractions are the rides. We arrived late in the day, as late admission allows you to return the next day.

The first ride we rode was a fire house ride called Blazing Fury, which tries to emulate Splash Mountain of Disneyland, but isn't quit as fun. After that we went to ride the Tennessee Tornado. This roller coaster is short but fun, and is one we rode on repeatedly. Unfortunately, for the duration of our stay, both the Mystery Mine Roller coaster and the Timber Tower were closed. When we arrived on the first day, Daredevil Falls, the log ride that ends with a splash, was also closed, but did open on the second day. Among the other rides are River Battle which is less of a ride than a mobile water sprayer, and the Mountain Slidewinder, a fun take on a water slide ride. Another water ride is the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, which, is fun, but depending on your seat may not get you as wet as you would like. One of the highlights, and another favorite was the Thunderhead, an exhilarating wooden roller coaster.

While those are the main attractions, there are quit a few more rides directed towards children, the only one of which I rode was the Rockin' Roadway, which lets you "drive" a miniature classic car around a track, which I enjoyed for nostalgia's sake. Others are themed on carnival rides, and there is a whimsical tree house and a splash fountain to play in on hot days.

Overall, Dollywood can be a lot of fun, for me in particular if all the rides had been operational. For those who enjoy country music, or have children, the experience would be even better. Overall, I think I prefer six flags with its stronger emphasis on rides, and in my experience a better record for having them all operational. Still, Dollywood is worth visiting at least once.

Metropolis: Superman, Super cheap

Early in September we made a visit to the Harrah's Casino in Metropolis. Now, I have never been to a casino before, but when we went to the Wilson County Fair (the best in the State of Tennessee) we won $50 worth of casino credit, and picked up a couple free passes for a bus ride from Nashville to Metropolis, so we decided to give it a try.

When we arrived at the bus station, we discovered that the bus ride entitled us to a free meal at the casino, so lunch would be covered as well. The buses were pleasant and comfortable, and the ride went by quickly. When we arrived, we signed up, got our little passes, then headed down to eat. We had a decent meal: hot dogs, chips, cookies and a coke. Good. Even better because it was free. We then headed to the cashier's counter to find out what the deal with the cards was. Turns out they are directly exchangeable for cash. We explored the casino, and I think it can best be described as annoying. The machines are incredibly loud, and covered in flashing lights. It was difficult to think straight; maybe that is the point. I've since been to some Australian Casinos, and they are much more quiet, but the one in Metropolis was barely tolerable. Pepsi was doing some sort of promotion, and we got a free 2 liter each, which we picked up before we returned to the bus that night. We continued to wander the casino, checking out the card games, spent some time out on the decks of the boat, then wandered inside to try out some machines.

Because we are essentially cheap people, we opted to play the penny slots, and we each spent $10 playing, which did a good job of eating up time, but weren't particularly interesting. Finally, full of the sugar of far too many free cokes, we decided to take the money and run to see the rest of town. Leaving the Casino, we headed up the street of the sleepy little town, down to the square, where there is a giant superman statue in front of the cute little courthouse. Just off the square is a superman museum/store, full of superhero memorabilia. Unfortunately, it was closed. We idled around town a bit and finally returned to the casino, or rather the cooler calmer area that connects the casino to the hotel, where there is a small gift shop we explored, and the rooms where they hold the shows. We picked up our Pepsi's, and eventually boarded the bus home.

I had a pretty fun time, despite being disappointed by the gambling itself. If they have a booth at the fair next year, we will still sign up, but just cash in and hit the town right away.