Winter Newsletter 2009

2009 Winter Newsletter

Hello from Berry Springs  Lodge, Just like the last few years, there has not been much snow this year either; we had two snow falls that produced a couple of inches each.  We took a couple of breaks and went on a cruise to the Caribbean in January and went skiing in February.  It was our first time on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Sea.   It has a Flowrider (surfing), rock climbing wall and a ice skating rink, not to mention all the usual amenities most of the ships have.  Patrick did amazingly well on the Flowrider; for an old man, he stayed up a long time before he wiped out.   We are very excited about this year.  It is the 75th anniversary of the Smoky Mountain National Park.  We have been collecting information on outdoor activities that can be done beside all the touristy thing in the area.  We did not realize there was so much offered.  How would you like to learn about Incredible Edibles & Traditional Medicinals in the park or take a class on  Photography for Naturalists.  Plus,  there are many festivals and events going on year round.  If you go to the "Back To Nature" page there are links to view  all the events.  When guests book this year, we will include a special email listing all the activities.  We will even make the reservations for you, if you would like.   We are also going to send out a short monthly email activity guide.  We are sure you will see something you would like to do.   Again we want to thank you for being our friends and guests.  Hope to see you all soon. Thank you, and God bless    Patrick & PJ's   "Home Inn-Provements"   One of our major projects this year was to do a complete makeover on the Sunrise Springs room.  The objective was  to make it completely different than any other room we have in the lodge.  As you know, most of the rooms have a country elegant feel to them.  When we built the lodge nine years ago, I wanted everything to be more masculine, but Sue felt the lodge had to be comfortable for the ladies.  So finally after years of pleading, I talked her into doing one room more rugged.  The new room is called the Colorado Springs room.  As you can see by  the photos, it is a major change.  We are going to track how many guests book the room this year.  If it books well, maybe I can talk her into converting some more rooms.   When you come this year, let me know what you think!                                             Again thank you for your help and spreading the word.                                                                           Patrick         Sue's  Recipes       Hi everyone.  This is a new one we did a few weeks ago.    Carmelitas Makes 4 dozen:    36 caramels                       3/4c. brown sugar        6oz. white chocolate chips    5 Tbsp. evaporated milk       1/2 tsp. soda               3/4c. chopped pecans    1c. flour                              1/4 tsp. salt    1c. rolled oats                      3/4 c. melted butter   Step 1: In a small saucepan (double boiler), heat caramels an evaporated milk until mixture is smooth and creamy.  Remove from heat and set aside. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, soda, salt and melted butter.  Press half of mixture into greased 8x12 inch baking pan.  Bake for 10 minutes at 300deg. Step 3: Sprinkle white chocolate chips and pecans over cooked oatmeal mixture.  Cover with caramel mixture.  Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture on top.  Return pan to oven.  Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Step 4: Cool in refrigerator for 2 hours before cutting.  Cut into bars and store in refrigerator or at room temperature.   March Events! Music of the Mountains                        3/28/2009 A Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge   3/11/2009, 3/12/2009, 3/13/2009, 3/14/2009, 3/15/2009 Walking Tour of Townsend and Walking Tour of Tremont (2 events) in Townsend Tracking and Nature Observation  3/22/2009 Intro to Orienteering  3/28/09