Day 10 in Dixie: Dixie Stampede and the Tennessee Smokies

We made it to Pigeon Forge TN just in time for Matt Varhola's show at the Dixie Stampede.  Dolly Parton hails from nearby and built Dollywood here, which has made this a huge country music destination.  Sort of a great place to do it - nestled into the Smoky Mountains (more on the spectacular National Park tomorrow).  Matt's show is an intense combination of country, blue grass and adapted rock and roll songs by three very talented muscians:  Gary Davis (aka "Biscuit") on banjo, Robert Hale on guitar, and Matt on stand-up base.  Really a tight group with amazing harmonies.  They work hard, sometimes doing 3 shows a day to about 1000 people each.  People who go to that show then go on to see a variety show afterwards.

Last night we caught our 6th baseball game!  The Tennessee Smokies, playing the Jackson Generals just outside of Knoxville.  We loved the ball park and the ambiance.  Our second favorite park (to the Montgomery Biscuits, who are just superior in all ways).  Very much a pitcher's duel, with Kyle Hunter (a lefty from Gailsburg IL) throwing a lot of off-speed stuff for the Generals and keeping the Biscuits off base.  Tyler Skulina (Estero FL) for the Smokies was one tall drink of water (6'5") but also was a little wild.  Still, he kept the Generals in check until Tyler O'Neill (British Columbia) un-loaded with a homer into the left field picnic area.  Generals took it 2-1, and we are now 2 and 4 on our baseball swing.  We're going to end up with a losing record numerically only.  One game remaining in Chattanooga on Sunday.

Matt on stand-up and Robert Hale on guitar.  Biscuit (on banjo) has his back to us.

Outside the stadium.  We're getting awesome at selfies!

Inside the stadium.  Ditto!