November 11, 2025 (Tue.) - Around Nashville & Aurora #4!
We didn’t have much planned today beyond resting and exploring a bit of Nashville. Lynn was up early at 6:30, greeted by a chilly 24° (feels like 22°) and enjoyed watching the sunrise over the mist covered water. Kirk followed around 9:15—though technically his body clock said 10:15 thanks to yesterday’s time change. Despite the cold, we took a short walk around the campground before heading into Nashville around noon.
With all the recent snowy and rainy weather, Kirk needed new boots that were truly waterproof. Our first stop was the massive Opry Mills Mall, where we planned to check out Skechers. Instead, after wandering the mall to see what it offered, we found the perfect pair at Clark’s. Even better, Lynn scored a pair too thanks to their “second pair for $50” deal. Two pairs of boots for under $150—success!
By 1:30, hunger set in. The mall had plenty of dining options, but Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in the parking lot caught our eye. Despite some negative Yelp reviews, we gave it a try. The interior was warm and inviting, and the food—served family style—was plentiful and delicious.
After lunch, we strolled the grounds of the Grand Ole Opry. Nothing was playing, but we enjoyed the sights and browsed the gift shop (without buying anything…shocking!). By 3:30, we were back at the RV for some rest and a nap.
The evening was quiet and productive—chores like laundry and cleaning out the fridge (a few items had gone bad), while Lynn caught up on blog writing and Kirk relaxed with a movie.
At 8:00, Kirk noticed a friend in Tennessee had posted about the Northern Lights being visible, and Lynn’s phone was buzzing with notifications about possible aurora sightings. We didn’t expect to see them this far south, but curiosity won. Bundled up against the cold (43°, feels like 29°), we stepped outside. At first, only faint coloring appeared on camera. But at 9:15, Lynn decided to check again on a whim—and there it was: a soft pink glow visible to the naked eye, glowing bright pink on camera. Not as massive or vivid as the aurora we saw in Michigan, but still incredible. This marked our fourth time seeing the Northern Lights, and catching them this far south felt like a rare gift. By 9:50, Lynn checked once more, but the lights had faded.
What an unforgettable way to end the day—new boots, Southern comfort food, and a surprise show from the Northern Lights.
Weather – High 49*, Low 24*. Winds 6-13 mph with 29 mph gusts. No rain. No humidity. Just cold!!!
Traffic – None.
Food – Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen – very good.
Notable – Sunrise, new boots, Aurora #4.
Screen time – Frankenstein (2025)
