Day 176-177- October 9 & 10

October 10, 2024

DAY 176
October 9

Another day at Pebble Isle Marina near New Johnsonville, TN. We started the day doing all the fun stuff like buying groceries, doing laundry, etc.

We took a bike ride down a road and found lots of Tarzan vines on the trees.

I asked Paul to show his skills, but he shyly said he didn't want to show off.

In the afternoon we borrowed the curtesy car and went to the Pearl Museum.
We learned all about pearls and the only pearl farming in the US. Very interesting.
For more info read this article or watch this video.

95% of all cultured pearls start with mussel shell pieces from Tennessee.

The size and shape of the nucleus determines the size and shape of the pearl.

In this tray you can see the different shells, nucleus shapes and finished pearls.
The inside color of the shell determines the color of the pearl.
This is why pearls come in so many colors.

Japan's pearl oysters have been developed to grow faster than the Tennessee mussels.
They produce pearls faster, but at a much lower quality.

This is how mussels, mollusk or oysters are contained after they have been impregnated. They can all make pearls.

I debated, but finally decided to NOT buy this set.

Unbeknownst to us, we were near the Patsy Cline plane crash location.
Of course we had to investigate.

A large rock, think almost VW Bug size, was engraved in memorial.

DAY 177

October 10

Every morning, Pebble Isle Marina makes cinnamon rolls for the loopers. We came for the cinnamon rolls. We stayed for the cinnamon rolls. and, ultimately, we left because of the cinnamon rolls.

After coming down from the sugar high, by taking a nap, I threw the kayak in the water and paddled across the river. I will let the changing leaves and beauty speak for itself. Hope you enjoy!