At the conclusion of the Civil War Caravan, some participants headed in all directions, but many of us went right to Watts
Bar Lake, Tennessee for the next Comearound. This annual ritual is always hosted by Jim Connors ’74, and
began on October 17th. Attendees included Kathy and Merrick Bayer ’65, Alice and Britt Brittingham ’44,
Lynne Negrete and Jim Connors ’74, Kathie and Bill Corroum ’59, Gloria Keay, Maryjane and Bob
Metcalf ’61, Lynn and Norman Mims ’60, Susan and Charlie Norton ’62, Marie and Jim
Roberts ’59, Faye and Vic Sharpe ’48, Glenn Shindler ’64, and Mary Lou and Mike Stevens
’59.
Opening day saw many of the campers enjoying lunch at La Hacienda Mexican restaurant in nearby Spring City. Once everyone
had checked in, we drove to the home of our firstie for hot dogs on the grill, with dessert and sides provided by our talented
cooks. As darkness settled, we were treated to Jim’s spectacular fireworks show to welcome everyone to Tennessee. We’re
getting really, really good at oohing and aahing!
Thursday began with a lunch buffet at the Watts Bar Resort. Then the group convoyed to Mayfield Dairy in Athens for a tour
of the plant. No trip to the dairy is complete without a test of the ice cream; it was just as delicious as ever! Since the
theme of the day seemed to be indulgence, our next stop was at the Russell Stover chocolate outlet. Last, we toured Striker’s
Premium Winery, which began as a kitchen hobby and presents a nice product. After trying a few samples, we headed home for
a campfire, jokes, sea stories, and s’mores.
Friday was an open day until happy hour and the traditional pot luck dinner. Yes, we do pay a lot of attention to food.
Saturday morning, many went to the local flea market; any leftover cash was then spent at the group auction. As usual,
we all paid for each other’s trash and the treasury benefited. Nobody really cares about the junk auctioned; we all
simply enjoy being entertained by Jim Roberts trying to make it all seem attractive. Time to eat again? Dinner was an impromptu
cookout with accompanying leftovers. And there was one last campfire, lest there be any stories left untold. Sunday morning,
we again scattered, looking forward to the next time we’ll meet.
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