The polar express was a whole lot of fun! Of course – the weekend was not without its craziness dropped in – it wouldn’t be a Bulmer weekend without some kind of chaos!!
We left Raleigh about 5:30 Friday afternoon, a little later than expected – but still not too bad. Traffic was fine and we made great time – it’s about 5 hours to get to Bryson City. We arrive at the cabin resort, and as advised – our envelope with welcome stuff and keys were taped to the door where the front desk lady told me they would be, so YAY! We’re psyched. Keep in mind it’s 29 degrees at this point – and let me reiterate the time – 11PM now. We tootle back to our cabin… and the keys don’t work. Nothing. It’s pitch black minus one shop light back down the path a little ways – but we have NO ACCESS TO THE FREAKIN CABIN. Matthew is asleep, thank god – but Ainsley has to PEE! We get back into the car and turn the keys over – it says “82” on the back. That’s great – if you’re staying in cabin EIGHTY DAMN TWO! We are in 52!!! Panic starts to set in. I call the emergency phone number on the packet – except that it goes to some woman’s house that just moved in 3 weeks ago and she has no earthly idea what the resort even is, much less how to help!
We haul back to the main lodge – it’s completely dark and locked up – the front desk closes at 8PM. WE are pounding on doors hoping to wake someone, anyone up. Ken wanders around the building and sees a window cracked open – it’s up higher, like into the kitchen. He scampers up and hangs onto the window frame and starts hollering in through the window – it is the kitchen! Two waitresses that are in there completely FREAK OUT and this insane man hanging off the window yelling like an idiot and run AWAY! We figure they’ve gone to call the cops, which at this point is a good thing. Maybe they can put us up for the night!! Ken jumps down and heads toward the back of the lodge hoping to find a service entrance – and he does – and a male kitchen worker who is about twice his size comes to the door asking what the hell is going on, etc. So he explains, and then they are all friendly and super helpful. We give him our reservation packet with the wrong keys and he sets about trying to find something that will work. This guys knows NOTHING about the front desk operation but is trying everything he can think of. He finds other keys that *might* say “52” on the back but we’re not sure – we go try those but they don’t work either. Finally – he figures out another empty cabin that has keys and just gets us squared away in there for the night. We call our friends that were joining us for the weekend (they were super late leaving, as they decided to buy a new house on Friday…!!) to let them know about the change in cabin and all the fun… they are about 2 hours behind us.
Finally get in, get the place warmed up, kids in bed… Jim and Karrie and their kids arrive at 2AM – get them into bed and we all just zonk out. What a start!
The rest of the weekend was far simpler, and much more enjoyable – the train was super fun and the kids were completely surprised! Santa spent a good amount of time with our four little ones which was extra special. No problems at all bringing our own drinks and snacks on either – with the allergies – always a concern – but they were very kind about it. It’s not a steam engine this year – but a diesel – with lights and tinsel. It really makes the experience to go after dark – I would think a daylight ride would not have the same effect at all. They serve hot cocoa to those that can have it and everyone gets a chocolate Santa. They read the story, listen to music and everyone sings carols… then the train stops in “the North Pole” and Santa gets on. He travels through all the cars meeting and talking to the children, and each child is given a silver jingle bell.
The Resort comp'd out our Saturday night stay when we went to checkout on Sunday - we'll definitely go back. A great example of doing the right thing... other than the slight change in plans Friday night - the place was amazing and beautiful to stay at. We want to go back in the summer to try the horseback riding!
So - laundry to do, and re pack tonight as we head for Disney tomorrow! Life of Riley we lead over here!
:)
Jodi
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