The Great Smoky Mountains

This episode comes to you on our very last day of this Grand Adventure. There are so many thoughts swirling around in my head at the moment, but those will have to wait for a more dedicated narrative. In the mean time, this is a brief story about our Great Smoky Mountain adventures, to be followed in the coming days by our final chapter in Charleston and Savannah.

Here goes....

June 10 to June 15

Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the country (2/3 of the U.S. population lives with a 3 hour drive)? Additionally, our preferred travel rating system, Google Maps, gives it a 4.9 rating. (By comparison, Yosemite gets a 4.8, Grand Canyon a 4.8, and Yellowstone a 4.7). We're National Park fans, so this we had to see. Frankly speaking, we're not sure what the huh bub is all about. It's beautiful to be sure, but the monotony of the forests everywhere on the east coast just sort of spills over in to the park. I'm sure the Smoky Mountain Rangers would tar and feather me for saying this, but the Smokies don't have the otherworldly uniqueness of Bryce Canyon, or the variety of Yellowstone, or the sweeping views of Yosemite and Kings Canyon. It's beauty is more subtle and seasonal. I guess we're spoiled on the West Coast.

As we rolled in to town from the Northwest (Tennessee) side, we were certainly taken aback by the curious vacation town of Pigeon Forge. It reminded us of a low rise version of Vegas, or better yet, Reno (without the casinos). Gatlinburg was just up the road tucked in a valley, and offered an equally unauthentic mountain feel. This area is the zip line, toboggan coaster, mini golf, and go-kart capital of the world. The concentration of these attractions rivals the museums in Paris, mini marts in Tokyo, Wats in Chiang Mai, or Starbucks in Downtown SF.

The highlight of this stint was the house we rented, not necessarily the Park or Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. We found a place 20 minutes from the chaos, tucked in a holler (a tight valley with a small creek running thru) that reminded us of the many wonderful cabins we have in our beloved Serene Lakes. It was perfect!

With our new "framily" member, Nina, aboard we went for a hike up Chimney Tops, chilled in the Little River, Caught fireflies, made smores at our campfire, rode the Mountain Coaster, and tasted some good ole fashioned Tennessee moonshine. We squeezed in plenty of hanging out and doing-nothing time too. We even had a run in with a black bear having an evening stroll across our deck!

These five days were particularly relaxing and fun for our clan. I've said it nine times before, and I'll say it a tenth time (shout out to Grindle), we're country mice, not city mice.

I'll let the pictures tell the story....

Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg

One of many odd buildings along the main drag of Pigeon Forge. Others included an upside down bank, and a building shaped like half of the Titanic (yep, an early 20th century doomed cruise ship in the hills of Tennessee... makes sense, huh?)

The central tourist attraction, The Island, in Pigeon Forge is actually quite fun and worth a couple visits from us. 

Gatlinburg downtown was reminiscent of South Lake Tahoe (but with a slightly heavier clientele.)

Adults can have fun too in an arcade... especially when it's a giant version of Galaga. It was a great way to score big tickets on the cheap. The kids were in awe of my mad skillz. 

Couldn't help but stop in to the Cooter Museum.

The host was the epitome of country folk. He was a riot of barely intelligible one liners and mountain slang. 

Zane is a sucker for a blue slushie. He can't turn them down.

Around the Cabin....

Every night at 8:40pm, the forest would light up like a starry night. This was the kids first Firefly experience. Catching them is a breeze. Pictures could not do it justice with how many of these bioluminescent critters were floating about.

Nicole is determined to find a place for Hostas when we get home. 

Adorned in my hot weather all natural mosquito repellent, sipping Tennessee Caramel Moonshine, reading Shoe Dog, on a porch swing. This is my happy place. 

 No tricks, no glue, just the art of balance and patience.

In the Park...

The steps up to Chimney Top. 

Switchbacks

Nina fits right in to our framily

Just as we hit the overlook, the skies got very loud and angry. The boys were a bit overwhelmed and wanted to flee with haste. It's amazing how quickly the weather can turn on the East Coast. 

Autumn in silent repose, unfazed by the booming thunder.

Ponchos get a bit stuffy when it's still 85 degrees, but still provide good rain protection for the backpack.

Autumn capturing the rain through the trees

The bottom right picture was pure Bob Ross. 

Nicole and I took a solo trip to the top of the Smokies, Clingman's Dome. As we've grown to expect, the weather thwarted our iconic view. 

The view just below the mountain top was a more than respectable alternative.

All for now... Next Stop: Charleston and Savannah!