Part 2~Tennessee, In The Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains first captured my heart almost 25 years ago. That's when I first met hubby Geo, and we ventured through their glorious beauty on a motorcycle trip to the Honda Hoot in Asheville, NC. 

We always look forward to spending some time in these stunning mountains when we're in the area. 

🚙   🚘  🚙   🚘  🚙

Driving into the park's Chimney Picnic area.

Fun Fact: 

It's never above 80 degrees in 

the Smoky Mountains National park.

Ooo-La-La! 

I love that!

🐟 🐡 🐢 🐟 🐡 🐢 🐟

Streams are abundant here to say the least!

According to the blog, 

10 Things You Need to Know... 

on the Park's website, 

there are 2900 miles of streams 

zig zagging through the park.

For all you fishing folks, 

fishing is allowed in ALL the streams. 

The website also informs us that: 

"About 20% of the streams are large enough to support trout populations. Other angling experiences range from remote head water trout streams to large coolwater smallmouth bass streams."  

You might want to give it 

a whirl if you're an angler!

🌳 🌞 🌳 🌞 🌳 🌞 🌳

I always love an upshot!

Grab your sunglasses and take a 

gander at that radiant sun peeking 

through those tall treetops.

A lovely blue sky and cotton ball clouds!

🌲 🚘 🌲 🚙 🌲 🚗 🌲

We also drove up to Clingman's Dome.

The road along the way!

At 6,643 feet, Clingman's Dome is the 

highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains.

There's quite an abundant view of the Smokies
looking straight out from the parking lot.

Another direction.

And another direction!

Last year, we hiked up to the observation tower 

which is behind where these pics were taken.

No hiking this year though!

🐕  🐶 🐾  🐕  🐶 🐾  🐕

Chewy & Elmer on a rock 

by the shallow stream.

I learned how to get a good pic of 
the dogs when distractions abound.

Just ask them if they want a treat!
Click!


😊
Smiles,
D~~~~

Tennessee Trip~Part 3

The morning after we arrived in Pigeon Forge, we received an awesome surprise! 

Our friends 

Clyde & Sandy 

came driving up just as we were 
emerging from our RVs for the day!

They decided just a few days before to hop on a plane and come join us. Very cool! In addition to that, they found a hotel just 3 miles up the road from the RV park. Perfect.

After visiting the first day, we drove to the Chimney picnic area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the next morning. 

The park is stunning! 

It screamed photo ops!

Is that a peace sign Clyde is 

holding up behind George's head?

Nothing like some good ole camaraderie!

Photo bomber!

Coordinating his watch and phone, 

George was able to take a group selfie

from the picnic table. Go George!

A pretty upshot!

Would you believe that over 
2100 miles of streams and rivers 
run through the 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park? 

It's true.
The park is an amazing place!

Below is part of the stream in the 

Chimney picnic area. 

Gentle and clear, it sits off to one side.

Joe ventures out onto the rocks.

Don't tell us girls not to block the gate!
We'll buck the system!

But if a hostile ant or spider 
tries to overtake us, all bets are off!

The guys were roaming in another area so 

Linda, Sandy and I hiked a short way up a path
which started with steps that led up a hill.

Through the trees is a picnic 
area we pass on the way.

The guys were just walking up as 

we reached the stairs to exit the path.

After the Smokies, we ventured into Gatlinburg.

The Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine 
joint was our first stop.  

We sampled a few of their flavors.

Some were good,
(like the Java one)  

some were moonshiney.
After all, it is a moonshine place.

Tennessee knows how to  
do up festive fall vignettes. 

This cute display was 
outside the moonshine place.

 Starbucks and the Paula Deen store 

are around the corner from the 

Ole Smoky Moonshine place.

The open area above is the 

Mellow Mushroom

where we had a tasty lunch and

 some interesting conversation.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The next day, we ventured back into 

Gatlinburg for lunch at Blaine's Grill & Bar. 

They serve up some super yummy food! 

That's Blaine's on the corner.

After lunch, Sandy, Linda and I walked down to the fall Craftsmen's Fair (they have one in the spring as well). It was being held in the convention center, a block or two away. The guys headed to Sevierville to visit some "man stores." 

After the Craftsmen's Fair, we strolled through some of Gatlinburg's shops. 

According to my phone, we walked 7,252 steps that day. It felt good but I confess that I was all walked out by the time we quit! I think we all were.

Harpoon Harry's Crab House 
was our dinner stop. 

It's an outstanding restaurant in Pigeon Forge. 

If you want some tasty seafood 

and a very cool atmosphere, 

then Harpoon Harry's is the place to go!

We asked to sit upstairs (there are three floors) but it wasn't open. Turned out, the upstairs is only open Thursday through Sunday so we planned to come back Thursday. 

That's the end of Part 3.
The final part is next.
Until then, take care y'all!

Smiles,

D~~~~