Great Smoky Mountains, Pt. 2

With that up-close bear sighting checked off our list on the first leg of our Smoky Mountains trip, we were off to see more scenic views of the mountains.  But first, we had to make a stop at the iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park sign.  Somewhere in my archives, I have a picture of the 4 of us in front of this sign, only Emma was still in someone's arms. What a difference a few years can make!  OK, a decade - but who's counting?

As we began our ascent, it was neat to watch the sun peak out from behind the clouds.  Many years ago, on our trip to Hawaii, our family started using an app called the Gypsy Guide.  It's like having your own personal travel guide with you in your car!  It tells you fun history, as well as pull-off stops to make (and skip) so you can have the best experience in your travels.  The mountain formation above (something about a ladder) was a fun one to check out.  We also enjoyed checking out the Rockefeller Memorial and finding out the history of the Rockefeller's part in making the Smoky Mountains become a National Park.

Traveling to the Smoky Mountains was a different experience for me when I was younger.  As a kid, we mostly stuck to Pigeon Forge and went shopping and did lots of fun things kids enjoy.  And while we certainly made sure Emma got to drive go-karts, mine for jewels, and even try a private family escape room, that wasn't our only stop.  After spending extra time in the mountains, I see the Smoky Mountains through a different lens (pun intended).  I definitely now understand how those clouds are constantly lingering over the mountains like smoke, giving the mountains their namesake.

With my asthma and T1D, walks and hikes are definitely a slow and steady journey, just like at home.  We traveled our way up to Clingman's Dome and I'm so grateful for a crew that goes my speed and is patient with me, even though they would be up and back before I can make it to the top.  I did enjoy this adventure, being able to touch the clouds once we made it to the spiral.

 And Emma was definitely down for scaling the rocks at the bottom while I rested!

Our journey to the bottom gave a few more opportunities to pull off and enjoy the sights.  The top one was our view during our picnic lunch out of the Jeep.  Of course, it looks a little more glorious here without the drop off and parking curb to remind you that you're still on a mountainside, but it was glorious nonetheless.

Before we said goodbye to the Smokies, we took one last stop alongside the water's edge and I made sure to hop out and grab a final shot of one of the tunnels carved into the side of the mountain - which is always a sight to be hold.  I hope you enjoyed seeing our travels as much as we did taking them!!!

Until next time,