Country Cousins Visitin’ Continues

On a count of we were entertainin’ for days I didn’t have a chance to post so I’ve dated this to correspond to the days activities.

Friday, 10-8-2010

Today we’re venturin’ deeper into the Park and maybe even crossin over to Gatlinburg, TN. Our company should be over their ‘White Line Fever’, so we’re in full siteseein’ mode.

Today's first stop is Clingmans Dome, To show them Pennsylvania folks what a mountain is all about. When we got to the parkin’ area it looked like we weren’t gonna get a spot to park and as we slowly perused the lot I grabbed the first available. Before we ascended the trail to the top we decided some lunch was in order. We sat on the stone wall dividin’ the upper parkin’ lot from the lower lot, eatin’ our sandwiches and soakin’ up the view.

It was an exceptional day as the visibility was around 80 miles today, a 5% day. These aren’t called the Smokies fer’ nothin’ as 95% of the time the visibility is pretty poor. But today we were lucky and we couldn’t wait to see it from the top. The signs say the trail to the top is 1/2 mile, but after walkin’ it, it feels more like 3 miles at a 20% grade. Of course it’s only a 1/2 mile back down.

Goin’ Up!

And UP!

We huffed & we puffed, but with many stops along the way we made it, Whew!

Our goal is in sight!

The day was beautiful and the views were spectacular. We could see Pigeon Forge, TN and the roofs of the Outlet Mall. I’ll bet you could darn near see Alcoa, TN.

All we got to do know is get back down.

Our next stop was Newfound Gap for another look at the mountains.

And another required Tourista’ Picture

Then it was down the other side of the mountains. It was quite busy in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge so we sailed through to Sevierville, TN, the home of ‘Dolly Pontoons’.

Here’s the girls with Dolly’s statue at the Sevierville County Courthouse. At this point we decided we had seen enough and it was time to head fer’ home.

It took us a while to get back to the park cause it must a been ‘rush hour’. When we finally made it back across the mountains, we were all bushed. After dinner and some TV it was time to call an end to another day.

Hope to see ya’ down the road as we’re;

Dancin’ on the Wind.