Wayne and Darlene suggested that we visit Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Smokey Mountains National Park while we were in Tennessee. It was a brilliant idea! We had so much fun. We rented a house on the top of a mountain (seriously, the view was from the back deck). We explored Gatlinburg, which is kind of a funky half touristy and half artist community nestled into some gorgeous mountains.
We relaxed. We sat on the front porch and played on the climber. We hiked in the mountains. We threw rocks in the river. We ate treats and window shopped. It was good.
We went on what we thought would be a short 3/4 mile hike in the Park. The guide didn’t mention it was practically straight up the whole 3/4 mile. Sammy hiked the whole thing, stopping at every stream and puddle to throw rocks in, picking up every stick and pointing to every bird.
Clare found some boulders to hop on, since she is part mountain goat. She climbed trees, rocks and whatever else stood still before we dragged her out of the park for some BBQ.
I think we all miss this precious place.