Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

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After leaving Natchez Trace, we drove eastward to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. En route was a 1-hour bumper-to-bumper delay due to 2 overturned trucks, one in the median, one on the shoulder. We had lunch while waiting for the traffic to clear and listened to the funny CB chatter.

Stayed in an RV park in Sevierville, TN. Had to drive through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, quite "kitchsy," all sorts of country music jamborees, dinner shows, amusement parks, even a Louise Mandrell theater. The Great Smokys, however, were just gorgeous. Waterfalls, mountain streams, and trees, trees, trees. Nice and cool in the mountains. We saw our first bear on a short hike to Grotto Falls just off the trail about 50 feet or so. He was a little guy, foraging all by himself, or so we hoped! Bought some locally made blackberry jam. (I told you, I was going to eat my way around the country.)

Internet access has been spotty, so bear with us (no pun intended). Comments always welcome! You asked for more “action” shots, so we’ll try to comply soon! Still feels like we're on vacation. Next stop, Lake Toxaway, NC.

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Photos

Hike to Grotto Falls
One of the little mountain streams along the way to Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls
Big Al in front of Grotto Falls (along with some other folks)

First Bear Sighting
Hope mama is otherwise occupied!

Fried Green Tomatoes
Had just eaten lunch, or would have stopped here!

Price is Right!
If we didn't have our own place to stay........