13 Dec Great Smoky Mountains, Part 2
Our travel today is taking us to a campground in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains. Part two, because several years back, on another camping adventure, we did swing by the Smokies, but the extent of that visit was seeing the visitor center pretty much. It was important to us that we actually get a little deeper into this national treasure. The highlight for me today (nope, I’m joking here) is that we are hitting some of our highest elevations and my sinuses are yelling at me. Timing here was not wonderful, but solider on we go.
As we drive into Pigeon Forge, we are quiet surprised by the area. Picture every type of touristy attraction along a strip of highway, but each one is more outlandish then the next. Dollywood, lots of musical theatre options, outlet malls, gift shops, and restaurants galore. Oh and neon everywhere. Good thing for me, for some reason it was relatively quiet.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Clingmans Dome
Next day was more our speed. We had about an hour drive through gorgeous meandering forest and road to get to the base of Clingmans Dome in Smoky Mountain National Park. A short 1/2 mile, but pretty intense (13% grade, huff and puff here ) hike up to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail led us to an observation tower that gave views that did not disappoint! Breathtaking! 
We were thankful indeed for the strategically place benches up, that allowed us to catch our breath. Oh, and in case you might be wondering, at an elevation of 6644’ my sinuses were still yelling at me to get back to Christopher Robin as quickly as possible.
more ah’s
Leaving this beautiful slice of earth, we ended up in Gatlinburg TN late afternoon. Kinda like Pigeon Forge. Not a destination I would need to get back to anytime soon, but fun to walk through and soak up a bit of touristy hoopla for a moment. After strolling about, we ate out for a nice change of pace, and then headed back to the campground to relax and prepare our selves for the journey to Delaware over the next two days.
Gatlinburg TN
Next morning up with the calvary to attack our travels back. The first highlight of the day was coming upon a rest area that boasts the Bow String Arch Truss, the oldest medal bridge in the state of Virginia. Warning posted by officials – “no more than three people allowed on the bridge at all time”. Ok! Since Dave and I were the only people there, we were safe. Next highlight was our campsite. Walmart. Yes we did! So did about 8 or so other RV’ers by dusk.
Walmart Campground
When you have the ability to be self-contained, with water storage and a generator to power you, it is sweet to be able to set up and get some shut eye. Really is wonderful that there are places like Walmart and Cabela’s and Cracker Barrel amongst others, that accommodate travelers who need to lay their weary bones down for a bit. For that we were grateful!
Beautiful Walmart camping sunset
We began our thirty sixth day of travel back home after almost 5 weeks of travel. Some things I ponder:
- Dave has gotten really really good at driving Christopher Robin around!
- We are a pretty good team! After a few hiccups, my co-pilot navigational skills have improved. Still have work to do!
- I feel great empathy for anyone who has to use a laundromat! I did miss having my washer and dryer at my disposal!
- People are generally kind and good!
- This country is pretty awesome!
- We are beyond grateful and blessed!
Mr. Confidence
So we arrived back in Delaware. Even though we have only lived here for a few months, it thankfully felt like coming home. We will spend the holidays soaking in some much anticipated time with our kids (all three of them 🙂 ). After some planning and tuning, we will be on the road again in the new year. We hope that you have enjoyed reading this little blog as much as we have enjoyed sharing it. Till part two…
For Us…It’s Not Abad Day.