Yesterday, my new family drove me to Gatlinburg, TN. We went into Smoky Mountain National Park
today. Aidan wants to touch a cloud just
like Jane and Riley did last year.
Because today was cooler (not reaching above 65 in the lower levels)
they decided it would be a good day for a hike. Our plan was to go to
Clingman’s Dome while the temps were lower and there were clouds to touch. We went up to Newfound Gap look out and
walked around a bit. It was beautiful up
there! Mom took a picture of my siblings
at the sign that says it is the boarder between TN and NC. But it was COLD!! It was at least 15 degrees cooler than it was
at the campsite. They abandoned the idea
of going even higher where temps would drop more and then there is wind. It could have been as cold as 40 or less up
there. Jane, Riley and Aidan did not
have warm enough coats for those temperatures so they thought it would be best
to return later in the week when temps are warmer.
So, instead we went to Ocanaluftee. They have an old farm there. Riley and Aidan were excited to chase
chickens. Jane tried to catch one that
walked out into the road. People had fun
watching her do that. Riley did briefly
touch one but no one was successful in catching one. They left me in the truck while they went
hiking the river trail. While hiking
that trail, Jane noticed what looked to be cranes or storks in the
distance. They hiked a little closer and
found they were actually rock formations that people had made balancing
rocks. Everyone spent some time making
similar formations in the area and marveling how the original ones there were
balanced is amazing ways. They hiked a
little further and would have gone on but Jane needed some water so they returned
back. It was a beautiful and level
hike. (Many in the area are far from
level!!)
They decided to head back.
On the way they saw a HUGE bull elk.
They were able to pull over and get some amazing shots of him. I was so surprised how big he really
was. His body was the size of a horse! I
was glad to be in the back of the truck and not right where he could charge me!
I hope that later in the week I will get to have my picture
taken at some of these wonderous landmarks.
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