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| Sat, 11-08-2003 - 8:13pm |
Six nites in the Smoky Mtns......ahhhhhhh, bliss:) This was our 11th Nov there.
It's just so nice to get away with no TV, phones, or computer:) We stayed in the same cabin we have stayed in for the past 7 years....the same *group* for the past 11 years. We were greeted with a bottle of champagne on ice, glasses & a card when we got to the cabin ~ *just cause* we've been such good customers:)
Did our steaks, potatos, & salad the first nite, Subway the 2nd nite, & went to eat in a restaurant the 3rd nite. Then our friends from GA came & we had the same menu as the 1st nite, take-out from a restaurant & nothin' then the last nite (late lunch for all but me, who stayed behind)
We did 2 great hikes!! The first was to Clingman's Dome...the highest spot in the Smokies, 3rd highest east of the Mississippi River. Over 6,500 feet high, & dh had trouble w/the altitude, but I did pretty good. Unfortunately, it was a foggy day, so the pics came back w/no view:( This was an 'impromptu' hike, as we went there just to pay our respects to the ashes of dh's great aunt, which we had 'spread to the wind' 3 years ago. When dh went to the spot, he found a cross on a tree w/the pic of an elderly lady, where apparently the same thing had been done. That.....was COOL!
The second hike was after our GA friends came, & my ultimate goal. It was a cloudy, drizzly day for a 1.5 mile hike to the GROTTO FALLS in the Park. We made it to the Falls (1.2 miles from the trailhead) but then it started pouring down rain, so we couldn't stay & enjoy them as I had wanted (was one of those falls you could walk behind) It poured on us all the way back down to the 'trailhead'. THIS...was our biggest adventure. We looked like 4 drowned rats when we got to our cars:) We got some passerbys to take a pic of us ~~ couldn't take pics much at the top due to the rain) Luckily, dh & I had extra clothes in his truck, so we changed there...HE got caught by a passing motorist, putting dry jeans on...it was soooooo funny! Our 2 friends were *FREEZING* by the time we got back to the cabin:)
Because of these 2 *hikes* we got, from the Park Visitor Center, 2 more 'plaques' for our walking sticks....YEAH us!
Beautiful blue skies the first 3 days...rainy & cloudy the last 3 days. We wore shorts all but the last 2 days ~ the sun wasn't too hot tho....just felt *good*. Despite the warmth, I DID get in the hot-tub the 1st three nites ~ felt good on the ole bones:)
As always, we had a good time, & have already booked...ANOTHER CABIN (YEH!) ...for next November.
We do this every year, just as a *security blanket*.
Didn't eat anything too exciting...actually, was very good in that *dept*. DH had wild boar two nites, but you know me & cheeseburgers (I'm a very cheap date!) Anyhoo...I like mountain *breakfasts* best...their sawmill gravy up there is THE BEST ~ over toast or biscuits! And...apple butter...that's a *biggie*...brought some home for Mom.
So.......that was my *EXCITING* holiday:) But...for those who are within reach, the Smoky Mtns AND Cades Cove (an old pioneer area..an 11 mile driving loop...within the Park) is a wonderful place to visit.
And stay in Townsend, where we stay...*the peaceful side of the Smokies" - UNLESS, you like the 'tourist traps' of Gatlingburg & Pigeon Forge
I feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and NOT, NOT, NOT ready to go back to work on Monday
Peace ~ SoStella

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Wow on the hikes especially the 6,500 feet high place. Couldn't you just scream when it rains on holidays. I reckon you should get a few extra days FREE! Yep, sounds fair to me. Naturally those pictures of the four drowned rats will make the rounds :)))))
Honestly Stel, can't believe you are back and also that you are going back to work on Monday :((((( If you lived in Oz you would get a month's holiday!!! Terrific that you feel so GOOD.......LOVE to hear it. Did your football team win? Hilary
What a wonderful time you had! No wonder you're not ready to go back to work Monday!
Thank heavens you have the weekend to get back into the swing of work/home again.
Loved your description of your hikes-what fun! Bet those falls are really pretty. :)
When we're in the Rocky Mountains, we always expect rain every afternoon so take lightweight ponchos
when we hike any distance at all.
I think having the hot tub to come home to sounds like a grrreat
You even *sound* good
The trip, the place, the food, the people, your friends
Oh Stel, sounds like a very good time!
Barb
To be a Gardener is to believe in tomorrow
hope it goes smoothly getting back into the swing of things!!!
kim :)
I know, just enjoying your last day off slaving away around the house, watching footie! Have you found it yet, the house that is, under all the painting dust! Hilary
Thanks to
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