We just returned from our vacation to the Gatlinburg area. We had so much fun! The place where we spent a lot of time was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It is free. It is huge. It is unbelievably beautiful!
This is where I wish that I posted pictures of the kids, because we got some great pictures. Instead, here is a few of the treasures that we observed.
I don't know what the heck this bug is but it was close to 4 inches and it traveled on our car for quite a while. Stubborn little bugger.
Petting beautiful horses on the auto-trail of Cade's Cove.
Wild turkey...the animal not the whiskey.
Breath-taking views.
More breath-taking views. These pictures do not do it justice.
Deer in the field.
Little bear cub came up close.
Then I started to worry, "Uh, where's the mama bear??...Get back in the car!"
This was only one of MANY bear that we saw.
(Most of which were too close to our cabin for comfort.)
Laurel Falls
The kids and I took off our shoes and waded in the cold water after a long hike.
(More on this hike in a later post.)
This is just a little taste of what the park has to offer. If you are planning a trip, check out their website. There is great information and the welcome center has a host of information and helpful rangers. The kids can even participate in a Junior Ranger program.
This week we want to give back to the park a little so we will be making a donation through
the Friends of the Smokies, here.
Another way to contribute is to purchase things at their bookstore, here.
3 comments:
Cannot wait to see more of your pictures.
This is our kind of vacation too. My husband has seen bears up at the family river house over the past couple of summers, which is kinda new. It really freaks me out to think I might run into one.
One night before a planned a day hiking, I had really restless sleep thinking of what we'd do if we had to defend ourselves against a bear. My poor husband woke up to me saying, "Just take the kids and go. You are stronger than me to carry the little ones." He gently reassured me and my paranoia faded. We had a great time...just stay near people that are slower than you all are. (Just kidding)
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