Here we are again, finally ready to hit the road after a year off. It did take some time to pull things together as things seemed to be a bit “rusty”. The competition for RV repair was fierce, finding ourselves on our own to fix cranky mechanicals refusing to start after a long winter. Our response to the Covid world is traveling closer to home while (we hope) life gets back to be more predictable. On the books there are 12 reservations with the Smoky Mountain National Park being number 1 in April and number 12 in October. Looking forward to exploring North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Here we are ready for adventure after the Covid experience.
If you like spring flowers and cool temperatures the end of April is a great time to visit the Smokies. Our home away from home for this stay was the Elkmont Campground near Gatlinburg.
The expectation was to hit the mountain trails taking advantage of the cooler temps. Plans were frustrated by Larry’s ailing back. However, the fine views are everywhere, easy to find. Samples follows:
Great spring day to check out this NP!
Beautiful spring day
Long view…
Nice vantage from a convenient pull out.
Lots of folks taking in this view along with enjoying a nice picnic.
Spring flowers were in full bloom, making getting out in the wild a grand experience.
The Dogwoods were in full bloom.
Along the river trail
There were plenty of Yellow Trilliums in full bloom
There were so many different varieties, showing their spring colors
Lots of white trilliums…
White Trilliums
Fun close up shot…
Close up on a muted background
Had to keep stopping to take another shot. Got way behind my hiking partner as a result.
Lighting made the color pop…
This shot near our RV site taken on a morning walk.
This guy was checking out all the folks walking by…
Along the trail with the Little River in the background
Jan found an impressive Dogwood along the Cades Cove Loop road
The Little River Trail (however, nothing little about this river) is a favorite hike. The flat trail appealed as a more back friendly experience, after giving up on climbing the proverbial mountain. Even though the campground was full, we found the trails uncrowded.
A nice shot of the Little River from the bridge in the campground, note Jakes Creek on the right.
Enjoying the river trail…
The Little River, had to work to get this shot!
Little River
The historical experience of the Cades Cove tour has a lot going for it. The park has done a fine job curating this 1900ish farm community. Especially documenting the conflicts/divisions during the period of the War between the states. The end for the community came as the result of farming viability, its remote location plus the National Park take over.
Cades Cove Church…note the his and hers doors.
All the churches had cemeteries…this one was a little rough giving it a bit of character.
The John Oliver house. John was a very early settler.
Eljiah Oliver house. The son of John. Note the multi-generational house on the right and the larger main house has a travelers room off the front porch. Right of the cabin door note the view hole for those who had to attend the fire so the brochure indicated.
Spring house used to store food as well provide running water to the house.
The watermill serving historic Cades Cove. Reflective image for the imagination of days gone by…..
Loved the cantilever barns of the Cove. Functional designed for the area and the southern climate.
Picturesque cabin built by a Civil War survivor.
Framed building served as a store and a personal residence in its day.
Elkmont area was originally settled as a logging community. The supporting village was Daisy town. After logging ceased it transitioned to a tourist community. The old hotel is gone and the club building is now a conference space. Ultimately, the National Park took over and the town buying out all the owners. It is now being restored and open to the public. It looks like restoration is almost complete. Great place for anyone with a camera interested in the past of this historic town.
Daisy Town cottage…the oldest building. It has withstood the test of time.
Very well build cottage which is an exception to many of the other dwellings.
Gatlinburg is definitely a tourist town. To our surprise the streets were packed with folks doing the same thing as us. Here are some pictures capturing the sights of the town. Our day ended with a nice walk along the river and finding the Smoky Mountain Micro Brewery for a late lunch.
Wow, this place has an interesting facade and was drawing in the crowd.
Eye catching…
…of course the music was appropriate for the setting!
Gatlinburg river scene
Great to be back on the road. The Smoky Mountain Park certainly has a lot going for it. The site we booked six months ago fit the old Airstream nicely. Sites here are only available by online booking, no walk ins.
Got to test both the generator and the solar on our stay.
Once back home, we had to check in with the neighbors next door. I think they were also checking us out. This will be an interesting summer with the current travel plans. Our schedule will give the house sitter a workout for sure. Stay tuned for the next update where we will be checking out horse country.
Two new young neighbors…
God Bless,
Larry and Jan