We drove over to Clingman's Dome today to meet Kim's daughter, Kristin and her fiance', Travis, who happened to be taking a few days holiday in Gatlinburg during spring break. We agreed to meet in the parking lot for the dome. Having to travel the longest distance, they were waiting when we got there, but soon were out of the car gazing into the trunk...where, you guessed it - the battery on the Saturn is located. Dead of course, 5 years old and having powered the radio and headlights for over a half hour (without the engine running). Oh well, a quick jump from the Dodge's heavy batteries and a charge and it's ready when we return!
So, now where were we?Oh, yes, the hike to the top of Clingman's to enjoy those spectacular views. And as we started up the half-mile path, the stunning view back towards Fontana Lake (way in the distance) proved we had hit the mountain on one of its clearer days!
Up and up we go, but the cool weather and nice breeze make for less effort. We stop occasionally to admire the scenes to our left. Now you couldn't possibly tell these two are mother - daughter? (if not, get your eyes examined!)
Near the top we marvel at the amount of dead trees along the path, wondering what quirk of nature (or man) has caused all the destruction?Perhaps the acid rain that the Smokies are known for???
What do you think?
We round a final bend and walah! There it is, the spaceship looking pinnacle that was erected fifty years ago on the highest point of the Appalachian Trail.
We spent about twenty minutes on the platform, enough time to enjoy the incredible views that span four states!
Our timing for the journey down was perfect, arriving back at the base just before a large neon-clad school group takes to the top!
We decided to drive back southward to the Smokey's Park entrance, where an old farm has been re-created by the Park Service as a museum of the past. The historic looking structure stood in elegant contrast to the beautiful green pasture behind. I enjoyed sitting by the freshly plowed garden, the smell of new dirt in the air!
Kristin found the likes of an old friend; Peepers - the rooster she had as a pet when she was a young girl. Great we got the chance to meet here in the mountains! Perhaps again next year?
3 comments:
I'm currently working on an on-line photo gallery of pictures I took last month in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The old farm is actually the Mountain Farm Museum, a construction of the National Park Service. The house was completed about 1900 and was moved from the Indian Creek/Thomas Divide area, north of Bryson City, NC. Buildings were moved to the museum from throughout the national park in the early 1950s and reflect the daily challenges faced by mountain farm families.
When we went through it last month, I thought it was an an old preserved farm, too. It wasn't until I started working on this photo gallery that I learned differently.
When I have the photo gallery uploaded, I'll post about it on my blog.
Mike Goad
currently at home in Arkansas
Haw Creek Out 'n About
Thanks for the correction Mike, your site looks really nice. Hope you are enjoying the Rving as much as we are! Sam
Sam,
You're welcome. It was just interesting to come across a description of where we had just been a few short weeks ago. The same day, we drove up Clingman's Dome, but it was so rainy and cold that I just got out to take pictures and my umbrella was blown inside out.
It was miserable enough to ground a vulture. That's not a figure of speech, either. I've got a picture to prove it and it'll be posted in the gallery when I upload it.
We do very much enjoy RVing, but only for a few weeks at a time. We are starting to plan our next trip -- 2 months in the Rockies.
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