Travelin' Tweets VI --The Last Leg

September 22nd-26th, Days 14-18 :

The rain has stopped as we head into the Great Smokies National Park. It's easy to understand why they're referred to as the "Smokies."

We traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway to the entrance of the park and proceeded across it on the New Found Gap Road running east-to-west. The drive was delicious--no rain, but this blue mist in the treetops and in the valleys. As we approached our driveway to our mountain cabin, a 200 lb. black bear appeared--almost 100 ft. from our doorway! Neat! Our cabin on the hillside was exactly what we hoped for! Larry and Patti, friends from back home, joined us Tuesday night in Gatlinburg. Four days we all explored the park's rivers, falls, and hiking trails. At night we entertained ourselves with soaking in the hot tub and playing pool. Of course, we girls never won a game! Saturday morning we headed home--an eight hour car trip. Traveling for me is always an exciting adventure, meeting new people and seeing new sights. But, for all that, home is delightful as well!