Smokies Spring 2019 Part 5

Smokies Spring 2019 Part 5 is the final chapter of the Smokies Spring 2019 trip. The other parts can be found:  Smokies Spring 2019 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.  We started the day having breakfast at Elvira Cafe in Sevierville.  Due to the rain, we decided to head to Pigeon Forge to do a little shopping (or more shopping) and for Tim to get his hard cider growlers refilled at Mill Bridge Winery.  Our first stop was Pigeon River Pottery because the winery wasn’t open yet.  Tim bought me two refrigerator magnets and a cute bear ceramic figurine.  

Next stop was the Winery that even though it was only 10am, apparently never too early to try different types of wine.  Who knew.  Tim picked up a few bottles of wine to go with his hard cider refills.  Needless to say, our first stop after was taking them back to the car so he didn’t have to carry them around Pigeon Forge.  

Next place was Iron Mountain Metal Craft. Tim picked up a couple of tee shirts because you can never have enough tee shirts and a very nice knife.  No idea what kind since I know nothing about knifes.  

Our adventure continued at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center right outside the park because we haven’t bought enough souvenirs. Mainly because we had never been there.  Yes there was a gift shop near Great Smoky National Park that I had not shopped out.  Shocking I know. Picked up another stuffed bear but this one is special. It has the markings of a bear named Wishbone who had a white mark in the shape of a wishbone on his chest.  He had been killed after getting hit by a car on Newfound Gap.  This would not be our only stop at the store today.  

Greenbrier Road

The rain had stopped so we headed to Greenbrier Road to shoot the river.  We took a break and headed to Hungry Bear BBQ for lunch and then went back onto Greenbrier.  This time we stopped near the turn off to Ramsey’s Cascades and climbed down the bank to the water’s edge and took many photos.  At one point, I was stepping from rock to rock, my foot slipped and went into the water.  That river is cold in early April.

We stopped back by the Gatlinburg Welcome Center to pick up maps of the Park. We originally planned to mark the maps on the hikes we have completed. The maps are so nice, we decided against it and will just frame them to hang them on the wall.

As is our custom, we went to BIg Daddy’s Pizzeria for dinner.   We usually go to the one in Sevierville but due to a car show in Pigeon Forge, we decided to eat at the one in downtown Gatlinburg instead.  

Our last excursion for the day was heading back to Cades Cove near sunset hoping to see a bear or ten. Unfortunately we didn’t see any but we did see a coyote on the side of the road who stood there for a while so Tim and I could get photos from the safety of the car.  

Another great day in the Smokies and unfortunately our last.  

Smokies Spring 2019 Part 4

Smokies Spring 2019 Part 4 begins heading from the cabin to the Sinks.  The only instead of turning left in the park, I turned right and headed toward Cades Cove.  We were almost to Cades Cove when we realized we had gone the wrong direction.  I quickly turned around and headed the right direction. Luckily there was only one car in the parking lot when we arrived. The mountains were still blocking the sun so the light was perfect. We took many photos at multiple angles of the Sinks. 

Quite a few people had appeared by the time we finished shooting the falls.    We headed across the street to get some photos of the river when I looked down to see the camera remote batteries on the ground and the battery cover missing.  I went back to where we were shooting the Sinks.  Luckily, one of the other photographers had found it.  Crisis averted.   I then went back to shooting the river.  

We had a late brunch at Flapjacks in Gatlinburg.  We then headed back to the cabin to change into shorts, it was in the low 80s.  Weather was amazing. 

Next stop was Tremont Road and took some photos of the river that runs along the road.  We then hiked to Lower and Middle Lynn Camp Prong.  Neither of us took photos of Lower Camp Prong.  I don’t think I have ever been to these falls when it was not basked in harsh sunlight.  This time wasn’t any different.  Luckily Middle Lynn Camp Prog had quite a bit of shade so we were able to get some great shots. Just like the other days, I made full use of my GoPro and took videos and time-lapse videos. 

We ate dinner at Bones BBQ in downtown Gatlinburg.  We had eaten there in April of 2018 were due to a fire in the kitchen, had not been able to during our Thanksgiving trip.   After dinner, we walked around Gatlinburg.  Not surprisingly, we bought more souvenirs. 

Our last stop of the day was on of the overlooks on the Gatlinburg Overpass so we could take some photos of Gatlinburg at night. On our way to shoot Gatlinburg, we noticed a bunch of cars on the side of the road. Most of the time it means there was a bear nearby and this time that is exactly what it meant.  I quickly parked the car. Tim stayed with the car but I went into the woods.  The bear was a good distance away, it was almost sunset and there were many trees which did not make for great photos. We then headed up to the overpass.  Another great day in the Smokies.  

 Part 3 of the trip can be found at Smokies Spring 2019 Part 3

Smokies Spring 2019 Part 3

Smokies Spring 2019 Part 3 starts out VERY early.  We decided to head to Foothills Parkway to shoot the sunrise.  The drive from the cabin was a little nerve wracking for me, it was dark and foggy but we made it without any problems. 

There were cool clouds in the valley below the parkway so it made for some very cool shots.  I shot with both my camera and my GoPro.  The drive down the parkway to get breakfast got a little delayed due to one lane closure. It looked like the workers were clearing out trees. The guy that was directing traffic at the closure was not helpful at all. He never said a word to us. We were waiting for what seemed like forever when I finally got out of the car and asked how much longer it was going to be.  Patience is not my strong suit.

We stopped by Hillbillys Restaurant again for breakfast.

Clingman’s Dome

We decided that today would be the day to climb Clingman’s Dome again (Tim’s idea) so we headed to Newfound Gap.  We did stop by Sugarlands Visitor Center to ask about best places to see wildflowers.  We got some ideas but never did head to any of them.

The ride up to Clingman’s Dome was an experince.  Tim got behind a driver going well under the speed limit and who practically crawled when going along any kind of curve.  It was quite annoying.  The driver FINALLY pulled over so we could pass him.  I thought Tim might turn into a homicidal maniac at one point.  Not that I can talk, I"m not patient at all and this driver was REALLY bad.

The hike up to Clingman’s Dome was as bad as I remembered it. It is not very long but very hard on the calves and I’m not in the greatest shape.  Ended up shooting several video’s with the GoPro because I wanted a panoramic and people kept getting in my way. Stopped by the store and picked up a few items.

The trip continued down Newfound Gap to Cherokee though we did stop by Oconaluftee Visitors Center where we picked up a few more souvenirs.  We ate lunch at Hardees in Cherokee, NC.  

We decided to head back to Cades Cove.  Did see a bear run across the road on our way.  It was moving too fast and since we were in the car, we didn’t have any chances to get any photos.  Unfortunately we got behind another extremely slow driver.  Apparently this was the day for them.  Not surprisingly, we did a little shopping in Cades Cove. 

Back to the cabin for dinner.  

Part two of the trip can be found at Smokies Spring 2019 Part 2. 

Smokies Spring 2019 Part 1

Monday, April 8th is where Smokies Spring 2019 Part 1 begins which is is our first full day in the Smokies.  We only were able to get a little bit of shooting done during the morning because it rained most of the day. I was also getting over a cold from the previous week and didn’t feel particularly well that morning.  I think I had a slight fever but didn’t have a thermometer with me to check.  Luckily I felt fine for the rest of the trip minus the coughing.

Our first stop was the Foothills Parkway.  It has great view of the mountains and the valleys.  It was the only place that where we took photos. We then headed to Hillbilly’s Restaurant in Wear Valley for breakfast.  I had French Toast.  

Our next stop was Moonshine Ridge where I picked up bear figurine (surprising I know) and some mint chocolate fudge.

Our next stop was GSM Outfitters where Tim was nice enough to buy me a raincoat which I would definitely make use of later in the day.  And when I say later in the day, I mean like within an hour.  We stopped at a Woodcraft shop after leaving Outfitters and it started raining while we were there.  

After a quick stop at the cabin, we headed back to Pigeon Forge.  We stopped by Mel’s Diner for lunch. I had French Dip. 

After lunch, our next stop was a post office so Tim could send a package. 

ALCATRAZ EAST CRIME MUSEUM

Our next stop was the best part of the day.  Since the rain was keeping us from shooting in the park, we headed to Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge. The museum has Ted Bundy’s VW Beetle and for a limited time due to the 30th Anniversary of his electrocution, it also has some of his papers.  Bundy was put to death in the electric chair on January 24, 1989.  I remember the day well. We cheered in my AP Biology class when we heard the news.  The museum also had the famous White Bronco from the OJ Simpson slow speed chase, the car Bonnie and Clyde were killed in and John Dillingers car.  We did the VIP package which included an audio tour, Top Detective Challenge and the Heist. Tim and I learned that we do not have what it takes to be cat burglars.  We could not maneuver the lasers without setting off at least one of them. One of the things we picked up in the gift shop was ice cube trays in the shape of guns.  

We made a quick stop at Apple Barn so I could buy the matching kitchen towel and oven mit that I had bought during the trip last November. Before you ask, yes it is bear themed. 

We ate dinner at Bennett’s BBQ in Pigeon Forge and then went back to the cabin.  There were some cool clouds in Wear Valley but due to the on and off rain storms, I didn’t get any photos. 

This ends Smokies Spring 2019 Part 1

You can see photos from previous trips to the Park on my Great Smoky Mountains Gallery page.  

 Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 5

Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 5 is our last full day in the Smokies.  You can read the previous posts Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 1, Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 2, Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 3 and Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 4.  We started the day shooting the sunrise on the Foothills Parkway.   It was another brisk morning but it was a gorgeous sunrise.  The clouds in the valley made for some great shots. 

We then headed to the new part of the Foothills Parkway that was opened just a few weeks before our trip.  Great view of Wears Valley.

Our next stop was breakfast at Hillbilly’s Restaurant in Wear Valley.  There is an antique truck in the middle of the restaurant.   We also stopped at Great Smoky Mountain Outfitters where I picked up a couple more t shirts.  

Middle Prong Trail

Our last excursion in the park is hiking the Middle Prong trail which at the end has Indian Creek Falls.  Since the hike to the falls is 8 miles round trip, we decided not to do the entire thing but there are two great waterfalls along the way: Lower and Middle Lynn Camp Prong.  Lower Lynn Camp Prong is a big waterfall but it was directly in sunlight which are not good for photos.  

The smaller cascade Middle Lynn Camp Prong was a whole other story. Luckily it was in the shade.  I went first taking photos and then it was Tim’s turn, I went exploring.  At least after taking a few photos and videos with the GoPro. After climbing over rocks, branches and going through some branches, I found the spot right next to lower part of the falls that had a great view of the upper part of the falls.  I took MANY photos. Once Tim finished, he came looking for me and saw what I saw so he took a few photos as well.

After we were finished we headed back to the car.  Our original plan was to have leftovers for dinner but I was craving BBQ since we were denied it on Wednesday night so we stopped at Smokin Joe’s BBQ joint in Townsend.  

This ends Smokes Fall 2018 Series.  Hope you enjoyed reading it.  

 Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 4

Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 4 was Thanksgiving day so it was not very eventful.  I had picked up a turkey in Myrtle Beach and brought it with me.  Surprisingly it did not totally thaw even after being in a car for 10 hours on Monday.  

After having breakfast at the cabin, we headed to Cades Cove to do some early morning shooting. It was a brisk morning with frost on the ground. Unfortunately we did not see any bears but did see plenty of deer and ironically turkeys.  Since it was Thanksgiving Day, it was to be our only excursion into the park. 

After going through the loop, we headed back to the cabin for make dinner.  Since Tim had never made a turkey before, it was up to me. While the turkey was cooking, Tim watched the Bears game while I played on my computer. I probably edited some photos and surfed the web.  Nothing real exciting.  The Bears beat the Lions. Unfortunately the Patriots were not playing.  My brother Rick briefly talked to Tim who he had met when we had lunch with him during my trip to Chicago.  

Dinner was finally ready and it turned out great of course.  I have had a lot of practice cooking turkey the last few years since I have been by myself and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It is the only major holiday in the United States that everyone celebrates.  And its a holiday that stuffing your self with food is encouraged.  What is not to like.  

We decided to watch the movie Lincoln with Daniel Day Lewis.  It is a great film.  It should have won the Academy Award for Best Picture.  Lewis did win Best Actor for his amazing portrayal. Not a bad way to end the day.  Another great day in the Smokies.  

 Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 2

Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 2 did not start out well at all.  I slipped on the stairs and had beautiful dark purple bruises on my forearm and on my butt.  What made it even worse is that it was my birthday.  My klutziness strikes again.

This would not be a typical day in the Smokies for me as I did not take one photo with my camera. That is practically unheard of when I am in the Smokies. 

Tim took me to breakfast at Apple Barn Cider Mill.  After breakfast we wandered around the store where I spent entirely too much money but purchased some cute bear paraphenalia and some drink mixes. The next stop was the winery where Tim purchased a few bottles of wine.

Our next destination was the Old Mill Restaurant where Tim wanted to get some photos of the Mill.  It was pretty cool cloud cover.  I decided against taking photos of the mill since I had taken some last year. The photo of the mill was taken in October of last year.  After seeing his photo, I wish I had taken some.   I wandered across the street to the winery to see if they had any Pinot Grigio I could pick up for my boss but like the Apple Barn winery, they didn’t stock it.  Tim soon joined me and picked up a few more bottles of wine along with some hard cider and the cutest corkscrew holder. It was a bear.  

We also stopped in at Old Mill Forge where Robby Bowman was showing people how to forge.  He was a fan favorite on History Channel’s Forged in Fire. We also stopped in Old Mill Pottery House.

We then headed to Apple Valley Mountain Store. Before going into the store, we hit the Cades Cove Cellars Winery.  The third winery of the day and quite ironic since I don’t drink. I bought a bottle of wine called Abrams Falls for my boss. Named after the Cades Cove Waterfall. Abram Falls photo was taken during my first trip. Tim bought a few more bottles of wine.

Tim took me to Melting Pot for my birthday.  It was his first time having fondue.  We then spent sometime walking around downtown and had wooden signs made to commemorate the hike from hell: Ramsey Cascades. All in all it was an another great day in the Smokies.

Thus ends Smokies Fall 2018 Trip Part 2