Smokies Spring 2018 Trip Part 6

Smokies Spring 2018 Trip Part 6 was unfortunately our last full day in the Smokies.  We made breakfast at the cabin using up as much of the groceries as we could. The original plan was Newfound Gap road and hiking to the top of Clingman’s Dome.  As we were still sore from the Ramsey’s Cascades hike, we decided to forgo the short but strenuous hike to the top.

Before heading to Newfound Gap, we stopped by Publix and picked up sandwiches and chips for lunch.  Our first stop was Clingman’s Dome. I totally forgot that Clingman’s Dome was between 10-20 degrees cooler than the lower elevations.  I was a little chilly in my tee shirt and capris.  We got some great shots from the parking lot.  Not surprising, we also went into the store.  

We stopped at an overlook and eat our lunches. I had to make a quick pit stop first. I couldn’t believe when I joined them, the guys had already started eating their lunchs. Thanks for waiting for me. Our next stop was Mingus Mil which is the image on the leftl. We finished at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where we picked up more souvenirs.  I did ask the Park Rangers if there was a "I survived Ramsey’s Cascades" pin but unfortunately there isn’t one. They totally need to create one.  They have one for Clingman’s Dome.

After stopping by the UPS Store to ship the tripod and tripod head that I had rented back to Borrowlenses.com, we headed to Tremont to do some more shooting.  I used my tripod.  Why you may ask did I rent a tripod if I had one.  The answer is simple, mine is not in great shape and I have the hard time keeping the legs locked which is quite problematic when trying to shoot long exposure photography.  I will be buying a new tripod within the next year.

Because of the Dolly Parton Homecoming parade scheduled in Pigeon Forge, we decided to head into Gatlinburg for dinner.  The odd thing is Dolly Parton wasn’t coming home but they still had the parade.  Cal Ripken Junior was the grand marshall. We had dinner at Bone’s BBQ joint in Gatlinburg and because the parking was validated for two hours, we decided to walk around downtown.  At least that was the plan until the guys saw Old Smoky Moonshine.  While they went to try some different moonshines, I wandered around looking at the different shops.  I fell in love with a little bear photo frame which TIm was nice enough to buy for me.  The guys bought some moonshine and then we headed back to the cabin.  

And this ends my latest adventure.