2015 - Midwest Adventure

September 2 - Mullens, WV to Cherokee, NC

Today our travels have us heading southward. We drove along some beautiful windy, twisty roads till we got to I-81.

This is Welch, WV where they had some amazing murals throughout the town.

Some unusual looking chicken coops/houses!

This is a valley high up in the Appalachian Mountains.

Covered in Kudzu

This would make a good Halloween house!

We specifically made a special stop here at this particular state park. My aunt and uncle, Linie and Marcel Jeanfreau, brought my Mother, brother and myself here one summer when I was about 5 or 6. I still have memories of this camping trip and having to buy sweatshirts because it got so cold one night!! It's a nostalgia thing!

Lunch overlooking the lake.

Our cute little Mallard Duck visitor expecting to get fed!

Some 55 years later!

Moving along on the interstate in North Carolina

View from our room at Harrahs in Cherokee, NC

September 3 - Cherokee, NC to Pigeon Forge, TN

Because we couldn't get two nights in Cherokee we are moving on to Pigeon Forge. But before we do, we've got some hiking and some sightseeing to do in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. When we were here last year during peak leaf season, we didn't get to see all the park because of the crowds.

Started our GSMNP adventure where we left off last year...heading to Clingman's Dome.

This is one of my favorite pictures!

This is the hike to Clingman's Dome. It was 1.0 mile roundtrip but the hike up was very steep and many stops were made along the way up!

Observation Tower on Clingman's Dome. At 6,643 ft. this is the highest mountain in the Smokies and one of the highest peaks in the eastern US.

Moving on to our next hike, we took the Spruce-Fir Trail (.5 miles) to get a glimpse of the threatened spruce-fir forest. Found many interesting species.

I can't remember what type plant this is, but it had a couple of ladies on the trail very excited. They were hoping it was in bloom.

Mushrooms were plentiful.

Moss covered log bench...and this looks like an alligator to me!

Moving along on the quest to find Grotto Falls.

Hike to Grotto Falls is 2.6 miles roundtrip and another steep hike with many, many stops!! That's usually when I take my pictures!!

Falls before Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls

Larry walking behind the falls.

Painted trillium. Wish it had been in bloom.

Partridgeberry

Some old and historic structures along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

No Bob's wanted here!

September 4 - Great Smokey Mountains National Park then on to Spencer, TN

After spending the night in Pigeon Forge (not a fan--very commercial tourist attractions), we headed back into the GSMNP to continue our adventure.

First stop of the day -- Laurel Falls at 2.6 miles roundtrip. This was a another very, very steep hike.

Unfortunately, this was the only wildlife we saw on this hike. Apparently we had just missed seeing a bear by about 10-15 minutes.

Wish there had been more of these on this hike!

Laurel Falls

Just a hint of fall in the air!

Traveling though the park the river meandered along the road for miles.

Great Blue Heron

Cades Cove Valley. Many historic structures and churches in Cades Cove.

Bear sighting! Only problem is he was under a lot of brush and this was the best picture I could get. But just wait!!!

Turkeys

I believe this is an Eastern Bluebird.

Yes, another bear sighting! And he really put on a show for us onlookers!!! He was eating berries up in a tree right alongside the road at the Cable Mill Historic Area.
These first few pictures he was scratching his backside!

Once he started down the tree, it made the park rangers nervous!

So he kept going up and down!

He sure was fun to watch!

More historic structures in Cades Cove.

We loved our visit to the GSMNP and will definitely be back!

The view out the door of our lodge room at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

September 5 - Spencer, TN and the Fall Creek Falls State Park

Today we're taking the Fall Creek Falls scenic drive throughout the park. Our first stop is the Fall Creek Falls, which at 256' is the highest falls in Eastern America.