Well here we are in Pigeon Forge and Dolly comes to town for her annual homecoming parade on Friday. Now ain't that jes grand! Found a nice campground (Creekside) and explored the area. It is like a continual carnival. Dollywood, Jurassic Park Ride, Ripleys, zip lines, aquariums, and shopping shopping shopping. One big tourist trap but a fun one especially if you bring kids.And then there's the Smokies. Miles and miles of peaceful drives and hikes. What a beautiful place. We stopped at the Visitor Center where they have a nice video explaining how the ice age stopped just before the Smokies, pushing the flora and fauna of the whole NE into this area. There are more species in the Smokies than in all of Europe and the scientists are still finding new ones every year. The diversity is incredible. And there is beauty to match. The sunlight filtering through spring green hardwood trees onto the Little Pigeon River is lovely especially after the storms. The view from Clingmans Dome (6600 ft) was like you see in photos with the 'smoke' hanging over the ridges. Actually it is the trees 'breathing' that causes the smoke like feeling, and pollution in recent years. The Old Grist Mill is a pretty place and worth a stop to see how they made flour using the power of the river. Terrific day! Tomorrow is going to be stormy so will check out the town and go see the Dixie Stampede.
No comments:
Post a Comment