Mountain Adventure-Part 2

For me, part two of our mountain adventure was the best part, because of the sheer amount of excitement. On Monday, we went to the Biltmore House, which was such incredible experience. I love history, and this was right up my alley. The Biltmore House was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800’s. It was modeled after a French chateau and it has one of the top 10 botanical gardens in the world. It was absolutely beautiful. 

 On Tuesday, we used those vouchers to go back to Ober Gatlinburg and ride the bobsleds again. We had plans to go look at crafts afterward, but as we were driving around a curve… BAM!!!!

The big rig that did the damage

 Our car was totaled; front axle broken and front end torn off. So we spent the rest of the day sitting on the front porch of a wood carver and his wife. In the boondocks. A few hours later, we ended up at a used TV store and were whisked downtown to the fudge shop by a big hillbilly who was giving us an education about how nuclear waste is the reason there are so many jellyfish in the ocean…  It was a blasty. 

 Wednesday morning, dark and early, we hopped in our rental Tahoe and left from our mountain hideaway. On our way back home, we stopped off in Savannah, Georgia for some eats at Paula Dean’s Lady and Sons restaurant. 

5,000 calories later, we took a walk around town for a little while before  FINALLY heading the rest of the way home for some much needed rest. 

Busy Bees

We busy bees have been buzzing around Sevier County for the past few days, squeezing as much fun out of this experience as possible. Today, my mama and I are taking a break while my Aaron and the kids head over to Dollywood for the day. I like roller coasters, but I also like resting. And resting is much needed after yesterday’s hike.

On Thursday, we went white water rafting down the Pigeon River and drove right up to the North Caroline line to put our rafts in. The water was rough, and the weather was partly cloudy, making for some very wet, chilly rafters. Our guide let us surf our raft twice, the first of which, we almost lost Mikey… But he survived, albeit shivering from head to toe. About halfway through our trip, we were able to jump out a swim a little in the water. The extremely cold, 65°F water. What a blast. 

 At 9AM Friday morning, we left for a hiking trip to Grotto Falls. Last time we came to Tennessee, we did this hike and loved it. The scenery is stunning, and the waterfall at the end is breathtaking. The second time around was just as awesome.

Although tired from the hike, we headed over to Ober Gatlinburg, a mini-theme park/mall with putt-putt golf, a water slide, animal exhibits, bobsled thingies, a ski lift that takes you to the top of the mountain and a lot more. Being the people that we are, we headed straight for the bobsled thingies.

Unfortunately, we got rained out. Fortunately, we got vouchers to come back another day. Cool.

Yesterday, we went to Cosby at the Park, a heritage festival in Cocke County. Yes, that’s the name,, and it’s pronounced like there is not “e” on the end. Ha. I’m immature-sue me. Nothing really got going until later in the day, so we spent the morning hiking to Hen Wallow Falls. The hike was a little more strenuous than the first one, as well as longer. But I actually enjoyed it more than the first one. It was beautiful. 

It’s amazing how people feel like they ALWAYS have to go across the world to see beautiful things when there is such gorgeous landscape right here in the USA (That’s not to say you shouldn’t travel abroad, duh.). 

After a much needed lunch of turkey sandwiches, crackers and dip, veggies, and apples, we sat down and listened to some real mountain music. “How was it?” you might ask. Entertaining. Would I buy a CD? Uh, No. Nevertheless, these Tennessee mountain folk are very interesting.

I plan on relaxing today, maybe painting or napping or reading or all of the above. Yes, I think that is a brilliant idea. All while looking out at the spectacular Smokey Mountains.

I'm Back

Guess what. I’m in the U.S. Yep, a lot has happened since our last chat. But, my family thought it necessary to keep my arrival a surprise from other members of my family, rendering me unable to blog about anything exciting. A few days before my last post, I found out that the visa I applied for did not have the proper documentation (my married name on my passport. I asked them specifically if I needed it, and they said no. Thank you, Madeirans.), and in discussing it with my mom, I realized that my tourist visa was expiring earlier than I had anticipated. So, long story short, we booked my flight, and I headed home. I’ve been here since last Tuesday (May 8^th), and have basically been catching up on all busyness that I have missed out on for the past 7 months (since I was here last…).  I’ve been playing with all of my little poopers (dogs), and spending time with family and friends. 

Yes, I know Iron Man...

I like to call him "Jet Pack Boy." He does this all the time. So cool.

Chili's after church.

I’ve missed them so much. Now, I’m just waiting for my hubby to arrive for his much needed and much deserved holiday.

Yesterday, exactly a week since my transatlantic journey, my family and I made our way to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I am currently on the top of a mountain, looking out at an incredible view from our dining room table. 

I love the Smokies.

The week ahead will be full of both adventure and relaxation, something everyone is in need of I think. I know I can never turn down an exciting adventure.