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.