This is a picture heavy post (and it will probably bore you), but I think that the Great Smoky Mountains are quite possibly the most beautiful place God created on this earth. We try to make an annual pilgrimage because it’s only a 6 hour drive for us, and it’s one of our favorite places.
This is at Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies. Absolutely breathtaking view!
And because it’s so high up, it’s cold up there year round. We’ve been before in July and had to wear our jackets. It’s quite a novelty to those of us who are steeped in humidity most days of the year.
Daniel was enamored with the ice!
Check out that beyond blue sky. Gorgeous!
This was the view from the front porch of the little cabin where we stayed. We loved it there.
There is so much history in these mountains. This is a little one-room school house tucked away high on the side of a mountain. I wouldn’t have wanted to walk to school in the winter if I had attended there. I read that some children traveled as far as 9 miles to get to this school.
And before you freak out, let me assure you that we do not allow our children to ride in the back of the truck on an open road. This was the driveway that took us to our little cabin.
Sara Lynn was so happy when her Daddy stopped to pick her flowers. I can’t help but smile, too!
It was such a nice trip in the midst of a busy season for us. It’s essential to take a retreat every once in a while, IMHO.
This is a shot of Daniel on our cabin’s little porch – complete with rockers, a swing, and a hot tub. Sigh…
Cade’s Cove is one place you must visit if you ever make it to the Smokies. So much history!
All of these last photos were taken in Cade’s Cove. It’s so much fun imagining what life would have been like for the people who lived there 100 years ago. I hope you get the chance to visit the Smokies at least once in your life!
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13 comments:
Hello Melissa! What a wonderful place you went to visit and it looks as though you and your family had a WONDERFUL time. I've never seen that part of the country so your pictures are very much appreciated. I was just wondering what that huge log and beam building was...it looked like a barn but had a very different shape! Love the pictures of your kids especially the one of your daughters face when her daddy gave her the flowers. I hope your neck is feeling better...enjoy your day.
Maura :)
Wow Melissa, thanks for sharing. Those pictures are awesome and the trip makes me want to head out and explore.
Teri
Maura, we did have a wonderful time together exploring God's creation. That big beamed building is in fact an old barn. All of the old barns in the area are constructed similarly. I'm not at all sure why... we never see old barns shaped that way around our neck of the woods.
Teri, I usually get bitten by a travelling bug this time of year. Everything is gorgeous and aglow with the colors of fall. Sometimes it's nice to just ride around in the evenings and soak it all up!
Melissa, what town did you stay in? We love Franklin and have a special place there we always stay. We haven't been down since our BIG critters arrived, but those Smokies & Appalachians hold my heart!!!
How'd you like that hike up Clingman's Dome??? Quite a workout! We didn't get to see the Cove, but we did venture on our way down through Del Rio....I know....what's Del Rio, TN. Christy!!! It's the cove where Katherine Marshall's mom actually lived, taught and married. It was a highlight for our last trip. Catherine Marshall has influenced my life for a long time. Glad you got away! Hope you're rested.
Diane, this time we stayed in the mountains above Pigeon Forge, in a place called Bear Mountain. Such a quaint, old, rural area... I fell in love immediately! There was an apple orchard nearby and my kids had the best time picking apples.
We wouldn't have been able to go and leave our animals, but my beloved brother took care of things while we were gone. I'm sure things will get much more complicated when we get bigger animals! I don't too much see anyone being willing to milk for us. ; )
I'm sorry to say I didn't make it up to the tippy-top of Clingman's Dome. I know my limits, and my neck was hurting due to the extended time spent in the vehicle. But, my DH and children enjoyed it very much and brought me back some photos. I stayed in the truck and enjoyed a little light reading. : )
Next year we'll have to check out Del Rio, and you guys MUST check out Cade's Cove next time you go. I know you'd love it!
Beautiful!
And I always so love seeing your DD's clothes; reminds me of how we were dressed when we were kids in the 80's and early 90's. Cheerful colors, simple cuts with room to play.
The things you see kids wearing today!
Berit, I like to wear comfortable clothes, and I firmly believe my daughter feels the same way... Thanks for the compliment! I love dressing that little girl. ; )
Beautiful photos.
Go West, young lady, to see some spectacular sights.
Thanks so much for all the lovely pictures - that's my old stompin' grounds...
Maybelline, I hope to be able to do just that one day! We've been talking about it for years...
affectioknit, I'm so glad you enjoyed them. It's such a beautiful place. I hope you're able to visit the Smokies yourself soon. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, Melissa! I LOVE the Smokies! My dad was born and raised in Tennessee, and he delighted in taking us on trips to 'God's Country.' Cade's Cove is indeed a most beautiful, peaceful place. Thanks so much for the pictorial. Blessings to you and your lovely family!
Rhetta, I've missed you! I'm so glad you're back... praying that all is well for you and yours. I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. The Smokies are absolutely my favorite place on this earth!
Fabulous pictures Melissa, looks great.
I'd regularly checked your blog but it always came up with the banana bread post for some reason, so I thought you hadn't blogged for a while. I've got some catching up to do with your posts!
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