Rowland Ramblings: Smoky Mountain Adventures

We just got back from our big summer family trip to the Smoky Mountains. Will and I enjoyed our time there so much last year we wanted to bring the boys and share our love of the Smoky's with them. It was Wonderful, and fun, and whiney, and moody, and all the things that go along with a Family trip. Some things were more fun with them along and some things we could only reminisce that we did last time. Which it's probably not really even fair to compare a family vacation and a husband and wife getaway. Both good, just really different. So here's a boatload of pics coming your way.

One of our big planned stops was at Bricks and Minifigs in Louisville, Ky. (basically a lego resale store) Before the trip we cashed in our big change jar and were surprised to get $87 from it!...but never fear it was spent quickly at Bricks and Minifigs. The boys were both able to get several minifigures and a fun set that you can't buy at stores anymore.

Lunch at Raising Cane's,we all approved.

We made it to our Home for the week before dinner and settled in.

Grant's new lego set

Shots of the Cabin

Will: Cop by day, kitchen model by night...

The boys had a air hockey in their bedroom.!!

Day 1 in the Smoky's: Vistors Centers, site seeing, and creek fun:

We found out real quick on a short .5 mile "hike" to see a waterfall that we probably weren't going to be doing a lot of hiking on this trip....we found other ways to have fun.

The boys loved exploring the COLD Smoky mountain creeks.

We also ventured to Clingman's Dome, one of the highest points in the park, and also pretty much in the middle of the park. A steep hike up the hill will get you a 360 degree view where on a clear day you can supposedly see 7 states. We were pretty much in the clouds so we maybe saw 2. It was still fun to be up there and eat lunch in the 70 degree temps while back in Pidgeon Forge it was 100 that day.

Rex LOVED climbing these rocks at the beginning of the trail.

Future Appalation trail hikers????

Grant was not into hiking....

This is Grants Souvenir for the trip, a Salamander he named "Aqua-Mander". You will see him in many photos.

(Fun Fact: there are more Salamander species in the Smoky Mountain than anywhere else in the US. There is even one species the Red Eared Salamander (ie-"Aqua-Mander") which is only found in the Smoky Mountains.

The boys enjoyed our hot tub on the deck daily.

Day 2: Cades Cove, Wildlife Sightings, and a Movie

Cades cove is a beautiful one way loop through a valley in the park that has many old buildings where settlers lived once upon a time, and many opportunities to spot wildlife (we saw 2 bears!!). We saw several cabins and churches and finally decided to get out and stop at one. As we exited the car we heard singing and realized they had a church service going on. (it was Sunday morning after all) As we entered the back of the church a new song began and it was Amazing Grace! The song we sing every night at bed time! It was pretty cool that it started right as we entered. (kinda gives you goose bumps) We all enjoyed singing along before we headed on to continue our day.

Our bear sighting. (Viewed safely from the car). It's hard to see but there was a Momma and if you watch 2 little ears bob along behind her in the grass.

After a morning in Cades Cove we had lunch at the picnic area and found a great place to get our feet wet. I was really hoping I could find a Salamander (for Grant especially). Surprise, I found one almost instantly and then found about 5 more. I brought a little animal/bug catcher along and we were able to catch one. (don't worry he was returned to the water before we left)

How do you feel about Salamanders???

Day 3: Scenic Morning drive in the park, Brunch in Gatlinburg (1 of only 2 times we out out the whole trip, we ate at the cabin the rest of the week with food and meals I made ahead), and the Aquarium!

Yummy Breakfast food. Grant is showing how big and Thick his pancake was!

We had heard that the Aquarium was one of the best attractions. (so had everyone one else!) It was very busy but we weren't in a hurry and got to see everything just fine.