Thursday 8th May Tennessee
UNITED KINGDOM | Thursday, 8 May 2008 | Views [63] | Comments [3]
We awoke to an empty house this morning as Joe and Carolyn had an early meeting with the estate managers and John took Sam to the Leisure Centre opposite for a game of ping pong/table tennis. When everyone eventually arrived home, Paul cooked breakfast for everyone, with a little help from ‘Janet Just’.
When breakfast was eaten and cleared away we set off for The Smoky Mountains. We went through Pigeon Forge and on to the Visitor Centre at Sugarland Mountain, to get some information and a map of the Mountains. It took us about 90 minutes in total, and a very picturesque journey through heavily wooded, lush green, mountains like we have never seen before, to reach the car park of Clingmans Dome, the summit of the mountain. We then had a 30 minute up hill walk to reach The Top of Old Smoky, where there is a specially constructed observation tower, which gives brilliant views in each direction. Luckily it was quite a clear day so we could see for miles and miles. On our way back down the mountain we walked part of the Appalachian Trail. See www.nps.gov/grsm
Returning to the cars, we then set off for Cades Cove, where there is an 11 mile one way track which takes you all around the area which was once a settlement and is now part of The Smoky Mountain National Park. We saw many wild turkeys and deer, but, in spite of 12 eyes constantly on the surrounding woodland, we did not see any bears, which the Rangers assured us were in the area and had been seen earlier today. See www.cadescove.net
Our return journey was interrupted by a very good meal at The Applewood Restaurant, where we all enjoyed different cuts of pork, with their signature dish of variation of apples and apple sauce. After our meal Paul could not resist visiting the wine tasting at a Winery next door, where he tried the worst apple wine he has ever tasted (serves him right for going without me!) Paul has now done wine tasting in 4 different states!. See www.applewoodfarmhouserestaurant.com
It was then on to last minute shopping at Wal Mart before a quick trip home to get ready for our evening out.
Carolyn and Joe very kindly treated us to seats at Country Tonite which was voted the Best Live Country Music Show in America. (AG eat your heart out!!) This is a live family entertainment show containing great country music, gospel music, comedy and a finale of patriotic songs. We learnt that Sevierville is the birth place of Dolly Parton and many of her songs were featured in the show. Sevierville is a Mecca for Country fans. The 18 members of the cast, including musicians, gave a very entertaining and energetic performance, which we all thoroughly enjoyed. It was quite fitting that one of their last songs was Route 66, as our journey started 6 weeks ago in Chicago at the start of Route 66, and we also stood at the end of it in Santa Monica. See www.countrytonitepf.com
We returned home to have Birthday Cake and presents for Sam who will be 4 on Saturday. He was pleased with his Dog cake with 4 candles and loved his balloons and all his presents, especially his baseball and baseball glove.
At about midnight Carolyn asked if we would like a final game of Rummikub. One game turned into three and Carolyn won each time, but we all enjoyed it and it was a good way to finish off another evening of good fun and friendship.
Sadly, tomorrow we leave to start our long journey home. We hope it will not be quite so eventful as our journey to the USA, but we shall update you as soon as possible. Many thanks to all of you who have commented on our journey so far and for your good wishes for our journey home.
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