June 20th, 2019
Day Four – Great Smoky Mountains National Park || Smoke-Mount Campsite
Today was a good day. As the evening winds down, the fireflies are out in force; holding the rain at bay with each flap of their wings and ignition of their butts.
After spending the morning and early afternoon in Asheville, NC with old friends, we ventured on, traveling on Interstate 40 into the Great Smokey Mountains NP. I was wondering how anything would compare this far east with Shenandoah, but the GSMs don’t disappoint. The mountains are steeper, and higher.
We had our first night of camping and though they tried, the fire flies could not hold off the storms all night. As expected all the equipment performed as it was designed and no one woke up any worse for wear or wet!!
On Friday, (6/21) we blew off our plans to drive to Memphis (good call) and spend a good part of the day exploring and enjoying the park. A highlight was the drive up to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park and were rewarded with some spectacular 360 degree views. We will definitely come back, perhaps in the fall, when the colors change and the crowds thin out.
I am not sure what the kids got a bigger kick of out, climbing around on the rocks, skipping stones, hiking, or the town of Pigeon Forge on the north end of the park. I have many words but I am not sure I can do it justice trying to describe this tourist mecca. I suggest you Googling it and viewing the photos for yourself.
We are looking forward to less-traveled roads, and less severe weather as we continue our venture west. That’s it for now.
Brandywine Overland 