Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains -
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Thursday morning dawns bright and clear, and all three of us are pumped for the day's adventures ahead. After a hasty breakfast, it's back to the car to head for Bryson City, and the "back" entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains Park at Deep Creek. Danny and I, of course, have been to this locale multiple times, but witnessing granddaughter, Virginia Rose's, joyful reaction to it all is like seeing it for the very first time.
Tom Branch Falls - Beautiful!
Virginia and a new-found friend enjoying the falls.
Nothing more fun than hurling rocks into the stream!
Next, we head back to Bryson City to grab lunch at the Everett Street Diner, a down-home restaurant with great food and friendly service. Even the owner pays a visit to each and every table. No photos other than this one of Virginia indulging in a Pepsi -
but since I've mentioned this diner in Adventures in The Glade, I engage in conversation with the owner, and gift him with some bookmarks to pass out to his restaurant staff. He is delighted!
Fueled and fired up, we are ready for the fairly long trek to Clingman's Dome, the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Standing at 6,643' above sea level, the ride up to the top is a never-ending ascent of exciting and scenic twists and turns, not to mention another bout with ear popping for all of us. Just look at those views!
There is a side trail that few people take when visiting Clingman's Dome, but Danny eagerly leads Virginia on a part of it; it's too long, and too cold, to even think about walking the entire length. Here are some photos they shoot in front of an ancient rock that reminds us of the Easter Island statues.
Back up in the parking lot, Virginia can't resist climbing, and posing, on more rocks!
What a ham she is!
With winds whipping and an unheard-of June temperature of 48, we soon decide it's high time to return to the car, and head back to the cabin. We enjoy again every vista we pass along the way accompanied by a continuous chorus of "wows" from Virginia at the breathtaking views.
Just when we think we've seen it all, cars slow down, and we behold this majestic creature.
Yes, it's an elk, high up on the ridge of Clingman's Dome! Truly, it's the last place we would expect to find one, as they usually congregate in the valleys, so we are thrilled and thankful for this unexpected treat.
And if that sighting isn't enough, spotting these on our way out of the park is icing on the cake!
Mid-afternoon, and we are back in our cabin, lifting our eyes to the mountains once again, and praising God for all He has blessed us with this day.
Amen!
What a wonderful holiday you all enjoyed. Beautiful views and marvellous scenery. But most of all, you have created great memories which your grand-daughter will cherish for years to come. What superb grand-parents you are.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all.
Thanks so much for your kind words here, Victor; we do our best! And I do hope Virginia will remember this trip always.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Wow! Aren't we so blessed to live amongst such beauty? I grew up in the Rocky Mountains, but these vistas are just as amazing. After your most recent post, I was telling Tom I'd love to go; and he's all like, "But what is there to do?" I can't wait to show him this!
ReplyDeleteI know that Tom and you would love it, Mevely! Even if it's just driving around and stopping here and there to enjoy the scenery, taking a short hike, or just sitting around in a cabin, relaxing, it would be a memorable trip.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Just beautiful! I've been to the top of Clingman's Dome and it is, indeed, an amazing experience. We didn't drive (was in the 70s) but walked all the way. Worth every step! Sure looks like Virginia is having a great time! Wonderful memories being made!
ReplyDeleteWonderful memories were made indeed, Terri, and I'm glad to know that you've visited this amazing place in our eastern/southern region. We didn't walk the concrete trail to the tippy-top this time, though I did that as a child, too. So incredibly cold, even with the protective gear we brought, it just wasn't worth it. The views really don't change from what one can see from the parking lot.
DeleteLove and blessings!
LOVE to have wildlife sightings on our hikes! You DO KNOW your grand is growing???
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Yes, Loralu, she's growing by leaps and bounds, and I wish she would slow down - lol! This wildlife sighting was the best, and I'm grateful that it wasn't a bear. ")
DeleteLove and blessings!
Yep jealousy it is and I'm sure God allows this kind. So glad you had a great time and VR seems to be having a time to remember.
ReplyDeleteYep, I addressed that jealousy remark in the previous post, Bill. :) This trip was definitely blessed by God, that's for sure. How can you get cool temperatures down South in June otherwise? I'm convinced the Lord paved the path to adventures that Virginia and we won't soon forget. Being immersed in His creation is to be aware and thankful for the Creator.
DeleteLove and blessings!
awesome article..
ReplyDeletethank for sharing :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, thanks for sharing your wonderful travels with us. I haven't been to Bryson City in a while, my husband loved the trails there when he had a motorcycle just a few years ago. Of course, we love the Great Smoky Mountains, only a hop and skip from us. Clingman's Dome looks amazing and what a great photo of the elk! Virginia looks to be enjoying herself. :-)
ReplyDeleteKaren, I'm so glad that you and your husband are familiar with this "neck of the woods." It's one of our all-time favorite places to go - just wish we could have stayed longer this time around. Looking forward to going back in the late fall. And yes, Virginia had a blast!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Don't you just love seeing life through your granddaughter's eyes ...
ReplyDeleteThese are the good old days.
These are the best days, Linda! So much can be revealed to us when we take the time to see it through a child's eyes. Jesus was absolutely spot on when He said we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh Martha, this is a beautiful, stunning post. I'm so sorry that I didn't get to it sooner. God's creation is amazing! What a blessing this little trip was for all of you.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Yes, Kim, it was such a marvelous blessing for all of us. Taking Virginia with us was such a gift both to her and to Danny and me. I know she will long remember this adventure in God's creation.
DeleteLove and blessings!