Raleigh, NC to Sevierville, TN

Notice the TINY sign indicating the campground!

Our home while in North Carolina

Once the horse show ended, we just abut had the whole place to ourselves.

After 12 fun days with family, our stay in North Carolina drew to a close on a cloudy and misty day. We packed up and headed for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located between North Carolina and Tennessee. We are at River Plantation in Sevierville, which is pronounced "Suh veer vul" by the locals and it is located just far enough away from the "heavy-duty" neon commercialism centered closer to the National Park entrance.  This place was "G's" choice and although situated in the middle of  a lush green valley, it is still surrounded by more commercialism than we are accustomed.

We hit a bit of rain along the long and mountainous drive, but were treated to some beautiful countryside. From what we have seen thus far, Tennessee seems to be a very pretty state with many RVers with plenty to see and do.

First on our list of things to do will be a couple of trips to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Besides adding a sticker to our RV map, we can also add a sticker to our Park Passport book. I love two-for-ones. 

Our first full day here was spent finding hiking boots for me and a couple of other items that were on sale at REI. Rain permitting, we should be ready to hit some of the less strenuous trails soon. I only hope my body is as ready and my endurance as strong as I (opportunistically) feel I am.  I really want to attempt the longer hikes that afford the best views of various waterfalls and valleys. Besides, we need to get into "hiking shape" for Yellowstone. My new boots should help protect the ankle I fractured just a year ago. Even with that amount of time, it is not as strong and sturdy as I would like it to be, so a mid-high boot and a walking stick will accompany me going forward.

Those items are now added to my long list of regular and "diabetic" hiking supplies. We are at two full back-packs containing various items such as maps, camera, binoculars, rain jackets, extra socks, hats, wallets, band aides, whistle, National Park Passport Book, compass, water bottles, blood glucose testing machine, instant glucose, a glucagon pen and energy bars. "My bags are packed...I'm ready to go."

Besides walking trails, there are numerous drives that will take us to the furthermost portions of the park. Photos will be provided in the next blog entry. One surprising fact about this National Park is that it is the one with the most pollution. On an average day, one is no longer able to view the top peaks of these majestic formations.

Another thing I'd love to try is white water rafting, but the weather and time may not permit. We shall see, tomorrow..

Deep thought for the day:  "Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow. You're only a day away."   ~  Music and lyrics by, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin