Last Monday the 11th we packed up and headed south to Gatlinburg, TN. Our daughter, Heather and her family (Rob, Justis and Logan) met us there and we shared a cabin. At least the leasing company called it a cabin.... It was a 2 bedroom house with 3 bathrooms, pool table, a Jacuzzi and a whirlpool tub!
that's me on the balcony.
View from the deck in the upstairs bedroom!
All of us enjoyed the cabin. There was enough space to spread out. The boys got a kick out of playing pool in the lower level and everyone enjoyed the hot tub. Getting to our abode was an adventure in itself. Only a couple miles outside of Gatlinburg the property is built on the side of the mountain. The roads up to it were narrow and very steep. Not for the faint of heart, but fun to drive.
Tuesday we headed into Gatlinburg. Heather had read about the Ripley's Aquarium. Big thumbs up for this aquarium. Kid friendly, yet interesting for adults. We spent several hours here. The tunnel under the shark reef was especially breathtaking.
That's a real shark in the tank behind Justis.
Picture op next to the ray tank.
In the tunnel.
After the aquarium we decided to walk the streets of Gatlinburg. Which is an experience all in itself. This city is one big tourist attraction. We chose this time of year to go since the summer would be winding down and not so crowded. It was pretty warm that day and the boys needed to find somewhere to cool off. So Grandma and Grandpa offered to take them to the Treasure Quest indoor miniature golf. (Air Conditioned and all)
What kid doesn't love a big dragon.
And pirates!
and of course some dinosaurs to run from. It was a good way to spend an hour in the nice cool air.
We headed back to our cabin and enjoyed our evening admiring the views from our deck...
and playing some card games to finish off the day.
Wednesday we drove up to Clingman's Dome the highest point in the Smoky Mts, 6,644 ft to be exact. It is actually in North Carolina. We stopped where TN and NC come together, got some gorgeous pictures here.
We've been photo bombed!
Smiles all around.
Not sure what the guys are doing here, either setting up their next picture or checking their email or...
On up we drove. Once you get to the top you park and hike up the last .5 mile trail. Which is paved, but pretty steep. We hoped the boys could handle it.
Why did we ever doubt...
On the top of the lookout tower. Very windy and we were in a cloud. So no cool pics from up here.
This is the observation tower
Rog and Heather on the walkway.
Once we came down out of the clouds the view was amazing.
Later that evening, the boys were getting antsy so Rog volunteered, actually, I think I volunteered him, to take them to yet another miniature golf place..
This one was outside and I believe called Hillbilly Golf. Had some animated friends.
Things to climb over
What form!
They had a great time!
I think everyone slept real well that night!
Thursday we wanted to hike to Laurel Falls. There are several falls in the National Park. Laurel Falls has the shortest hike of 3 miles round trip through the forest.
small snake where the walking stick is pointing.
It was really worth it, Laurel is a 90 ft waterfall.
Justis and Rob climbed down to the bottom of it.
Another great day, our last day in the Smokys. That evening Heather and family visited Wonderworks. Which is a cross between an adventure park/museum. They really enjoyed it. Rog and I stayed home and vegged out.
Our 3 days were up and it was time to head home on Friday. We had a great time with our family and have memories that will last a lifetime.
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