Mother Daughter Vacation Clingmans Dome (Wednesday)

Before we left on Wednesday, Daughter made yummy mushroom and cheese omelets.  She and her husband have stayed in this type of accommodation before and she has a rough meal plan she follows.  For me, it was great because I had a break from planning and preparing meals.  I thoroughly enjoyed everything she made. Unfortunately, we couldn't figure out how to work the coffee machine.  K. went to the clubhouse every morning to get coffee.  It was not good coffee.

This was the first wildlife of the day.

Next was three bear cubs.  You can see how close to the road the first one is. We stayed inside the car and used 'zoom'.  

 It fascinates me how the tree can continue to grow even with such exposed roots.

There are many trails to explore.  Someday I hope to return and walk on some of those we missed this trip.

 When we left in the morning, I had no idea we were so close to North Carolina.  My geography leaves something to be desired.

 Clingmans Dome Information Center and Store

 The path to the Dome is up-hill.  I had a hard time and stopped to rest every time we came to a bench.  

 Finally a glimpse of our goal.

Clingmans Dome.

We met a nice couple from Maine on our walk to the Dome.  We shared rest stops.  After we reached the top, he asked K. to take their picture together and then took this picture of me and K. with K's phone.

 Looking down from the Dome.  "At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top."

 A tunnel through a mountain.

 Old Mill Restaurant, 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, was recommended by a couple people.  We decided to have lunch there.  The corn chowder was delicious.  Daughter had fried chicken and I had a chicken salad sandwich. Everything was very tasty.  Daughter had chicken to take home for her supper. In fact, it would seem that everyone left with a box of leftovers.   

 After we were home, we both went to the pool and hot tub.

 In the evening, Daughter looked over the balcony (we were on the second floor) and saw this little visitor.  I took several pictures.  He finally scurried off to the adjoining field.