Day 3- November 2, 2015 (Great Lakes Region Trip)
We got up and ate breakfast at our Holiday Inn Express. Robin loves the automatic pancake maker. The weather was in the high 50s, but it was still damp and rainy outside. We checked out and started our travels.
First, we drove through Cherokee. When we had been there 4 years ago, so many of the local businesses had closed. The town seemed deserted in many areas. We were glad to see Cherokee seemed to be regaining strength. Many of the businesses were active.
As soon as we entered Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we turned and drove about 20 minutes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Robin couldn't get enough of the creeks and waterfalls. Dean spied 1 wild turkey, but of course, Robin was too slow to catch a picture. The fall colors were beautiful. We went through several tunnels before finding a place to turn around and head back. The rain drizzled off and on, just enough to need windshield wipers going on intermittent. Robin was ready and got the picture of the turkey on the way back. It was still in the same spot.
We returned back to the main road, Newfound Gap Road, and headed for the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. In the large grassy area close-by, we spied a group of 6-8 elk bulls, laying on the grass like they had no cares. Two wild turkeys were sharing the grass a little further up from the elks.
We had never been to this Visitor Center before. We checked out the inside and then shopped a little bit. We wanted to go to the homestead area but decided the rain was a little bit too much to do all of the walking to get there.
We headed north on Newfound Gap Road until we reached the turn off for Clingman's Dome. We have driven by the point many times, but have never driven up to the lookout. Although the weather didn't seem cooperative, we decided we would try. At least we could enjoy the drive on the way up. The fog was thick but the trees we could see were turning fall colors.
At the top, the view was extremely limited. It was sprinkling so we put on our windbreakers and walked to the Visitor Center. The Park Rangers were very helpful. They told us we should make the drive on US 321 to Greenbrier and Crosby. They said the fall colors were still very vivid in those areas.
Leaving Clingman's Dome, we crossed over into Tennessee and headed to Gatlinburg. We drove through town and headed out on US 321. First thing we saw, was a little trickling waterfall and creek.
Driving on, the trees began showing their true fall colors. We really enjoyed seeing the brilliance of the colors. As we rounded one of the curves, we spied a large flock of wild turkeys crossing the road.
A little further on the road, we found another flock of wild turkeys, pecking along the side of the road. We didn't have anyone behind us so we stopped and watched them before moving on. The trees were beautiful on this road so we were really enjoying this scenic route.
We were getting hungry and found a little barbecue restaurant out in the middle of nowhere on this road. The food was fine, but nothing to rave about.
Continuing on after lunch, we went further on US 321 until the road came to a T. US 321 curved north while SR 32 went south. SR 32 was a scenic drive that had been mentioned by the Rangers at Clingman's Dome. We turned right and took the scenic drive, which turned out to be like driving a serpent. The 2 lane road was very narrow and full of curves and switchbacks. The views were very nice with fall colors, big rocks, and unique features of some of the homes built along side of the road. We even saw a few wild turkeys along the side. The paved road continued for over 18 miles until we saw a sign saying it was coming to an end. It quickly turned to a dirt road and we had to turn around and head back. The drive was definitely scenic, but it was also very strenuous. Dean's arms hurt so badly by the time we got to the end that he asked Robin to drive back. He chose to share the pain with Robin. What a guy!
Although it was the same road on the way back, the view perspective was very different. Seeing the curves coming from a different direction allowed for a completely unique look. We did stop and take a picture of an outhouse we spied in a field closer to the junction with US 321.
We continued on the northern section of US 321 until we got to Crosby. There, we saw the entrance to the Foothills Parkway, or SR 339. We decided to drive this road over to I-40. What a great decision! This was the most scenic drive of the day! We didn't think it could get any better.
We took I-40 north and drove until we reached US 25 west. We got off there and then connected with US 411. This road took us back to Sevierville. On this road, we passed Bush Bean's factory, Distribution Center, and Visitor Center.
Another sign caught our attention and we made a slight detour. It was Harrisburg Covered Bridge. This was built in 1875 and restored in 1972. We drove through it, turned around, and drove back. It was a nice sidetrack adventure.
Finally, we reached Sevierville. We turned south on US 441 which took us through Pigeon Forge and on to Gatlinburg. We checked out the sights along the drive, but knew we needed to get to our hotel as it was beginning to get dark. Our hotel, Zoders Inn and Suites, has been one of our favorite hotels in Gatlingburg for a long time, mostly because almost all of the rooms have balconies on the Roaring Fork Stream. Robin especially loves listening to the rushing water. She loves to relax to the sound of water...waterfalls, streams, and the waves at the beach. Checking in, found us in the same building we have generally stayed in, right on the curve of the stream.
However, the room we were assigned, Room 231, was not at all what we were expecting. We had not stayed in this room before and know we won't stay in it again. With luggage in hand, we walked in to mirrors everywhere. The one on the ceiling above the bed took us offguard. The room was beautiful, but could we get passed the ceiling. Robin headed straight to the balcony to hear the stream. We talked and decided we were too tired to deal with changing rooms so we would just deal with the mirrors.
The day had been long with lots of driving, and the rain was still coming down. Rain always makes us want to order a pizza to be delivered, even at home. We got settled in while we waited for pizza to arrive. Once it arrived, we ate and watched tv. It didn't take us long to get tired and try to sleep. It was a little too cold to keep the balcony door open, but the water could be heard if it was quiet.
