Monday Moons and a Giveaway!

On our last day in Gatlinburg, we took a drive up to Newfound Gap. The road over the mountain to the Cherokee Reservation was washed out in some big rains they had earlier this year, so the Gap is as far as you can go. Very chilly and windy up there, and there was some snow along the way. Incredible view!

After a trip to the Smoky Mountain Knifeworks in Sevierville, we had lunch in Pigeon Forge and then took a drive to Cade's Cove.  The drive is very scenic, winding through the mountains with the river running alongside it.

It was sunny, but not appreciably warmer, and we passed a few hardy fishermen and these kayakers who looked like they were having a great time.  

We arrived at the Cade's Cove picnic grounds, took a quick break there, and then went on the 11 mile scenic loop through Cade's Cove.

 

I had no idea there were places like this in the Smokies, but apparently this was a settled area that was appropriated by the National Park.

There were several abandoned churches, including this Methodist church. 

Many homesteads also had to be abandoned when families were forced to leave their farms when the park was established.

It was getting dark by the time we left the park, and we stopped to get some photos of the moon rising over  the mountains.

Then it was off to Bubba Gump's for a margarita and Lt Dan's Drunken Shrimp!

 

Even though we hate to leave, it'll be good to get home to my guys and the horses!

I have a guest post going up on Long and Short Reviews today. After you've finished mooning over the moons, hop on over and post a comment for a chance to win a copy of Stud!

But take a shower before you leave.