On Top of Ole Smoky

Today we venture into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - we stop at the visitor center first & pick up a new fur baby......and some maps.  Turns out this park has no entry fee but everything you purchase goes towards the park.

We decide to head up the road to the Newfound Gap on the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina.

 

Then we headed up to Clingmans Dome - a very steep mile long walk takes you to Clingmans Dome Tower and the highest point in the Smokies (6,643feet).  Daryl powered up this as usual....I was a little short of breath at his pace!  Unfortunately by the time we got to the top, the clouds had closed in and there was not much to see - shame. 

 

Lots of coloured butterflies floating around up here and wildflowers although they are past their best now but still pretty.

 

We decide to head over the other side to Cherokee in North Carolina - a very pretty drive through woods with the river running beside the road.  We look around Cherokee township for a while and then took a drive around the area before heading back home again. 
















We spot this guy on the way back.

 

 

 

Coming back into Gatlinburg we make a stop in town to visit the Hard Rock Cafe so Daryl can collect his guitars.  Turns out this one is shutting soon to be relocated to Pigeon Forge so these will be obsolete soon.

Who said Daryl has a big head........


We went for a cruise down the strip to see all the cars and people that night - so many lined all up the strip it becomes hard to drive it - so slow.....

Another photo opportunity - there are so many.  I reckon this is the most photographed 40 in the States.