September 20, 2018. Today was the day for visiting the famous Cade’s Cove Loop. A cove, in Appalachian terms, means a valley or meadow surrounded by mountains. There are many coves in these mountains but Cade’s Cove is supposed to be the most scenic. The locals call it a national treasure. I would agree. It is so beautiful and peaceful. The road follows the stream and is sometimes a tunnel of trees that you drive through. The road was originally the railroad track. Over 2million people a year visit this Cove. It is only an 11-mile loop, but it takes several hours if you stop at all of the historical spots along the way. This place has such an interesting history.  Some of the original homes and churches have been preserved from the early 1800s. There was also an original grist mill and two cantilevered barns.  The area is full of wildlife, too, such as deer, black bears, wild turkey, raccoons, and other wildlife. We finally left there and then headed for two other places I wanted to visit.

  Our next stop was Newfound Gap. It is on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. This  mountain pass has beautiful views from about 5500 ft elevation.  It also has access to the Appalachian Trail.  We walked on the trail for a little ways and took lots of pictures of the view.  Unfortunately the day had become cloudy and the pictures are not as good as I would have liked. Next, we traveled on 7 miles (took 20 minutes) up to Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies, almost 7,000ft.  After you get to the parking lot, you have to climb a very steep half-mile path up to the Observation Tower. No switchbacks or level areas, just straight up. I struggled to get up there, but finally made it. Again it was very cloudy but still spectacular, a 360 degree view of the mountains.

     Tired, but happy, we made our way back to town. We had a yummy shrimp dinner at Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Company and then back to the motel for showers. Another great day!  I also got my steps in that day!  Look at that 18 floors😄