If you ever get the chance......you need to visit some of America's National Parks.
These are places set aside by our country and they hold great significance to something of great wonder and beauty in the areas they are located in.
We took this opportunity to re-visit "The Great Smoky Mountains National Park" on our trip to
Gatlinburg, Tennesse a few weeks ago.
Or as our youngest son called
"The Pokey Mountains."
We had taken our family to this area when our children were little.
Luke was semi "correct" actually about these being the
"Pokey Mountains."
You can't take these Mountains "fast."
You must take them slowly.
Partly due to the roads being wind some and steep and narrow.
But also because of the various sites within these Mountains.
If you rush.....you'll more than likely miss something important.
Upon entering the National Park we headed straight for an area called
"Cades Cove" which was first settled by Europeans in the early 1800's.
(John Oliver Cabin)
We had remembered from the other time we had gone there that there were a great variety of cabins and areas that are worth wandering through in this part of the park.
(Someone snapped this photo for us)
At one point in this little 11 mile "Cove" area, the population living there was upwards to 271 people.
Which is amazing.
It's a beautiful secluded area with Mountains protecting this "Cove."
Can you just imagine trying to live in this rugged place though?
The rocks in the ground were still prevalent everywhere........I tried to imagine the farmers trying to plant and raise crops with that happening to them.
(The Primitive Baptist Church circa 1887)
The Primitive Baptist Church and Graveyard
Where many of the residents of this area are currently residing.
Throughout Cades Cove are wonderful "walking paths" and "foot trails" leading to many wonderful sites......including "Abram's Fall's."
Which unfortunately with my body issues.....we didn't hike up to.
Although, I was very proud of how much walking and hiking,
I WAS able to do on this trip!
