Condo at Myrtle Beach

Our trip to Columbia SC provided a homecoming with my brother and his family. We took a drive to their condo in Myrtle Beach. Unfortunately our weather was not the best so we took advantage of a clearing to walk to the beach and take a photo before the clouds delivered a drenching rain. We still had a great time together and I'm thankful for the every minute.

The Grove Park Inn

While Asheville NC is known for the Biltmore house, there is another property that is majestic with breathtaking views of the mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. The Grove Park Inn was built in 1913 by E. W. Grove. While the tonic he created to help people with malaria vanished long ago, the Inn he built using his wealth, lives on. From 10 presidents to F. Scott Fitzgerald to George Gershwin, the halls have been graced by many note-worthy people. It has the feel of the great lodges found in the national parks. The exterior and large walk-in fireplaces have boulders form the local quarries. And the great room has panoramic views of the Smokies and community in the valley below.

The leaves are still falling in the Smokies

Even though it is weeks past prime color, there are lots of leaves still on the trees, especially in the low areas of the Smokies. There are more unique tree species in the Smokies than in all of Europe, so I'm amazed by the variety leaves, especially the large leaves that look like they're from Oaks and Maples but I'm not certain if that is correct. With bad weather approaching I took the opportunity to go for a ride near Gatlinburg on what ended up the best day so far for warm weather. How ever, even if the weather had not been so good, it is always a good day when I get to go horse back riding in a national park.

Over the Newfound Gap

Today's drive in the Smokies took us over the top (Newfound Gap), leaving Tennessee entering into North Carolina. At the higher elevations, we experienced the remnants of Sandy's wrath which dropped 3 feet of snow, stranding one hiker walking the Appalachian Trail. Our day was much warmer than the hikers with temps in the 60's. The views from Clingmans Dome at the top were breathtaking and the clear air provided views for miles. Once we reached the bottom and the park entrance at the southeast corner we stopped at the visitors center which has a nice example of a typical farm that was found 100 years ago in the region.

Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park

36 deer, 1 black bear, 3 turkeys and a flat opossum. No shortage of wildlife spotting's today as we drove up into the Smoky's.