This is the Great Smokey Mountain view when it rains! And, it rained two of the three days we were in the mountains. Within 2 hours of leaving this area, a rock slide occurred! We heard about it on the evening news ran a story which included the need to close the road.
The waterfall at the end of the 1st hike. It is my favorite scenery picture. The hike was 1.3 miles in a primarily upward incline. Quinten was still having asthma problems and could not walk so he rode on top of his dad's shoulders the entire hike to the falls. He also rode on his shoulders most of the 1.3 miles back though I gave a small respite for Mark.
Another pretty picture!
This is Mark's favorite scenery photo.
The view after the waterfall.
Our family spring break trip took us to The Great Smokey Mountains last week. We arrived to a wonderful 2 bedroom cabin nestled quite high in the mountains. The road twisted and turned enough that I never drove and was grateful to not have to drive. We literally had several 90 degree turns! Quinten and Lauren traveled quite nicely all 400 miles. Lauren used to complain bitterly about being in the backseat but I think she has realized it is where the kids sit!
Saturday was cool but gorgeous. We did the waterfall hike in the morning. After walking around, we had lunch at a pancake house. Quinten slept over two hours and we woke him up to get in a second hike. This was very muddy and we never made it to the end of the trail. We did cross over 3 bridges and several streams of water which were beautiful.
Sunday was a water park day due to the rain. However, we drove nearly 90 minutes thanks to construction and a stop for directions. Once we reached the destination, we were turned away as the park was for guests only! Lets just say mark was not too happy. We finally found the second park which was at the first turn from the cabin. Yes, we drove 90 minutes for a 5 minute drive. The kids loved it though kept to the lazy river primarily. Lauren and Quinten played great together. Lauren offered to watch Quinten so Mark and I could go down the slides together.
Monday took us the the Aquarium of the Smokies. It was fantastic and all four of us enjoyed the entire aquarium. Mark's mother and step-father joined us for lunch at the Pancake Pantry. Gatlinburg must have had easily over a dozen pancake places but this was legend. I had the sweet potato pancakes which were incredible. Lauren left with her grandparents to spend spring break in North Carolina.
Tuesday the rain broke and temperature finally rose just as we left at 9am! Despite the rain, we enjoyed being together as a family. Personally, I have never slept better in my life! Even Quinten slept until 7:30 every morning which is easily an hour earlier than at home.
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