Travel Journal: Gatlinburg, Part 1

Point one about interstate travel - semi trucks are scary. 
Point two about interstate travel - ever since I started driving, being a passenger seems odd.
Point three about interstate travel - driving, while more tiring, is quite enjoyable.  And my GPS is a lifesaver - I love you, "Fred".

On the whole though, it was an un-eventful trip over.   We drove through some simply gorgeous countryside - Ireland may be famous for the "Forty Shades of Green", but Tennessee runs a close second!  I ended up driving a good part of the way, so didn't get as many pictures as I was hoping for, but I have some nice ones to share.  Unfortunately, the camera connect cord did not make it with us (note to self for future: if it's something you need, double-check) so unless I find one to buy here, they'll have to wait until I get home.

By about 15 miles out, the tourist chaos was closing in, starting with stores prominently advertising "2 t-shirts for $10.00!!!" and gradually getting worse and worse as we entered Pigeon Forge.   Never in my life have I seen such a mish-mash of bright neon signs, laden with explanation points.   A few that stood out for me:

• #1 Importer of Indian Moccasins!  (Isn't that a domestic product?  You know, "Native Americans"???  Anyway...) 
• National Champion Elvis!!!  (okay...)
• Petting Zoo and Pony Rides - and Exotic Wedding Pictures.  (...)

Honestly, about halfway through, I was fighting the urge to dive under the seat and begin meditation practices.

Between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you actually see a bit of *gasp* NATURE, via the Smoky Mountain National Park.  It's a lovely few minutes, trees on one side, and a creek running down the other. 

Gatlinburg itself seems much less commercial-touristy and more fun-touristy.  The main street on the way in was incredibly busy though, and I was glad to get up to our hotel.  It's on a mountain over looking Gatlinburg, with simply stunning views of surrounding mountains and the city.  

Tomorrow, we're going exploring a bit, as we have the whole day free before the conference meeting at night. Driving and parking is difficult, so we're planning to use the trolleys as much as possible for around-town.  I would like to drive over to Clingmans Dome, though at nearly an hour away, we'll probably end up staying around here.

That pretty much concludes my adventures for the day, so I'll just mention how much I truly enjoyed "attending church" in true face-to-face lesson form, rather than via tape, and how nice it was to finally meet my pastor in person.  

Farewell for now.

From Gatlinburg,
~Zahrah