Clinmans Dome

We drove up to Clingmans Dome this morning where it was breezy, foggy and in the 60s. It was still pretty and we saw some wildflowers in bloom we haven't seen for a while.



The climb to the top (6643 feet above sea level) was much easier in the coolness. The trail climbs something like 2000 feet in 1/2 mile - very steep.



There is a 50 feet high tower at the top of the mountain. The view was a bit restricted today!



On the North Carolina side, we stopped at a working grist mill where the Park Service grinds both wheat and corn to sell in visitor centers.



On the way back down to Gatinburg we stopped at Newfound Gap overlook - there was no fog and the view is spectacular:






The weather was great and our legs held up to the climb at Clingmans - what more could we ask for?

Ross and Dottie Frid
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Location:Smoky Mountain National Park

Alamo Steakhouse

Tonight we dined at this great place that does great steaks (Angus only) cooked over oak fires.









Probably the best steaks this side of Texas (Texas does steaks over Mesquite - a superior wood for beef.)



The restaurant is adjacent to one of the rivers for a nice setting.


Ross and Dottie Frid
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Location:Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains N.P.

We did an auto tour today because it was supposed to rain. We decided to start from the Sugarlands Visitor Center in order to get directions. While there Ross picked up a map for a short nature hike next to the center that goes to Cataract Falls.






Not much of a falls, but a fun walk anyways.

After the visitor center we drove the old Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail where we saw a bear on the road right away. After taking some pictures, we stopped at the Ogle Place, an historic homestead/farm located along a trail that was the original Gatlinburg road.



Following the road we got to a high overlook at GPS elevation 3331 ft above sea level.



Continuing on the loop, we followed Roaring Fork River and stopped at a spot that wasn't overrun with tourists (like us) to take some pics.






That was the junket for this morning.

Ross and Dottie Frid
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Location:Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Crystelle Creek Restaurant

We ate here tonight based on local recommendation.



Ross had grilled fresh rainbow trout and Dottie had chicken and broccoli alfredo. The food and service were superb. The new owner has had this restaurant for only three weeks, but it was packed.



There was live entertainment. The building is built over the creek on pilings and done tastefully rustic.

Ross and Dottie
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Smoky Mountains Craftsmen Guild tour

The original plan was to wait till mid-morning and go to down town Gatlinburg and take the aerial tram up the mountain. Well, best laid plans and all... We went for a quick recon trip to the craftsmen guild loop road to check it out and see what we might want to do later in week. A quick stop yielded a giant bear carved from a section of tree (yep it fit the van) then a second stop yielded a few candles, and so on. We stopped in a leather shop and I ordered a custom tooled holster and would have it done later this afternoon. He turned us on to great place to eat lunch:



The Wild Plum, and Ross had lobster pie and Dottie had chicken salad. They were fantastic - both of them.

Found a new girlfriend for george:



And we got some garden ideas:



After lunch and waiting to pick up holster, we drove to park visitor center to get map, tour suggestions and the obligatory hats.


Tomorrow is another day. Perhaps another try for the tram and Hard Rock Cafe?

Ross and Dottie Frid
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Location:Dreamers Cove Way,Gatlinburg,United States

First Morning

Watching the mountain fog burn off over the Smoky Mountains

Ross and Dottie Frid
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Location:Mountainloft Resort,Gatlinburg,United States

Mountainloft

Arrived (finally) at Mountainloft - can you say view?



This is the view from the patio (balcony) table. We are on the top floor.



We're hoping for a nice sunset one day.

Tomorrow the tram.

Ross and Dottie
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