Witte City: It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Sonya and I spent most of the last week in Gatlinburg TN and visiting The Smoky Mountains National Park. (America's best idea) We arrived on Tuesday and after checking in at Zoder's Best Western we drove to Clingman's Dome to experience the highest peak in the Smokys at 6643 ft. Climbing to the observation tower, we enjoyed endless views in every direction. Truly breath taking!

   On Wednesday we set out to climb Mt LeConte, the 3rd highest peak in the Smokys at 6593 ft. We were a bit apprehensive about an 11 mile hike up and down a mountain, but we tamed it quite easily making it up and down in about 4 1/2 hours. Not bad for a couple of amateurs!

   Thursday dawned with rainy skies. We found a short easy hike to a lovely place called Laural Falls. We then took a drive around the roaring creek motor nature trail. A nice ride around what was probably a logging road at one time. We were very surprised to come upon a momma bear and her 2 cubs while circling the road!

After our drive we decided it would be a good day to go on a winery tour. We visited 3 wineries in the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area that call themselves The Rocky Top Wine Trail. Sampling wines at all 3 stops on the trail earned us an engraved wine glass! Great way to spend a rainy afternoon!

   On Friday we hiked the 2 miles up to Chimney Tops. Even though it was only 4 miles round trip, Sonya and I agreed it was our toughest hike. Being the steepest and most dangerous climb of the week, it was the most satisfying. But we agreed that Mt LeConte was the most fun!