Great Smokies NP Part 1

The highest point in the park is Clingman's Dome, and you can drive nearly to the top of it. We actually did that twice on Friday, more on that in a moment. Here's part of the spectacular view from the end of the road, where you begin a half-mile uphill walk to the observation tower at the top.

On our drive up that morning we saw this young Black Bear digging for and eating grubs at the side of the road. Very cute, and not bothered by the cars and people stopping to take his picture.

Here's a closer look at most of the bear, with his nose in the dirt.

The reason we did this drive twice was, after our morning visit we drove back down to the Visitor Center where Ellen had made plans to meet Laura and Ralph. Laura is a friend of Ellen's from high school, and they got back in touch recently by email, but had not seen each other since then. We found them, had a good meet and greet, and then a nice lunch together. Then Laura and Ralph wanted to see the lookout atop Clingman's Dome too, so we all went up again in our car. This allowed for more catching up between Ellen and Laura.

One of the more striking things on the path up the hill are these Mountain Ash trees, with leaves falling and bright red berries.

Here's a closer look at the berries. On trees with still-green leaves, it was very Christmassy.

The walk to the Lookout Tower is strenuous, but with a few rests we made it. On our first walk up the tower was in the sunshine.

But on both trips the clouds moved in when we reached the platform, and this was the view! Too bad, at 6643 feet, the highest point in the park, and also the highest point of the Appalachian Trail, should have provided great vistas, but sometimes clouds happen. Driving back down we again saw bears, this time a mother with three cubs, all digging at the roadside.

We went back to Cherokee and toured the Cherokee Indian Museum, which was interesting if ultimately sad, then had dinner in the Harrah's Cherokee Casino which opened there recently, and will hopefully provide income for the tribe. Ellen and Laura had a great time talking, and we all enjoyed the company. They stayed overnight, had breakfast with us, then headed back to the Atlanta area. We appreciated them driving up to see us. More on the Great Smokies next time.