Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This 520,000 sq. mile national park is the most visited park in the USA . . . yet there were vacancies in the RV park and tent campground. The park straddles the Great Smoky Mountains between North Carolina and Tennessee. Park land was purchased from private parties with a $5 million donation from the Rockefellers and $7 million from the people of TV and SC. Its old growth hemlock, oak and pine forests are now protected for all to enjoy. This time of year, the rhododendron are in bloom on hillsides and creek bands. The sight is just beautiful. It's also the month of the heavies rainfall, and we've had thunderstorms every afternoon.

One of the park's goals is to preserve the log buildings and Appalachian culture of the area. At 7 pm on Friday, one of the rangers gave a tolk on story telling. She wove a tall tale and got many of the younger campers involved in playing roles. The next night was music night and we gathered in front of a small stage and tapped our toes to banjo, mandolin, bass and guitar music. The six piece "Apalachian Bluegrass" played and sang for 1-1/2 hours, just before the sky opened up. It poured most of the night (see the next story).

We've driven part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and are now in Gatlinburg on the northern boundary of the park and close to Dollywood. Saw a farm in the backwood that was in use from 1883 to 1925. The chestnut wood log cabin and barn are still standing.

We leave on Wednesday for one night in a Kentucky state park and then on the John and Beth Crabb's home in Ohio for a 4th of July celebration.