Just as you are about to turn onto Old Cades Cove Road these signs are right in front of you. It occurred to me that the two signs should be swapped.

Not like this, but you know what I mean. Tuccaleechee Caverns actually goes under the Davy Crockett Riding Stables. For instance,

This room, which is larger than a football field, is 300 feet below

this place. Our guide told us that all water, not just rain water, filters through the ground and into the cave. He told us that the water in the cave was 99% pure (right) and encouraged us to try it.

Some of us have a short memory.

 

There is a book called Hiking Trails of the Smokey’s that is very informative if you are going to do much walking around up there. Not only does it provide good trail information, it tells interesting things about things you might encounter along the way. For instance,

about 100 yards to the right of this trail sign

is this maintained cemetery. In its back corner you will find the grave of Vannie Cook who died a few months shy of her eleventh birthday.

A forest fire got started as a result of a short-lived feud. Vannie’s father and some other men set out to suppress the fire and used the children as fire spotters to watch the slow-moving flames. Vannie and her sister were stationed in a spot that seemed safe, but the fire suddenly came to life and surrounded the two girls. A limb, that dropped from a tree engulfed in flames, crashed down on the two girls. Vannie was seriously injured. Broken and burned, she was taken to a nearby cabin. As she was laid on the bed a dove flew by and landed on the window sill. For two days the dove stayed close, and on the third day, when Vannie breathed her last, it flew away. Those who had taken care of Vannie were convinced that the dove had been an angel sent to take her to heaven.

On Thursday, we went

over the mountain…

under the mountain …

around the mountain …

and through the woods.

Wednesday, after eating breakfast at the Riverstone Family Restaurant,

Joel and I went to Little River Outfitters to buy flies for our day of fly fishing. Of course we didn’t check our gear before we put on our fishing costumes.

After getting all dressed up, we realized that the line on our reels was not up to par…so off with the costumes and back to Little River Outfitters. Thank goodness we had not ventured far from Townsend.

Not only did the nice lady at the counter fix our line problem, she also tied our flies on. Joel asked, “Aren’t you supposed to spit on that line when you tie it?” The lady said, “You sure are, but I was being courteous since it’s not my line. If you can’t spit, you can’t fish.”

We didn’t catch anything…

but it was sure a good excuse to play in the water.

 

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity.”

John Muir

Once again it is the season of necessity for us, and we are back at the cabin in the Smokey Mountains. This time, Adam and Laura came with us.

Cades Cove and Roaring Fork, two of our favorite drives, are closed to have the roads redone, but that’s alright. We brought our fly fishing gear…thank goodness… because it’s a little warmer than we expected it to be. We’re not much for hiking in the heat.

After unloading our stuff, we drove into the park and visited the cascades. Like I said, it’s warmer than we expected so

we cooled off by dangling our hands in the water.

That is, all of us except Joel.

He opted for bottled water.

The boys came over this morning, and when the time came to take our walk

it had started to rain, so we went to the barn to feed the animals instead.

We fed the goats first because they were the loudest.

Next, we took care of the little chickens and rabbits. When it was time to feed the other chickens, the boys were a little hesitant.

They said they were afraid of the big chicken

who isn’t a chicken, and couldn’t pass for one if he tried. Then Denton spied the little white silkie, who was sitting on her nest and being very, very still.

He said, “Aww, look at the little chicken, she’s…, she’s… dead.”

Magic and Fluffy having a discussion

This has been a wet winter, which has not been too good for our crops; especially our crop of grandchildren. Today, it is raining again, and like every Monday, the boys were here. So, what can you do on a rainy day, except maybe

watch it rain,

or pick your nose while watching television? Well, just get busy with house work and you just might find out.

For example, while you are busy, there just might be

a secret tasting if the Girl Scout cookies. Because you don’t have time to hide the cookies, your next move would be to…

push the table up against the door so they can’t get back to the cookies. This causes quite a stir. Then they might just decide to share…

.

with the goldfish. And share they did…

but only blocks and puzzle pieces. Then, for no particular reason,

their daddy decided to take them home early. God is good.

 

Meet our new friends…Ad and Monique. They arrived with Engeline a little after 7 p.m. on Sunday the 21^st. After introductions, we shared a meal together and got better acquainted. It was fun getting to know them and catch up with Engeline.

After everyone else had turned in, Engeline and I continued to visit. The next morning,

we gathered around the island for breakfast and more conversation. Then we did the

‘southern thing’ and enjoyed visiting on the front porch for a while. At least Engeline, Monique and I did.

Ad, who spoke very little English, checked out the nursery.

Then we went down to the barn to see the animals. After a golf cart ride and another cup of coffee,

it was time for them to pack the car and head back toward Houston.

The visit was short, but such a joy. Ad and Monique have joined the ranks of the many who pass through our home; their presence here will always be remembered.

 

Today is the day that my two guests from the Netherlands arrive. Actually they are guests of Engeline Tan and her dad, who live in Houston. They are all staying the night here on their way back from a visit to The Big Easy. This will require three beds which are fluffed and ready. They will be staying in…

the library,

the east room

and the west room. I know this sounds like I’m describing rooms in the White House, but there is one big difference…..ours is light yellow. Anyway, I have a meal prepared and am very excited about sharing our home with them. It will be a real treat…a Dutch treat.