July 24, 2021 : A Day in the Smokies Part 1

Today we decided we were spending the WHOLE day in the Smokies! We got up at Laura’s normal time, packed a cooler, threw the kids in the car, and started driving to towards Clingsman’s Dome, the highest point. We got up there and saw why it was called the Smokies for sure!

You only had to drive a little ways down before the fog cleared and a calm sunrise could be seen. 

We decided to head to Cades Cove - which we had heard great things about, along with warnings about how busy it gets. It’s an 11 mile drive through a valley which had been settled. 

At our first stop, one of the first cabins built in the area, we met an intern who gave us some hiking recommendations.

The valley is lovely and we saw a little wildlife: 


This was one of the most picturesque places along the drive. 




Since it was a super slow trek through, Elizabeth hung out on laps a little… and clearly, lived her best life!

Since I can only put 10 pictures per post, part 2 and 3 will have the rest of the day!