Clingman's Dome, Whitewater Falls

 A final day of color in the Great Smokies, followed by a trip back to Brevard, stopping for a glimpse of Whitewater Falls, the highest cascade in the East.  What a memorable trip for us all!  And Don and I had the pleasure of the Bryson's company on two occasions, always great fun. 

So hard to decide which pictures to include, and to omit, but here are my favorites. 

Our wonderful chalet in Gatlinburg, pretty perfect for our stay.  Neal and Don

I have never been in an environment of complete color before.  

One of the more breathtaking vistas in the morning.  This is the view of the Chimneys.

The steady climb up the trail to the top of Clingman's Dome
Perhaps two out of three people we say were from India.  I asked a group of Indian men,
"Is there a direct flight from Mumbai to this parking lot?"  and they roared with laughter. 
"No" one said, "We have drones to deliver us here!".

Just below the top, a crossing of the Appalachian Trail. 

The viewing platform on top. 

Worth the very tiring hike. 

 

Mt. Leconte in the distance  (6'593 feet)

I think Don was surprised to see me on top (I did consider turning back several times, seeing how dark it was getting on top, but a young man (Indian) said it wasn't supposed to rain until the afternoon. 
Don said he'd never let me forget it if I hadn't made it. 

More gorgeous vistas on the way back

Two views from the top bedroom of the chalet. 

Heading out of the Smokies, we came upon some Elk!

And the very special moment at Whitewater Falls.  
The view from the top of the trail

110 steps down to a lower viewing platform and a complete view.

Grabbing a quick photo from the car of Toxaway Falls

At the Bryson's.  This is a Metformin pill.  Susan made me a pill box full to keep in my pocket to have with me always, and I am required to take one before dinner.  I forgot, the entire trip.  So here is proof that on my last meal of the trip, I remembered!

Thank you, Don, for being such a great host, for securing me a bass trombone to practice with (my big band concert was a huge success), thank you for all the driving.  Thank you, Sally and Neal, for all the wonderful lunch supplies, for driving us through Cades Cove, and for being the great companions you are.  And thank you, Tim and Sylvia, for your great dinners and conversations, and the Rosso de Montalcino!     

my favorites. 

  

Cades Cove

 Our first adventure out with Sally and Neal was to the iconic Cades Cove, a settlement from the very early 1800's, with many of the buildings from that period kept as a historic monument.  But what a time to visit, with the color at it's peak.  Afterword, Neal took us on a side trip he was familiar with, up a side road along a spectacular river.  All breathtaking. 

The drive to Cades Cove was the first indication of how spectacular the color was. 
There were moments on the road when we were completely surrounded by color.
That's Neal ahead. 

Our first stop for photographs

This is the John Oliver cabin, the oldest log cabin in the Cove.

Talk about location!

The cove is a large flatland completely surrounded by mountains. Sightings of bear, elk and deer are
are common.  Over 80 historic buildings are present at the site. 

The Cable Mill from about 1970

It was a gift to visit this beautiful place. 

Neal knew of a great photo opportunity on a byway back to Gatlinburg.
These next five photos are thanks to him. 

And finally, the color from our chalet.

Next blog: Clingman's Dome