Chattanooga

An afternoon visit to the Chattanooga Zoo was a fun. We not only saw, but heard the Kookaburra!

Journey's favorite part was watching these very active Red Pandas move about their enclosure.

So adorable!

I loved the Giant Anteaters! Their feet and face are so interesting, actually every bit of them is pretty fascinating.

And then the adorable monkeys....

....and Meerkats!

Asher took pictures of the animals and added quotes.

Afterwards we stayed a night with our friends, Chris and Kim at their house on Signal Mountain. We enjoyed dinner together downtown and then walked to the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a hotel/ entertainment complex within the historical train terminal that was restored in 1973.

I was really impressed with the restrooms! I mean, come on, FLAMINGO wallpaper!

Farm Fun with Friends

We've been friends with the Fugate family since Asher and Journey were 4! Look how much they've grown since our time together in Alaska. Their two oldest sons are now grown and serving in the military! 

It's always fun to see the animals they have. Asher, Journey and I took turns accompanying the kids as they completed their farm jobs. 

Then it was time to milk the cows.

Straining the milk, then separating the cream. Afterwards I made butter for the first time with Jessica's instruction!

I was able to accompany Jessica at the Farmer's Market where she sells the food her family raises, bakes and grows. Her sourdough bread is delicious and now she makes specialty flavors also. Despite the rain, it was a successful day and we enjoyed our time together. 

Have you ever seen such a beautiful pantry? All the fresh, organic food they've grown and canned, or freeze dried line the shelves. 

I had no idea you could freeze dry avocados or oranges!

And then I spotted this pork leg- aged prosciutto! I was really intrigued by this, so Johnny cut us a slice. It was actually really good! 

Twice we took a trip to the nearby river where the kids had tons of fun!

 

Journey gave everyone an arial acrobatics show!

This may be the last time we get to visit our friends at this beautiful farm. During our time together, they decided to put the farm on the market. That same day the packing and painting began. We're excited for what's ahead for this sweet family.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Having lived in Ohio most of my life, I find it troubling that I'd often drive to Florida for vacations but I'd never been to the Smokies. Even the last few years we've driven by multiple times, but never stopped. OK, it's pretty much always January and snowy mountains + an RV is not a good equation. So FINALLY we made it to GSMNP! We camped at Elkmont Campground which we loved because the sites are right along the river and well, it's a great birding hotspot.

Nicole ended up driving up on her days off to bird with me at the park. 

After setting up our campsite, we drove thru Gatlinburg and stopped in Pigeon Forge for dinner. Holy Moly! It's such a weird juxtaposition when you're in the thick forest of the Smokies, and then all of a sudden you're in a bustling town with roller coasters and kitschy signs and shops attempting to lure tourists. One of our friends said Gatlinburg is like a Vegas and I laughed. But you know what? He's right. The lights, signs, crazy buildings (one's even upside down) certainly give off a similar feel.

Looking out at Gatlinburg from the Smokies.

The kids found this bright blue mushroom in our campsite!

In the morning, we set out to drive the Cades Cove loop in the hopes of spotting wildlife. Birds, deer and a turtle were out, but no bears were hanging around.

Such a pretty drive. 

We stopped to hike one of the trails and found this fun bridge and some cabins.

Our favorite part was hiking Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies and along the Appalachian Trail. It's located right on the state line, so both Tennessee and North Carolina claim it. It's a beautiful trail from the first step.

Once on the ridge, it's time to climb the observation tower for a better look.

On a clear day, you can see for more than 100 miles into seven states from here!

Our view was quite obscured, but that's why they call it the Smoky Mountains. 

The fog kept changing and came right over us at one point.

Time to head back down thru the fog.

Even after the hike, they still had plenty of energy to climb around on these rocks for half an hour.

Our last morning Nicole and I were birding from the campground and found the Elkmont ghost town of cabins originally built in the 20s. It looks like they may be updating a few of these.

Here's what happens when a bear is spotted along the road. Sheesh!