Day 35: Friday, July 23
Drove into the Smokey Mountains. Stopped at Sugarlands Visitor Center where we learned some falls visible at the road, west on Little Rivers Road. We headed that way, past the better-known Laurel Falls which is 1.3 mile hike.
Many pull-offs where people hop the river rocks.
Fearing that "123 miles" range claimed by the car's electronic odometer might not take us through the long narrow winding mountains, I found my way to a campsite and road that leads out of the park to Wear Valley.
You really wonder if it's a real road when it puts you on a one-lane wooden bridge leading to narrow line-less road hugging the mountain. Surprise! There's really oncoming traffic!
(Maps awful! No name on the map labeling the campsite symbol! Relied on restroom visitors to inform us.)
It was twenty miles round trip, ultimately not necessary, but worth the peace of mind. Curiously, gas in this deserted area was only $2.55.9. (WPB probably $2.65.9)
So with enough gas, ventured further west to "The Sinks" - a river cascade. Visible only 100 paved feet away from crowded parking lot. Many swimming, climbing on rocks, and some brave divers - from 15 and from 25 foot heights.
Smokeys heavily forested, though steep landscape causes many trees to fall.
We headed back to 441 to continue across the Smokeys. Stopped often for quick views. One view of Chimney tops from distance convinced Renate that I shouldn't climb it - which I had long announced intentions to do.
Slightly left of center in photo below are two close peaks. Their bare rock near the top reminded people of twin chimneys:
A few miles later, very crowded parking near the trail. Renate was in luck: I had assured her that it was only a 40 minute climb, and she'd have bathroom access. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
It's only a 2 mile hike to the top, but 1700 feet elevation (170 story building). Estimated 2 to 3 hours. And no facilities around.
Onward. Tiny road in distance helps give scale to the photo below.
At the highest point, Newfound Gap - 5086 feet - photo of Renate shows how "Smokey Mountains" got there name. They seemed to smoke behind her.
Down into Cherokee, we ate buffet lunch for only $8 each at the Newfound Lodge restaurant. Chicken, ribs, catfish, hushpuppies, squash, melons, grapes, slaw.
No souvenir tiles for Peter in Cherokee!
Maggie valley cleaner, wider, less schlocky, and great vistas approaching. Note houses in hills.
(Waviness of road due to car window)
We briefly got onto the Blue Ridge Parkway - but it goes out of the way. 71 miles to Ashville. We turned back, resumed on US 19. Suddenly 31 miles to Ashville.
After looping the city, got to our Ramada Inn. Great room. Breakfast until 10 am!
Renate wanted hair washed and dried. I found "Hair Emporium" on internet. Two blocks away. I found "Used Books" store in the mall. I bought odd selection. It's a retirement thing: Opera, Life of Beethoven and others, Plate dialogues, Grimm stories.
Some people at hairdresser recommended off-the-path but nearby "Cheddar's" for dinner. We both had hamburgers. Renate esp enjoyed mushroom burger.
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