That’s right ladies and gentlemen, me and Grant left early Wednesday heading for the Smoky Mountains for a long weekend. We didn’t go alone though, thankfully. My aunt, Danita, my older sister, Briana, and her three kids all piled into a big SUV. It was hard to leave my Jeep, Jackson, behind but this was one adventure where he would have to get left behind. Tyler also got left behind.
For a couple reasons. 1. He has been home way to much. Hahahaha, I doubt you guys would buy that. I enjoy having him around, he is my best friend and the one person I get a long with all the time. So, 1. He did start a new job that he needed to stay at home to complete. 2. We had original planned to do this trip on spring break while he was still touring, therefore it was just going to be a girls plus kids week, but we ended up having to cancel because of COVID.
Danita was able to get the trip rescheduled though for this past week and away we went! Unfortunately, in my mad rush to leave I completely forgot not only my phone charger but also my camera. The pictures I got were with my phone and are very lacking! My deepest apologies to anyone who loves the pictures!
Wednesday
We left super early Wednesday morning that way we could do something before heading to our cabin, we agreed to go to Wonder Works. Or as we all refer to it, the upside house. It is really cool! See pictures below for the outside view and of the lobby. The rest of it is kind of a mix between an arcade, fun zone, and a museum. It is kind of hard to explain to anyone who has never been before.
I didn’t get any pictures on the inside because Grant had me on my toes. I did have him on the leash though. That leash has been a life saver for us, makes going and doing things with him so much easier. Wonder Works had something for everyone though. We even left and ate dinner at the Apple Barn and then came back for more. When you buy a ticket you can use it for that whole day, allowing you to leave and return if you want.
Thursday and Friday
Thursday we spent the day hiking, and playing in the creek. Grant loves the water! I should’ve known better and brought his swimsuit with us that day. He was soaked by the end! Every where the cousins went, he was right there with them. Made bedtime a breeze though, poor kid would be out like a light within 5 to 10 mins of good nights and I love yous.
Friday we spent the day playing mini golf. I did get two hole in ones (I’m a little proud of myself for that). We went to Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf. It had two courses that you could play. Lots of different levels, water included, some holes had a challenge wheel you had to spin, and even a fort that you played through. It was really cool course. We all had a really good time, lots of laughs. At ourselves and at each other.
Grant also did surprisingly well. He didn’t try to throw the club or the hit the ball as hard as he possible could. He was trying very hard to hit it right and would play through till the ball went in the hole. Also stayed with us for the most part, a few times he would get excited and go to next hole. I told my aunt that the next time me and Tyler wanted to do a day thing with Grant I would need to keep mini golf in mind.
Saturday
Saturday morning Briana and her kids decided to make the hike up to Rainbow Falls. As a refresher for some, Rainbow Falls is the trail/falls that me and Tyler did a few months back when we went to the Smoky Mountains. Remember how that almost killed me and I swore I would never go back…WELP!
I most definitely did NOT go back up! No, thank you! When they told me that, I laughed and said have fun and no Grant is not going with. Danita decided that she would also not make the hike. So while they (The Crazies!) hiked, the three of us enjoyed the hot tub at the cabin, having the whole cabin to ourselves, and did some hiking around the cabin. Briana and the kids made it back early afternoon, she claims it only took them an hour and a half to get up the mountain…. I don’t know…. probably actually. They are all in pretty good shape and jog for fun (like I said The Crazies!). In all seriousness, when she told me that, that was my okay I probably should get more serious about mine and Tyler’s health. We’ll keep you updated on that.
After lunch was had, we headed to Cades Cove to do some last ditch attempt at bear hunting. I am proud to say that we did manage to see two bears! They were also little ones. It probably could have been three bears but then someone in the front of the line, honked and scared it away. At least that is what we are thinking happened since the line started moving again once the honk happened.
Time to Journey Home
Sunday morning, we all got up and started the packing to head home. I was getting out of the shower when there was a knock at my door, it was Danita. “Cat, there is a bear outside.” “A what?” “A bear!” I grabbed my towel came out into the kitchen, let out a yelp and went right back into the bathroom to get my phone. There was a bear sitting outside our cabin. I didn’t get out fast enough with my phone to get his face, but here is him getting up walking away.
Therefore, our grand total of bear sightings for the week was three! It just doesn’t feel like a successful Smoky visit if you don’t see a bear. Once the bear finally decided to leave we finished packing up the SUV and homeward we went. I was so glad to be home and be back with Tyler. Having him home for the last 5 months have spoiled both of us. We have gotten used to each other always being there. I’m not sure what I am going to do if he ever gets the chance to go back on the road touring.
What’s next?
We don’t have any adventures planned for August because this introvert told Tyler that I need to hermit for the month. I just want to go to work and then come home and only interact with people I have to. Knowing him though, I won’t be able to get away with that. So stay tuned for more adventures! Together or apart!
xoxo
-Pretty Lady
