This is a mix of the hiking we did in both Cherokee and Deep Creek areas. Oh and a few at the highest point! The pictures really don’t do justice to the incredible beauty here. Even though it was busy given the fall colors, everyone was polite and willing to help with pictures.

Views from the top!

We were treated to a little concert at the visitor center. It started of with just a few people,  then grew! We all agreed after about the 4th song, it started to sound the same. But we still enjoyed it!

First days of exploring the Bryson City,Cherokee and Gatlinburg areas.

I have way to many things to share about this trip as there’s going to be a couple of posts. Mary, Dave and I spent 3 days/4 nights at a private campground north of Bryson City, North Carolina. It was about a 2 mile drive up to get to Smokey Mountain Meadows campground. Once there and set up, we went into Bryson City to explore and get dinner. Native Brews was disappointing, thank goodness we shared a flight.

Next morning we were on the road early to explore Gatlinburg. Taking a drive through the National Park. Stopped at some overlooks along the way. I’m pretty sure I’ve driven this in Pearl, but was happy to leave the driving to Dave. 35 miles of winding/ steep roads. Once there, we were blown away with how busy it was. Luckily found a parking spot somewhere near the center of the main street. We walked one side meeting some new friends,  stopped for lunch and finished the other side of the street. Needless to say, we prefer the woods.

Driving back, we hit a slowdown due to some big Elk very close to the road. Everyone slowed down to gawk and take pictures. I zoomed in from the car. I didn’t need to get that close and hold up traffic anymore then needed.

As we drove home, we detoured into  Cherokee. Our driver needed ice cream. As they went to indulge, I popped into a store. Walking out, the town had 3 Elk in the town square eating and drinking. Some people got much too close to these huge animals.  And did I mention,  it’s mating season so they were not liking the attention.

I’ll post tomorrow morning of our hiking experiences.

I thought I hadn’t been here before because it wasn’t highlighted on my map but as I drove in, I kept thinking this place looks familiar. Yep! After searching my blog posts (*search box is in Desktop mode on homepage) there it was! I did reach out to friends who live nearby but their schedule was packed so we didn’t meet up this time. It was fun 4 years ago when I was here. I have no idea how the time goes by so quickly. 

I did a lot of hiking both on the ridge overlooking the lake and along the creek. Met some super interesting people, two solo women (one was in her 80s!) and a couple who had a 2021 Travato. Campers are great people, just saying! I do think I’m a little ahead of the fall colors though.

It was quite the winding road to get here but signage was good,  roads a little narrow but in good condition, so it was just taking my time rolling in. Once here, there was a little concern no one was at the gate and no maps but I did find my site. I can say the campground is laid out very well. Large sites and all very secluded and spaced apart. Katie, the camp host in this loop stopped by to sell firewood or ice. We had a great chat and she brought me a map. Thank goodness. The trails are very well maintained and I enjoyed 1 day of dry weather to do some hiking. The rest of my time here was rain from Hurricane Isaias that moved through both Saturday and Sunday. Luckily for me, I had a strong enough signal to stream some football games! There’s a few campgrounds in this area of Daniel Boone National Forest. If they are all as well maintained as this one,  I recommend stopping.

This was my first camping stop heading south for the winter. After almost 2 months helping my sister out, I left beautiful northern Michigan and began traveling again. I had a brief overnight at my sister Kathy’s and caught up with her. Next day I drove south into Kentucky. I would have liked to stay at an Indiana state park but costs were up towards $60 with camp fees and out of state entrance fees. So Kentucky was the place. This is a big place but smaller loops and great trails were the draw. I was able to piece together 3 different trails to get in a nice hike. It also allowed me to see different areas of the park without having to drive it. Totally recommend this place if you have the opportunity.

As the weather starts to cool projects came to an end. My brother Scott came up to help out.  Biggest project was cutting down a tree that it’s leaves were covered with mold and cutting apart 2 pallets to make benches. We only made 1 this time as a example. And we made some wood disk for Beth to work her creative mind on.

Then I spent 2 nights camping at the Charlevoix Elks campground and enjoyed a nice fire and Elktoberfest…German food, music, raffles and great company. All proceeds went to the Vets committee.

We luckily had dry weather for a boat tour on Lake Charlevoix with my cousin Marlene and her husband Dave. As beautiful as the weather has been,  this was a day of Grey skies and intermittent rain. Luckily for us,  the rain ended as we finished lunch. A short walk to the boat and we were off. Colors of the trees wasn’t great but we enjoyed each other’s company. And it’s always fun to be on the water.  I even had the opportunity to steer the boat thru the Ironton ferry pass. I had no idea there was so many huge houses in this section of Lake Charlevoix.

As I’ve been here in Northern Michigan helping my sister out, I went through a lot of her firewood. I forged more from a trail nearby but in the process burned out the motor in my little 6″ chainsaw. As this was such a handy tool, I opted for another one. Only I upgraded to a 21volt, 880W motor, 2 batteries, a case and an additional 8″ blade & chain. It of course came with safety glasses, some gloves, oil bottle, screwdriver and a small brush to clean up the chain. Watch out wood, I’m ready to be a lumberjack! Lol!!

And of course we had to have a fire!

My sister Mary blessed Beth and I with a visit from Georgia. We had a great time swimming in Lake Michigan, eating out as well as cooking meals together. Fires in the evenings talking about anything and everything.

And Pearl received an upgrade to her dashboard radio. I am now able to see my back up camera on a little bigger screen as well as access my phone apps on it. My back up screen has been dark for about a year, so I’m happy to have it back.