Good Stuff!

Kati-Jane and Mike were in heavy discussion when I approached them.  We were in the art studio of Paul Murray, Kati-Jane's husband. Paul's drawings and paintings are captivating as they portray the spirit of folks who live deep in the Appalachians.  And so it was with surprise when I found Kati-Jane holding a quart canning jar filled with liquid (explaining how she gets it from hill folks they know and that she expected a "delivery" in just an hour's time), inviting Mike to "go ahead and drink from the jar; it'll kill any germs you leave on it."  While Brenda is pondering on what piece of art would fit into the Northwoods of Minnesota, Mike has already secured his own "delivery" of a quart of homemade distilled moonshine, "the good stuff" from the hills near the Great Smoky Mountains!

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park--even after the peak of the fall colors--is breathtakingly beautiful.  It boasts all kinds of scenic views, hiking trails (including Appalachian Trail), wildlife and vegetation.  Surprisingly, in 2002 it was named America's most polluted national park.  During the summer when more than 50,000 people were visiting per day, the air was hazardous to breathe and views were clouded by a sulfur-laden haze.  It was bad and getting worse until 2008 when the TVA--under public (and legal) pressure--began installing effective pollution-control systems.  Today the air is the cleanest ever documented.  Yet some of the higher-elevation mountain streams of the Smokies are still so acidic and continue to be in violation of the Clean Water Act standards.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is aglow with festive Christmas lights this time of year.  There's plenty to do for everyone in the family, including the Dollywood Theme Park, Smoky Mountain Opry, Gatlinburg's Arts & Crafts Community Loop, horseback riding, golfing, dinner theater, ziplines, downhill skiing, whitewater rafting, and much, much more.  We wondered how this area had escaped our radar all of these years.  We were so glad we rented a car to experience this part of the country, away from the Tennessee River.  The Appalachian Trail is calling for us to return.

This is one of the views of the Great Smoky Mountains.  So glad the camera caught the layers of blue!

We went to two shows while were in Pigeon Forge:  A family comedy show at the "Comedy Barn" (HIGHLY recommend it!) and the Smoky Mountain Opry (Christmas Show with guest star, Chris Blue, winner of "The Voice.").

This is Chris Blue singing one of his original Christmas songs.  Anyone who knows us, knows we are fans of "The Voice."  Chris Blue was Brenda's pick the season Chris won, so it was wonderful to see him perform in person.

This is an example of the Christmas lights on display at Pigeon Forge.

Each of Paul's portraits tell a story about the person. 

The art "loop" is an 8-mile route that features more than 100 artists and craftsman, B&Bs, Campgrounds, Chapels, Cabin rentals,  specialty shops, restaurants, and non-craft businesses.

At the crest of the Smoky Mountains is the Appalacian Trail AND the Tennessee/North Carolina state line.

Clingman's Dome is off the main road; this structure is the highest point in the State of Tennessee and boasts a 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and beyond.

This give you an idea of how tall the structure is.  Starting Dec 1 of each year, the road to this is closed for the winter.

This is what we saw as we entered the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  It was a beautiful, sunny, cool fall day.

The Appalachian Trail goes through the Smoky Mountains.  It was inviting to us; we'd love to carry our backpacks.  I think our niece, Nora, spent some time hiking in the Smoky Mountains...Nora, did you do this trail?  Jan Cota, we were thinking of you while we were here!

This was taken of us by a really nice other tourist; it was his idea that we point to the sign!

The Appalachian Trail intersects also at Clingman's Dome.

Remember I said it was a sunny and COOL fall day?  Here's the evidence!  Along the way, some road sides were lines with
sheets of icicles.  It was a sight!

This is Mike's Apple Pie moonshine, the "Good Stuff", not the yuck sold in the local package stores.  And look how cleverly packaged it came...in the Snapple Box!  This weekend we'll take it with us to Noblesville, IN to share with Mike's sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Scott.  After Noblesville, we'll go to Saint Paul to spend Thanksgiving with the Stows.