Back from Vacation

We just got back from our trip to Gatlinburg. As we always do, we had a great time this year. The cabin was absolutely amazing. It was beautifully furnished and had a crazy view of the mountains. Waking up in the morning with that view is something I could get used to. Our friends Stephanie and Doug agreed that this place was amazing. The hot tub was awesome, and nothing beats smoking a Padron on the deck with the mountains in the background. We highly recommend these rentals (www.sunsetcottage.com).

On the way, we stopped at London, KY. I finally got to see where Rhonda's dad grew up. By the way, don't stay at Sleep Inn in London if you every head that way--it was a little scary! From there, we stopped at Cumberland Falls for a scenic view. The weather was beautiful, and the drive was great. Kentucky is such a beautiful state, and I never get tired of driving through it.

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge was packed as always, and once again the weather was great. I have never seen so many bikes as I did this trip--this was due to an event at the local Harley dealer for the "world's biggest simultaneous burnout" Wish I would have seen that!!! I was really wanting to get on my own bike and take a ride up into the mountains, because the weather was perfect. I would love to take one ride up in the Smokies and go over to North Carolina.

Anyways, we got a chance to see and do some things we've never done before, like explore Cherokee, NC and see the new Harrah's Casino there, as well as Oconaluftee Indian Village, which was very cool. I learned so much about the Indian people that I never knew. I highly recommend visiting there. The Cherokee people are so respectable. We also got to stop at Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Smokies. We walked up the incline to the observation tower for an incredible view. As many times as I've been up there, I never get tired of the view.

Well, hopefully we'll get to travel back that way again next year. I never get tired of the Smokies or Tennessee. Driving back through Knoxville reminded me of how much I want to live there. The city itself is actually a lot like Dayton with a huge technology corridor. Unlike Dayton, surrounding it are beautiful mountains, state and national parks, and lakes. Yeah, I could get used to it. My love for the outdoors and sense of adventure wants to come out whenever I'm there. I'd love to pitch a tent in the mountains and camp for about a week. Maybe next summer...

To see all the photos of our trip (there are a lot), go here .