After leaving Cape Hatteras, we travelled west in North Carolina, past the state’s capital city of Raleigh (which we Albertans remember as the home of the Hurricanes, who stole the Stanley Cup away from our Edmonton Oilers a couple of seasons ago). We continued west to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which is a park shared between North Carolina and Tennessee. We did several hikes in the park, and saw some of the old cabins of the mountain pioneers. It was wonderful to see the beautiful colors of the fall foliage in the foreground and the hazy greys and blues of the ‘smoky’ mountains behind. 
On the north edge of Great Smoky Mountain National Park lies the city of Pigeon Forge. It is a tourist town designed for family fun. Probably its biggest claim to fame is that it is the home to Dollywood, a theme park featuring Dolly Parton and her Tennessee mountain upbringing. While we were there, Morgan and Mason enjoyed the roller-coasters and the water-rides. Elise, Allan, and I explored the ‘Craftsman’s Valley’ where we watched demonstrations of glass-blowing, carpentry, weaving, soap-making, candle-making, and wood-carving. We also took advantage of the country music concerts offered at Dollywood and saw T. Graham Brown perform in person. It was also very interesting to see how Dolly Parton herself rose from humble beginnings and still has a strong faith in the Lord.
1 comment:
WOW I finally was able to get to your blogspot!Must be the high speed! Seems to me you guys are having wa-a-a-y too much fun! What great things to do and see! I can't wait to show Hayden these pictures!
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