20210910 - 0917 Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg, TN, 10-17 September  2021

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, 11 September 2021

Did someone lose their sunglasses? If so, we left them on top of the sign. 

You never know what you might see down below. One of the most popular hikes in Pigeon Forge due to the scenic views of the Smokey Mountains that are easily accessible to hikers of all ages.

I see you, David. Do you see me? Exploring the decades old cabins.

Looking around The Ephraim Bales Place. The picture is of 
Minerva "Nervy" Bales who had 9 children. The entire family lived in a "dog-trot" cabin which is two cabins placed side by side with a space between and a common roof connecting them together. She died around 1926. The Bales family lived here from about 1890 to about 1930 when the government purchased the land. The original corn crib, barn and pig pen remain standing as well. 

Looking at an old mill at Alfred Reagan Place and the race from the Roaring Fork creek which provided the water to run the mill. The grist mill was a turbine or "tub" mill, the most common type found in the mountains. Water was channeled to strike a primitive horizontal wooden turbine wheel (middle photo), which turned and provided direct drive power to the mill stones. 

Tourist stop at Ely's Mill.  They have and do everything under the sun. Local crafts, antiques and seasonal honey, rental cabins, small weddings and photo shoots.

Day Trip up Newfound Gap Road (US 441), 11 September 2021

Views along the Newfound Gap Road. As you can see, the area is strewn with pebbles, stones, rock and boulders. Since most of the original settlers were farmers, ranchers and craftsmen. There is a saying that a handful of dirt is put between two rocks so the corn could be planted. 

Dakota wanted to try her luck walking the creek. But moving water always makes her nervous. 

Everyone else along the creek. Tori is very reluctant to go into the water. Her eye sight is bad and her equilibrium is failing. What kind of nut is this? We are pretty sure it is a Pignut Hickory Nut.

  

President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on September 2, 1940. This Monument honors The Rockefeller Family's generous donations. 

The inscription reads, “For the permanent enjoyment of the people. This park was given one-half by the peoples and states of North Carolina and Tennessee and by the United States of America, and one-half in memory of Laura Spelman Rockefeller by the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, founded by her husband John D. Rockefeller.”

Newfound Gap Sights and Trails. This is an access point for the Appalachian Trail. 

Mingus Mill. The mill was completed in 1886, and was one of the most advanced mills in the Smoky Mountains due to its use of a steel turbine design. Mingus Mill was funded by Dr. John Mingus, and designed and built by Sion Thomas Early.

The Glades Arts and Crafts Community, 13 September 2021

Shopping day. The Glades Arts and Crafts Community is comprised of an eight-mile country road loop where over 100 artists and craftsmen parade their trades. What did we buy? A wooden Spatula for pulling a pizza from the oven and a fancy wooden pull knob for a ceiling fan. Any times we buy something we have to get rid of something in the trailer. 

That wraps up our trip to Gatlinburg, TN.