Funny how things start with a turtle. Last time we went to Tennessee, we saw a turtle crossing Jot-Em-Down Road, and we saved the little guy. Today as we were leaving the house, sure enough there was a turtle, this time in our own front yard. We've seen this one before in our yard, but only once before. Maddie hopped out of the car to do a quick picture!
So today we left for Gatlinburg, and of course we went through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on the way up. There was a little color on some of the leaves, but not much. The weather was beautiful, crystal clear with many of the usual magnificent views. We had no problems getting to our destination - we stopped in Cherokee for French fries, but that was it. We filled up with gas before leaving, and Mom got something and Maddie got herself a spicy pickle (that's been a new thing for her!).
And then we were at Gatlinburg. This photo was taken with a phone app that makes your image appear as if it were taken by a camera some time ago, where it is dated at the bottom and you even have to wait for it to "develop" for about an hour.
Maddie took these as we were driving past the destinations in Gatlinburg that we'd later visit, including Bubba Gump's place as well.
Ah, and here we are at our destination: the bathroom! No, not really. This is just a photo op in front of our hotel this season.
We arrived a little too early (by a half-hour or so) for check-in, so Maddie and I played a round of Monster Crunch cereal while we waited in the lobby together. But soon enough we were at the hotel room, and here's the view.
Not bad! Maddie snapped this picture, and a few others you'll see below as we move forward. She shot this one of the hallway in the hotel too.
And I love this one of these pigeons. Yes, soon enough we were on our way, walking up the street there in Gatlinburg to stop at familiar shops, see decorations and hopefully get some food!
I love this shot of Maddie. She's been very photogenic lately - I thought the picture of her on the tractor this weekend was wonderful too. Anyway, this was taken at "The Village," which is clearly the best shopping area on the whole street. The area is very picturesque, with scarecrows and fountains and nice brickwork throughout. We did a lot of shopping today, more than we usually do. We were carrying a lot of things in bags, accumulating more and more as the evening went on. I got a t-shirt from Ripley's later on, while we got some things from our favorite little Celtic shop, including a Crunchie Bar for Mom. There was the store selling just socks, and of course the candy shop there too. We noticed a lot more Big Foot stuff here and throughout Gatlinburg this year. A lot of people apparently believe...! Anyway, here are some shots from the Village, which has a few great places to stop and pose.
That was nice, and one of the things Mom really looks forward to each year. We got some Christmas shopping in too! We explored a few other places too.
And of course, we found our way to Bubba Gump's. Recently, we saw "Forrest Gump," and now Maddie understands all the quotes and images, and she was wanting to return here to take it all in.
Maddie got herself a new t-shirt, and she was happy to see some Bubba Gump hot sauce on the table. We ordered our food and saw the license plates again, the ones that tell the servers to stop or keep going.
Of course we ordered shrimp. Or, at least Mom and I did. Maddie tried some of our shrimp, but she didn't think much of it. Jenny's Surf and Surf is really a really good order, and Mom got a side or two, including a shrimp skewer that was tasty. She was munching on some of the items on my plate too, which was filled with food.
And here you can see Maddie attempt to eat her spicy chicken sandwich. It didn't quite work, as her mouth isn't that big!
It was a nice stop, even for Joey the Porg and his friend Han, who are here for the adventure with us. You'll see them a lot in the coming days.
We found a few "Hippie Stores," as Maddie calls them - the whole hippy look should be fun. Maddie is wanting to do that for Halloween. Part of this is inspired by our recent viewings of "Jesus Revolution" earlier.
Yes, the porgs were with us to enjoy the whole evening. Here's a few pictures of them as they enjoy Gatlinburg!
Oh, and yes, there was this stop below too! Had to go here, of course...
We got some Smoky Mountain Taffy from our favorite place. Mom is very particular about the taffy she gets. This store, and the sister store up the street a little, are the best locations for that. It was such a nice little walk today, and the weather was perfect. The decorations were nice and we actually wound up getting a few things along the way at different places. Christmas shopping, we'll call it. There was a lot to see, and it was a nice walk.
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