THE ALLURE OF THE SMOKIES







I like the beach and palm trees, I like the therapeutic effect water has on my psyche but there is something about the Smoky Mountains
that draws me back to them for total peace and relaxation.

A small part may be the convenience - I can be in the middle of the Smoky Mountains in three hours drive time. Another part must have to do with wonderful memories of family events. One of my daughters and my step-son were both married there, and my family ushered in the new millennium at a cabin there.

A picnic at Cade's Cove, trying out our musical talents at a recording studio, trick or treating with my youngest daughter there, wading in the streams of the mountain or seeing forever from the top of Clingman's Dome: all experiences which come to mind when I think of how full and contented my life has been.

Some things have changed in the many years I have been traveling to the Smokies - Outlet malls have consumed some of the landscape and traffic can determine what you do and when you do it but nothing has tarnished the mountains' appeal. I still love it.