If I never see Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge Again, I won't be sad

 8/3/21

Since I had a lot of time to kill, I went back to Hot Springs Resort and Spa in Hot Springs, NC. Had a glorious soak in the tub with the rain pouring down. I don't think I would ever get sick of that place. People complained on Yelp that water wasn't hot enough, but I found it to be perfect. The sound of the rain on the tin roof and in the trees was incredibly soothing. I feel so fortunate to have these experiences. 

Afterwards, I drove through the most beautiful back roads in Tennessee to get to my destination, Little Arrow RV Resort in Townsend, Tennessee. Absolutely stunning landscapes - rolling hills, idyllic scenes of farmhouses and creeks. I don't think I care that much for Tennessee, though it's beautiful, especially up here in the Smoky Mountains. I can't describe why I don't like it. I guess the bears don't help, though there were bears in North Carolina - I loved it there. Driving through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg - my worst nightmare - too crowded, horrible traffic, chain restaurants everywhere. Not a mask in sight, absolutely no social distancing. It gave me an empty feeling much like Vegas always has. 

I almost left Little Arrow the moment I arrived, but I talked myself out of it. It was noisy and crowded, a Sunday. Walking into my "primitive tent" site, the heat was stifling. But, after airing it out, turning on fans and swamp cooler, I relaxed a little. I think I'm the only person here alone. It's definitely a family place, nothing wrong with that, it's just a bit strange to be solo here. Camping like this is more fun with friends. Facebook so kindly reminded me that I was here with friends exactly two years ago. 

Drove the loop around Cades Cove. Beautiful country. Saw a million tourists staring at a bear mostly concealed by tall grass.

What kind of bummed me out a little when walking through these old houses was the graffiti carved into them. They were still really interesting to see.

This is the hike I started until a group of hikers came down, ashen-faced, telling me there was a 700 lb bear up ahead. Hiking in a group seeing bears is one thing, but I'd had more than enough of seeing bears on my own in North Carolina. I turned around. Sucks, but I have too vivid an imagination of being mauled by a bear, no one finding my body for weeks. Though I love hiking and nature, I guess I have my limits. Tomorrow the loop road for Cades Cove is closed to cars, which is my cue to hike it. Until I see a bear, of course.

I'm sitting on my little front porch, enjoying the sounds of cicadas. Pretty soon I will be out of the south, I have mixed feelings about it.