We found the perfect way to take a vacation while avoiding people: rent a rehabbed static RV for a week, deep in the Smoky Mountains!
We've been to the Smokies only twice and each were fairly brief trips. I was excited to spend an entire week there and do a deep dive into this world biosphere, which is so close to home--only about 6-7 hour drive!
I found about a rental unit that is a rehabbed RV that is permanently situated on private property and has full hook ups and was pet friendly. It was just a mile from some of the lesser-visited areas of the park.
We stayed safe in COVID by purchasing all of our groceries in Indy, where masks are mandatory, and cooking in the RV kitchen.
Our cute place was on a road called Cricket Hollow, a name I just love!
Cooking "camp dinner" indoors. I much prefer this indoor camp cooking to outdoor.
Abby had her favorite spot in the window.
It came stocked with Moon Pies, Williams-Sonoma hot cocoa, coffee, and all the kitchen basics.
Two leather couches for relaxing in the evenings.
Nice big kitchen with stove, oven, and microwave
Host Tim rescues and rehabs RVs and Airstreams that are no longer roadworthy and rents them on a private, wooded lot. We had air conditioning, internet, hot shower, electricity, flush toilet. All the comforts of home. Also an outdoor firepit. Just loved this place.
Abby awaits Larry for their nightly "catlates"--Pilates
Very comfy queen size bed!
Saw a snake on trail. Maybe a juvenile Copperhead.
RV homemade pizza
On the way to Mount LeConte: felt like a fairyland
Planning our hike for the day with necessary provisions: Moon Pies, apples, and Babybel cheese
Cozying up with a book and hot cocoa after a rainy day of hiking
Everyday we saw multiple waterfalls.
The Shining Tree
The Alpaca Train atop Mount LeConte! The Alpacas are cared for by the attentive staff on the mountain. They carry food, linens, supplies up the steep mountain.
Worth the day-long climb. This was one of the happiest days of my life!
My favorite thing about the Smokies are the boulder-strewn creeks and the tree bridges.
After a hike through a thick sparsely traveled hike around ten small but pretty waterfalls, I felt something on my arm in the car. I got a glimpse and thought it was a leech, so I flicked and jumped out of the car with my seatbelt still on, and still kept running. Larry called, "Amy! It's okay! It's just a caterpillar!" And sure enough, it was a sweet little spicebush swallowtail! Poor little baby had traveled with me all that way! I found a leaf and gently coaxed her on, then released her back into the wild to make a cocoon!
The trails were so thoughtfully and lovingly designed to showcase nature as the best artist and architect. On nights when I have trouble sleeping, I imagine myself on these magical trails, and I'm instantly transported to dreamland.
Hikes
Sunday:
Gabe Mountain to Hen Wallow Falls
Started raining halfway back so we donned our raingear
As soon as were rainproof, the sun came out and we sweated to death!
Monday:
Big Creek
Midnight Hole
Mouse Creek Falls
Mythological "Campsite 37," a little paradise of a remote backcountry campsite.
Tuesday:
Grotto Falls
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Rainbow Falls
Wednesday:
Alum Cave Bluff
Mount LeConte
Thursday:
Torrential Rain til 1 pm
Hiked from Cosby Campground
Low Gap
Rain started to fall again so beautifully, I just wanted to walk more! Larry waited in car. I took the easy Cosby Nature Trail, easily one of the most beautiful trails I've ever been on. I got so caught up in the details of the beauty that I briefly got lost in a huge expanse of forest in the rain, with no sun to guide me. It started getting late, and I was mostly worried about Larry worrying about me. I finally caught my bearings, recognizing some stones from earlier on our hike (it pays to be curious and go look at things--they stick out in your mind!), and began running (in full rain gear, fun!) back to the car. I arrived just as Larry was about to summon a ranger to help look for me.
Friday
Deep Creek trail (NC side)
Drive through park (lovely!)
Wonderful picnic in a good old-fashioned National Park picnic area. Just tables and grills and roaring stream. Felt as if we'd stepped back in time 50 years. I loved watching the people enjoy the simplicity of a picnic basket in a simple picnic area.
Even though we were next headed for a relaxing beach vacation in Outer Banks, I shed a few tears saying goodbye. Looking back, I realize it was probably my favorite trip ever, and it was so close to home and so easy. I would go back every year if I could!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is my heartplace.
I love you GSMNP!
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