Spring Break Trip - Day 5

Much lazier day today... I teleworked for a short time and then woke Mollie up (0830). We ate breakfast (cereal, apples) at the hotel and then drove through Gatlinburg to visit the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. We passed the little wedding chapel where Mollie's mom and I had been married and I pointed it out to her. When we arrived at the trailheads, we talked about hiking the Rainbow Falls Trail but ended up deciding against it (too far). Instead, we explored the Old Sugarlands Trail (for horses) and a side trail that went through the forest fire zone. This was an interesting hike through the devastation from 2016. Everything looked so dead but, from out of the ashes, there were still signs of life. Everyone else was crowded onto the more popular Rainbow Falls Trail but we hardly saw anyone where we went - except for park rangers (taking soil samples and photos) and mycologists (studying fungi). We talked to them for a bit before wrapping up our three mile hike. Back in our car by 1115, we escaped Gatlinburg and drove to Pigeon Forge, where we explored stores on the strip. We ate lunch (Sonic) at 1145 and then headed back to the hotel (1330). It was pretty hot outside so we read and napped in the room. Mollie also did homework until about 1800. At that point, I went shopping (1830) at the nearby Publix and bought dinner (sushi, pasta, green beans). When we finished eating (in the room), I drove us up to Newfound Gap to watch the sun set (2000). All I can say is "wow"! We then went mini-golfing at Fun Stop (2035) and got ice cream (Mollie's treat). Back in the room, we watched TV and read in the room until 2330 PM until going to bed. Headed down to Cherokee tomorrow!