Camping in the Smokies - Day 1 of 7

So, we finally made it. I feel like I've been waiting for this vacation for years.

We made it on the road by 7:30am. The tires were performing just fine after 100 miles, so I think that we're okay. I'll check them regularly all week...for sure.

Fast forward to 40 minutes out and we're on I-40E 20 miles from our exit. We were trying to decide whether to take the "Parkway" exit and brave the nasty traffic through Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, or go to the exit that gives us the backdoor entry to our campground. We decided to pass up the "Parkway" and go down to 321. Big mistake.

What do I see now...a road closure. There was a posted detour, so we took it. Then, on one of those oh-so-helpful overhead signs, it said that the detour was 58 MILES!!!! So, we turned around, burning 35 minutes in the process.

The traffic wasn't so bad down the The Parkway (441). There were lots of changes that happened to that road since the last time that we were down here. Many of the show theaters (Lee Greenwood, Alabama) were closed and some new nice hotels popped up. The best addition (at least from the outside) is the new Inn at Christmas Place. It is STUNNING.

We got to the Great Smoky Jellystone and they did a great job checking us in. One of the sons of the owners hopped into a golf cart and guided us into our spot. It is a little uneven, but it is my fault for not bringing some leveling blocks (assuming that $37/night should buy you an level spot).

It's raining and Sam is in rare form, well...regular Sam form, so we decided to go out for dinner. We don't usually do that very much when camping (especially in Gatlinburg), but we decided it was worth it. I googled restaurants near our campground in Cosby, TN and it looked like Carver's Applehouse Restaurant was the place to go.

It was AWESOME! Amy and I agree that it had one of the best Grilled Chicken Breast Dinners that we had ever had (Apple Fritters with Apple Butter, Apple Julip, Salad, Grilled Chicken Breast with two vegetables, drink and dessert brownie for $11.75). It was great.

Now, we're going to play some 500 Rummy and fall asleep to the rushing creek outside our window.

Tomorrow: Mother's Day Breakfast/Dinner, Cade's Cove, Sam's first trolley ride.