GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

We arrived in Gatlinburg in the rain.  Set up the RV and called it a day.  The next morning, the sun was shinning and it was  beautiful !!  Our RV park was just a little ways away from downtown and one the trollies that services the city, stopped very close by, so we hopped on the "Blue Line" and went to see what Gatlinburg had to offer.
                                 
 Our RV ....closest to the road.....we got the last spot for the long weekend in May.  A little noisy at times but a very friendly place.  "CAMPING IN THE SMOKIES"

 There are 6 different colours that identify the trollies.  Each colour had its own route and covered all of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge (the next closest little town) and "Dolly Wood"  as well.

 All of the Trolley stops provided comfort for the waiting passengers and each had a schedule of routes and stop times.  We were taking the Blue Trolley to downtown, 50 cents a person or for 3 dollars you can ride all day.

The bus drivers are friendly and  used to tourists.  They are a valuable source of information, directions and do it with a smile.  As we were told.....There are 4 seasons in Gatlinburg.....Summer Festival, Fall Festival, Winter Festival and Spring Festival.  A place for all seasons!!!!  From winter skiing to summer concerts and watersides.  Today was the Saturday of the May 24th long weekend and the whole town was one big celebration!!
                                
We got off the Trolley right in the centre of down town on the main street.  There were people EVERY WHERE!!  Lots of places to go and things to do.  Plenty of restaurants, pubs and shops.

 There is a river that runs parallel with the main street.  A lot of the fancier Hotels lined the river walk.

     With only his head band on, Alistair was in for a really good sun burn on his "HEEEEEEEEED"...:o)
            (that is Scottish for head :o)

 Gatlinburg has an Aquarium and small zoo.  We decided to walk first and maybe see the Aquarium later.                                       

 I am much luckier.  I have HAIR and a HAT.....that has to be taken off for the photos.......so I can squint better for the camera..  We walked along the River Walk and saw a lot of very interesting places.......

 For example.....Gatlinburg has its own "Mysterious Mansion" but we decided to skip that too. (It looked a bit too scary for Alistair)
 

 A short walk farther brought us to the Gatlinburg Gondola.  It looked like fun so we headed for the ticket booth.

 Not a high hill but certainly a lovely view and the weather was perfect!!  Alistair (does not enjoy heights)  commented that he was showing me just how much he loved me..............the fact that he was with me on the gondola.....:o)

                    All the flowers were in bloom under our feet and smelled wonderful.

                                      Another one of my attempts to be "artistic" with film.

                                           Tourist trap photo.............why not!!!!  :o)))))))))))

           It was a magnificent view from the top of the Chair Lift.  And not too hot a day!

                                             Not a very large town, but lots to see and do.

        Gatlinburg looks like a "lost city" in the green hills.  Just two main intersecting streets.                 Definitely  a  tourist oriented town.  It reminded of Banff but more to do all year round.

NOT.....Born on a mountain top in Tennessee......but it IS the greenest state in the land of the free.....Now at least his head won't get sun burnt!  Did Davy Crockett wear dark rimmed glasses??

                   I rode up to the top a second time and Alistair took my picture on my way down.
                   It was so peaceful and quiet.....you know you are getting older when...........:o))

 We walked around the town and saw more interesting places, like this "Ripley's Believe it or Not".  The building was made too look like an earthquake had cracked and ripped it apart. You can see the Gatlinburg Tower right behind the building.  If you ride (or walk) up to the top of the tower, there is a restaurant with a 360 view of the city.

 We passed by a number of restaurants and bars.  Outside of "Tricky Dickie's" tavern was this horse riding a man and it rocked and sang western songs.........very strange indeed!!

 

                          We stopped for lunch at "BUBBA"S" and I had a wonderful clam chowder. 

 On the bench beside me there is a box of chocolates and a small suitcase.  And a pair of runners made of cement, for me to slip myfeet into.  Forrest must have had huge feet!!!! 

 There was a museum of different cars that had been used in Hollywood movies and TV shows.  They have one of the Bat Mobiles....but my favourite was the yellow and black "Charger" that Gibbs drove in NCIS
         (originally I had typed in "orange" and black.......Alistair was quick to point out my error!)   Does old age cause one to go colour blind????  Hummmmmmmmmmm

On one of the sides streets was "ZIP LINE ADVENTURES"!  They had room for me with a group of young men (in their 20's) who were just heading out.  I made number 13 and the only female.  The guys were such gentilmen........they even let me go first on each and every Zip Line.   Little chicken sh$%#*+.........

There were 6 zip lines in total.  We were started off at the shortest and lowest line and then each one became longer and higher and faster............IT WAS BLOODY MARVELOUS!!!!!

                               The support is great for the back and seat.  No worries....

                        It really was fun and a great way to end a wonderful day in Gatlinburg!!!!

                                                And a good day was had by all!!!!!!!!!!!