The last two days were spent in the Great Smoky Mountains. Both days were perfect weather, but a little hazy. As noted by the Cherokee, the haze in the Smoky Mountains often takes on a blue appearance. The reason for this is that the vapor molecules released by the mountains’ vegetation scatter blue light from the sky. Another reason for haze is human-made air pollution reducing visibility by up to 80 percent.

The first day we both went on a five-mile hike to the Little River Falls. It was great to have Melinda out on the trail. The photo is us in front of the falls. That night we staid at a GSM campsite. Unfortunately for Otto dogs are not allowed on the trails, so he took his big hikes in the campsite.

The next day I hiked the Mountain Loop Trail. A 10-mile hike including a great traverse across the ridge line (see photo of mountains and ridge line). We then drove the Park, once just being missed by a bus turning too fast at a curve. We saw deer, elk and bear. We went up to Clingman’s Dome. I was able to get up to the top of the Observation Deck enjoying an amazing 360 degree view. We have been so impressed by the National Parks.

Today we are in a campground in Cherokee, NC and will be prepping Stargazer for a week in Asheville.

• 

•