It is 8:57 a.m., we are on our way to Townsend. Townsend is the area that Grandpa has found memories of growing up. Two of his aunts and their families just lived up the road a bit. In an area called Waldon. We head towards the Smoky Mountains, as that is where we plan to let Austin play in the water today.
Notice the sign on the trash barrel... we have yet to see a live bear. We've heard stories, but no bears for us.
The water in this area would not be a good place for Austin to get in so we decide to venture on a ways.
We decide to go to the caves first at Tuckaleechee. Grandpa and I have done the cave tour many times, with various groups of "tourist."
We try to get Devon to feel the walls. He is a little reluctant, but does it in the end.
The "curtains" in the cave.
There is a spot in the caves where they allow you to drink the spring water. Austin thought this was "totally" cool. We thought he was planning to see if he could drink all the water.
Austin thought the walls felt good. They were very slick and shiny.
This is a picture of the water fall inside the cave. This shot I took with the flash turned on.
This shot of the falls I took with the flash turned off. I think I like it better.
Austin told us he was cold in the cave. Casi said she wasn't! Devon said he didn't want to live in a cave because it would be hard to clean and keep clean. Hummm what is that boy thinking... Casi, you are "rubbing" off on him.
Out of the caves and into the car. We head to the mountains. Devon bought this book at the caverns. He loves books and carries one every place he goes.
Grandpa and grandma sitting on the rocks where we all took our picture after releasing Danny's ashes into the stream a few years back. (side note:Yes we had permission by the park as my husband's family has Indian blood and can prove lineage. Danny arranged this before he passed.)
Austin swam where we had released Danny's ashes. As he was swimming he fell into the deeper water and the currents were swifter as there was a small "water fall."
This didn't stop him from wanting to still be in the water. His only reaction was, "Holy crap. What the heck was that? I couldn't hardly stand-up in the water. It kept pushing me." With the water up to his shoulders and the current being so strong we decided to look for a new spot to swim.
We drive up to Waldon. Grandpa wants to show the boys where his aunt Ruby and aunt Bertha lived. He has fond memories of visiting them. He told many stories about different spots in the area. A quick personal history lesson never hurts.
On down the road from there we soon see the place we were at yesterday. We enter the parking lot, however we head to a new spot.
We made the boys eat before we headed to the water.
As we arrive at the water's edge there is a family standing next to the water. They have been in, however a couple of snakes are swimming near the banks. Austin decides he is not getting in this time, not with snakes.
Devon found this "huge" stick. He declares he will smash any snakes that tries to get someone.
Casi decides it is time for Austin to get in. We have not seen the snakes for awhile. She sneaks up on him. Austin must have super sonic hearing, as he is ready for her push.
This day, as with the past two days, was filled with much laughter and excitement. Fun, that is what we all need to make our lives longer and healthier.
Too many people want kids to grow up too quickly.
Grandpa needs a break, he has done soo much driving that Casi and I decide to take the boys shopping near the hotel. Just a few doors down is a ride called Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride. Since Devon loves dinosaurs we decide to take him on this ride.
Austin was scared to death and Devon loved it even though he was squeezing his mom's and my hands.
After the ride we went to the outlet mall near our hotel. We go into the bookstore, of course Devon needed another book and Austin found one also.
Devon really wanted a rubbber snake we had seen at a different store, so Casi went back to get it for him.
On the way back to the hotel it starts to pour down rain. One of those ten minute mountain rains. Austin, Devon, Casi and I stand along with other "tourist" under a hotel carport. It soon stopped and we headed back to our room. Austin of course thought he should have some swim time.
When we get in the room, Devon announces to grandpa he has another new book. He looks at it and then wants the boys to go in the bathroom and turn on the fan.
Grandpa has been watching the local - what to do - channel. You see Devon still doesn't believe he is in Tennessee because we told him there would be bears there. Grandpa tells Casi and I of a local shop called Three Bears that has a live bear.
We decide not to tell them where we are going, just that we are going shopping. We load up in the car and head out. It turns out the place is just across the road from the hotel. Ha we could have walked there.
As we pull into the parking lot, Devon spots this wood carved bears. A mommy and two babies. The place has carved bears, cloth bears, big bears and little bears, Devon is screaming with excitement, so many bears. He runs over to the three bear statue and wants a family shot.
When we go inside, Austin being the older brother and the only one of the two that can read, spots a sign on an angle that states; "LIVE BEAR THIS WAY."
Devon gets so excited he takes off. He can't wait to see the bears.
After visiting the bears about 45 minutes, we go to eat at Friday's. Austin orders chicken nuggets. We had to take a picture of this nugget as it looked like a bear. Another round of laughter, which included the waitress when Austin showed her the chicken bear, with good company, and really great food.
Devon loved this ride so much he had to have grandpa go on it too. Grandpa decided that storms scare the boys, as everything was good until the thunder and lighting on the ride.
While at Friday's we find a coupon in one of the advertisement books for free black light golf. We checked it out, signed up on the list, went back to the hotel for an hour, (It was next door to the hotel.), and then went back.
After the golf, we went back to the hotel and went for a swim until lights out for the pool.
This ends our adventure part of the trip. The remainder was visiting family. I will post some of the family shots soon. We stayed in Alcoa and then over in Crossville. The last part was just chilling, laughing, swimming and playing games.
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