Indian Mountain State Park

Yesterday we camped at Cades Cove campground in Smoky Mt. Nat. Pk. Last night we went on the cades cove 11 mile loop drive. It must have been feeding time for the bears because we wound up seeing 5 of them. Barb spent about an hour taking pictures of the bears until it got too dark. We have been down here many times and this is the first time since 1996 that we have seen bears. It was great. We took another trip around the loop this morning and then Barb took an hour long horseback ride. We left the Smokies about 2 pm and am camped now at Indian Mountain St. Pk. in northern Tennessee. We should be home tomorrow.



We thought this bridge looked like a sailboat


Barb in snow at Newfound Gap, Smoky Mountain Nat. Pk.


2 Bears


Gerry with bear



Bear in Smoky Mountain National Park


Gerry with bear in background

Smoky Mountains National Park

We left Florida Sunday morning and made it to the middle of South Carolina sunday night. We camped at the Santee State Park. We camped on the shore of Lake Marion . It was still in the 70's there. Monday we headed for the Smokies. Stayed at Smokemount campground in the National Park. This was our first campground without electricity, microwave, electric heater, or internet. It sure did get cold last night. About 38 when we got up. On the way over the mountain there was snow on the ground and road. The 7 mile drive up to Clingman's dome was closed. We just refueled in Gatlinburg and and now going to head for Cade's cove campground. Sorry no pictures this time.

More Anastasia St. Pk.

Due to the fact that it is a weekend, it has been hard to get a campsite at the park. We don't have reservations so I have to get up early and ride my bike about a mile to the office each day to get in line to put my name on a list when they open at 8 am. Yesterday I was number 3, today I was number 1 on the list. Then if there is a cancellation before 1pm we can get a campsite. We lucked out and got a site both days. As we have seen St Augustine many times before so we have just stayed at the park. We have been riding bikes on the beach, walking the beach and setting under our umbrella on the beach. We have had beautiful weather. Today we were walking back to our campsite from the beach and walked within 5 feet of about 20 black and green parrots. We didn't have the camera with us so missed some good pictures. We asked around and one of the park employees said that these birds had escaped from the nearby St Augustine alligator farm and zoology park about 2 years ago. Time to head north, I got my first mosquito bite this evening.




Campsite at Anastasia St. Pk.


Barb riding bike on beach


Gerry riding on beach


Gerry with old anchor