Cataloochee Valley

We drove up to our favorite apple orchard to get apples. There was a new variety called snapdragon that is really good. Taste tested before buying. Very sweet with crunch and a hint of vanilla/spice. I ended up with 3 bags of apples, the snapdragon, honey crisp and bag of mixed varieties. I think I have enough apples to last for over a month. We love apples so they will get eaten.

We had lunch at our favorite cafe where we decided to go over to the Cataloochee Valley area of Great Smoky Mountain Park to see if the elk that are in the park were out in the open fields. Sometimes they are but not today. However we saw them in the open sided barn that was well off the road. Smart creatures to get in the shade. No photos as I did not take the big camera.

I got out of the car at a couple of places for short walks while Jerry stayed and had short naps. Cove Creek runs through this area. The were butterflies, flowers and an old chapel. Surprised it was open. Really close to the creek so one could hear the water splashing over the rocks. So peaceful. I think I will be making a trip up here when the leaves are colorful. Some trees were already turning.

Very strange to not have the dog waiting for us. Wouldn’t have made the additional side trip if she had been here. New ways of using our time.