It was good for my soul and spirit to find refuge in the mountains. Morning mist gently rising and falling, soft rains in the afternoon, scrubbing the air clean. This girl trip was more than anyone could ask for and I am so grateful for every woman in my family, and the ones who could not make the trip were frequently thought of. We missed you! I want to say thanks to Diane who started this thought of the mountain mama get-away, and Kathy, who did all the driving in our little rental car. Each women brought themselves - to give of themselves. Thank you! God bless!
Our nieces Sharai and Debbie decided to play and little game of hide/scare and seek with an old raggedy ann doll, so we took the bait and played along. "Cousin" came in the picture, he is a clown doll, kinda creepy looking. It was too fun!
View from the porch, early morning "smoke" settling in the valley.
Relaxing on the couch.
Waynesville was on the to-do list. So we did. This is where we had lunch.
Countrified Cousins!
Mickey and I split the most amazing coconut cake bought in Waynesville.
Kathy and I took off one day and stopped at the brand new Oconaluftee Visitor Center, to find a hike close by.
Kathy ready for the Kephart Prong Trail to the shelter. 2 miles.
One of many wobbly log bridges. That was a fun day.
We all took turns cooking dinner. Diane made a veggie dinner of green beans n ham, squash, salad and johnny cakes. She is such a good cook.
"Cousin" was always in danger of being kid-napped!
One day Mickey, Diane and I set out for Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. We had a great day of fun and window shopping!
"Cousin" went with us on the road trip!
Bona Fide all right....
Annual Maggie Valley Craft Fair. From pottery to wine jelly, and awesome views.
It was blackberry season, so we went and picked. Big grins- knowing a cobbler is in the making!
Sweetness abounds in Diane and Kathy's face and the blackberries too! Diane graciously making us a cobbler.
A surprise birthday party was in order for Kathy. (Mr. Otter too!)
Mickey and I went galavanting around the small towns and stopped at the Blue Rooster for lunch. Angus burgers and fries were ordered. It was really good.
Back porch mamas!
The week has ended and it was a wonderful time, making memories and for sure a time of respite. I hope we can do this trip again, and we thank the owners for allowing us to borrow this Smokey Mountain Getaway.
