On the second day, we drove the Cades Cove Loop, known for it's abundant wildlife and preserved homesteads.
It was an active village before being purchased and incorporated into the park. Now it's a place of beauty and silence with calm valley/mountain views.
But it can also feel like an eerie ghost town!
Missionary Church and Cemetery
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| The Cantilever Barn was interesting with its distinct architecture! |
We learned, that since the Smoky Mountains is one of the rainiest and humid places in the U.S., the barns were designed with an overhang to shelter the crops and livestock from the rain, and open spaces to keep it ventilated.
We were told we might see male bears turning over logs in search of grub or climbing trees for berries, but the females and cubs won't come out till end of April. So we kept our eyes peeled, and we saw lots of turkey and deer :/
After that, we switched gears because we were ready to have some fun & excitement in the lively city of Gatlinburg! (the tulips were blooming elsewhere)
Cici's Pizza buffet for a kid-pleasing lunch!
We went to Ripley's Aquarium and it was Amazing, believe it or not!
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| Sunken Treasure Exhibit. See the shark? |
Hammerheads and stingrays, oh my!
Popping up inside the aquarium
The shark tunnel was most memorable!
I was so fascinated with the sawshark and it stopped to hand out right above us!
Don't look behind and above you!
Great White
Dive Show
Seahorse, one of the great camouflagers
"Inside Water"
After the aquarium, it was a walked around downtown. Unlike Cades Cove, there were countless bears downtown.
It's like Wisconsin Dells, but more family friendly and in in the mountains!
At 4 feet, Lydia measures less than half the height of the tallest person, which is 8 feet, 11 inches.
It was a beautiful afternoon for walking around and hot enough for ice cream!
"Cooling off in the most yummy way"
Enjoying one last night at the cabin
This jacuzzi made us think about shopping at Baker Pool & Fitness when we return home!
Sunsets never get old.
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