Day 1

And we are off…

I am more apprehensive about this trip than excited. We all wanted to go out west again, but the high gas prices coupled with our shoestring budget forced us south instead. The fewer miles we drive the less gas we’ll need. But Kati really didn’t want to go south. It’s too hot. She’s going to melt. As for G3, he’s been cranky for weeks. Everything makes him grumpy. Lately, just hearing my voice sets him off. We may not survive three weeks on the road together.

I did not sleep much last night. I’m like my dad. My excitement (and apprehension) made sleep impossible. G3 is probably still recovering from camp. We woke him up, he tossed on some clothes, and within seconds of getting into the car, he was sound asleep again.

Today will be a day of driving. We are headed to Great Smoky Mountain National Park where we will be camping for the first several nights. It was Dad’s least favorite National Park. And that is it’s biggest appeal for G3. He wants to see the park because Dad didn’t like it. Why didn’t Dad like it? I don’t remember if Dad ever gave me a reason except to say that there was nothing exceptional about it. But I would guess, after going out west to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, the Smokies just couldn’t compare to the beauty and awesomeness of the other parks.

We detoured onto the Blue Ridge Parkway because it is supposed to be a pretty drive. Once we navigated our way there dark clouds started amassing, first in the distance and then overhead. The views at the overlooks were obscured by clouds and fog. The mountains in the distance—what we could see—emerged through the veil of mist tinted blue. Thunder rumbled. Rain was imminent.

Since we were hungry, we stopped for lunch and pulled out our cooler to make sandwiches. We raced against the rain and lost. Before we could assemble our food, rain poured down. So we escaped back into the car where we could stay dry while we ate.

Between the rain and lack of visibility, we opted to get off the Parkway. What’s the point of taking the more scenic route if you can’t see anything? Of course, as luck would have it, the moment we were winding our way through local towns and heading back toward the highway, the rain stopped. But the clouds still lingered. Even off the Parkway, it’s a lovely drive.

I fell asleep. Not sleeping last night caught up to me and I just couldn’t keep my eyes open. I fell into a deep sleep for about an hour and when I woke up, it was raining again. We had moments of intense torrential downpours. The weather forecast for the entire week is rain. Rain every day. This is going to be a soggy adventure.

It was nearly 8:00 when we arrived at the campsite in the Smoky Mountains. The road here was awfully windy. G3 was surprised I made it considering how motion sick I get. I think it was because I was distracted by the trees. They were amazing. I wish I could identify trees, but I can’t so I am unable to tell you what kind they were. They did appear—to my uneducated eye—like ivy climbing up the trunks. They almost looked like they might start walking or moving. They reminded me of something out of a Tolkien novel.

Kati and I set up the tent. G3 set up his hammock. And then, because we were camping, we lit a fire. I know. It’s hot and muggy but what is camping without a fire?G3 said he missed being on last year’s trip and Kati agreed with him. I guess this trip might be anti-climatic for the both of them. Of well. At least they will see new places and experience different things.

The cicadas are loud and blissful. They remind me of Mattituck. Nothing beats falling asleep to their incessant chatter. It makes me happy. If only I could listen to them every night before falling asleep. I am sure I would sleep much better.