Venture into The Great Smoky Mountains
Staying in takes a toll on us psychologically, especially if we were Travel Bugs before the pandemic hit. I am a Travel Bug who has been cooped-up for these last eight months of 2020. I have flitted and backflipped from every wall in my house, and it is safe to say, that I now know every square inch of my backyard. I can tell you where the four-lined skinks live, which plants have sprouted new leaves overnight, and even point you to the exact spot where the butterflies and mosquitoes hang out to party. You get my drift; I was pass ready for a different scene.
This Labor Day weekend we donned our masks, pocketed a bottle of hand sanitizer, and hit the roads. It is a three hours-drive from our home to The Great Smoky Mountains, which run along the Tennessee -North Carolina borders. And, this being our first major excursion for this year, we made sure to enjoy the entire journey from the time we left our driveway until we returned. Social distancing rules observed, and all safety precautions taken, we reveled to the max. Here is our story:
Our first stop was the Oconaluftee Visitors Center.
The Mountain Farm Museum is located here and it is open to the public and free of cost. When we visited, there were not very many visitors and we practically had the entire farm to ourselves. We were able to tour at leisure, without noise, interference, or distractions from others.
The museum is a replica that was constructed to tell the tale of early settlers and how they survived these terrains. At that period in American history, most farm settlements in the mountain regions were built beside rivers beds, and the Oconaluftee Farm Village was established adjacent to the Oconaluftee river. Amongst the structures on the farm, is the Farmer’s main residence which is believed to have been the house of John Davis and his family of seven. There is an apple house, a barn, a blacksmith shop, a spring house, a rabbit house, and an outhouse. Farm equipment are exhibited at different places around the grounds, and information boards explain how the main crop of corn was planted, reaped, and processed. Structures which housed various domestic animals such as pigs and chickens are also on display. And one can easily get an idea of how the people in this village lived and thrived. As I walked around the Museum, I was transported back to a time before cars and inside-plumbing.
As if in a movie, I could see horses pull stacks of freshly-cut hay from the fields, women make apple cider from the apples which were stored in the apple house, men plant and harvest corn, young adults thresh and sort crops, children play in the river as they fish. The Museum has the power to pull the viewer out of the present and take them on a journey that deepens the imagination.
Nestled amidst majestic mountains, in an air filled with singing birds, and on grounds with rushing rivers, the Oconaluftee Village tells of a time when life was simpler but full of challenges. It fills the tourists with hope that if the settlers overcame their struggles, there is yet a glorious way forward.
About a mile from the Mountain Farm Museum is the Mingus Mill. We walked across a stream and were met by an enormous, two-story, wooden, building, that is supported on wooden stilts and stacked stones. This mill was where the neighboring farmers brought their corn to be grounded. Inside, were many hand-operated equipment, and on the outside, a wooden aqueduct transported water to the mill and aided the milling process.
From the mill we ventured up to Clingmans Dome which is the highest point in this mountain range. As we ascended the mountain, we were greeted by an array of wild flowers and trees, we exchanged smiles with people who fished in the rivers and streams, and we waved at the few daring cyclists who challenged themselves to a mountain ride. At the very top of the peak, folks climbed rocks, went on trails, or sat around and enjoyed the breath-taking view.
Being at the top of the mountain is a special feeling of triumph and accomplishment. It was exhilarating and humbling at the same time. As we stood there, in that moment, the vastness of the lush landscape, and the depth and breadth of this masterful creation, reminded us of this journey called life, and helped us to gain new perspective. The fresh air rejuvenated our bodies and the sights renewed our minds. We left the Clingmans Dome peak transformed in our souls, minds and bodies.
The Laurel Falls was next on our agenda. The hike from the road to the Falls is no small feat, but anyone in relatively good shape can handle it, as there were many young children on the path. When we got to the Falls, we were mesmerized by children's laughter and happy conversations as people splashed about in the cool waters. Sounds of the water bouncing off rocks as it rushed into shallow pools soothed us. We lingered there and absorbed the ambience.
As evening fell, and we made our way to our abode, elks came out and grazed along the road sides, people set up camp tents at designated camp sites, fishermen/women returned to their vehicles with their catch of trout, the mist fell heavy over the mountain, and we experienced first-hand how this range got the name “Great Smoky Mountains.”
I advocate safety at all times and particularly during these times. I adhere to and promote social distancing rules. However, if you are sick and tired of being barred in, invest in self-care and try a mountain trip. I promise you that there is nothing more freeing, more inspiring, more empowering, than being out in the fresh, open, airs.
Until next time
Venture Out. Keep exploring. Travel Smart and Stay Safe.
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Watch my tour of the Great Smoky Mountains here.