We left the Smokies on a sad note today. The yellow jacket stings from yesterday left me still a bit incapacitated this morning. I was able to put some weight on the offending appendage, but the hikes I had planned for today were now totally out of the question.
Thankfully, we didn’t see Mr. Park Ranger again as we folded up the tent and hit the road. I had hoped to hike Laurel Falls and Clingman’s Dome (the highest point in the Smokies), but tired kids and the still swollen foot nixed those plans. We did drive up to the parking lot below Clingman’s Dome and got a few photos as the clouds rolled in.
Thankfully, we didn’t see Mr. Park Ranger again as we folded up the tent and hit the road. I had hoped to hike Laurel Falls and Clingman’s Dome (the highest point in the Smokies), but tired kids and the still swollen foot nixed those plans. We did drive up to the parking lot below Clingman’s Dome and got a few photos as the clouds rolled in.
The drive back down showcased some amazing views as well.
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We stopped again in Maggie Valley for a late lunch before heading east to Fort Bragg to meet up with some old friends. #2 decided to show off his adept climbing abilities.
And like so many times on our trip thus far, I ended up pitching the tent in the dark as we rolled into Smith Lake Recreation Area sometime after 11pm. My time management and planning skills are in need of some serious work.