we headed into the park and made first stop at a picnic area right next to a creek that was unbelievable! The boys went nuts, climbing Nd digging and throwing and laughing! Headed back up the mountain with a couple of bear watch stops. One stop at the very top where we stood in both TN & NC at the same tame! Then down the NC side where we went into Cherokee NC. INDIANS!!!
So not having a clue what to do here I stopped at a motel where there was unsuspecting clerk waiting for me. I spent a good 15 minutes with her, and then I had a plan! We headed into the reservation looking for the recommended lunch spot, but it was closed Monday's! Argh! But we found a buffet where the boys and I pigged out am L was MORTIFIED! After lunch we saw BEARS!!! How frigging cool is that!?!? Then we spent HOURS SHOPPING. Each person had to find something 'special' (oh how painful!). G got a cowboy outfit complete with hat and guns; the Indians around town really appreciated this little white kid screaming when they want him to get his picture taken with them and then draw his guns and blast them... J seems to be into quantity and got jewelry and beaded emblems and a wooden snake... D for the love of the Lord couldn't find a thing in the tourist stores, so we found him a place off the main drag, a place that has things made one the local reservation. He found a real bow and arrow and was SO happy! L got a very ornate leather belt and one of those 'As Seen On TV' wonder purses. Me, I got a cane sword! The coolest thing of the day!
Back in the car and heading back to the resort. We started up the mountains and then right there, a HUGE ELK, standing right there just eating watching the cars go by... Amazing! Good very scenic trip all the back while gifts and rest were enjoyed. Had a fast dinner and to a different pool. Of course we had a blast and poor Jacky was freezing. Back to the room for Cheetos, ice cream and beef jerky! Relaxing by the fire preparing for tomorrow.
