Back from the Smokies

Back from camping at Elkmont in the Smokies - yes, it rained, yes, we got wet, yes, so did most of our stuff. But still - good times.
The campsite was on the Little River, which was really roaring. Nora is playing with two of Bridget's nephews. Those kids love the river and never seem to mind getting bone-chilling cold.

Helen's family was having a family reunion. Two of Helen's brothers shuttled the kids out to a big rock in the river.

Here's the hand-off, Nora coming back to her mom at river's edge.

Houses in Elkmont that we passed on the way to a hike. Wayne said the hike would be 0.7 miles. Wayne, are you sure? Did you forget to say that it was all up hill?

Winnie and Sarah getting a closer look at one of the houses These houses are just now getting some restoration.

If you're interested, look up "Elkmont" to see how the houses got here in the first place and when they came to the national park.

I always come back from the Smokies feeling a little sad, all the more so coming back to Cincinnati on the city expressways. I miss the mountain roads - and being together with my daughters. LaRosa's for dinner was a definite cheer-up, foccacia and lots of salad, with just a little nostalgic trail mix.