From St. Louis we were on I-64 east through southwestern Illinois awhile, then took I-57 & I-24 south to Kentucky. We spent Friday night at Kentucky Dam Village State Park near Gilbertsville, KY. Saturday we made it on to Nashville, hit I-40 to Knoxville, then off to Maryville & Townsend, TN and to Cades Cove in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
We had made reservations for 6 nights and it was a good thing -- the place was packed. The lady at the desk when we checked in said they only had one campsite left (and it was a tent site). We got into our reserved site and got set up for the week.
Sunday we attended Bethel Baptist Church in Townsend. It is almost like a home away from home - we've been here many times over the last several years. The people are very friendly and we've gotten to know some of them during our previous visits. They have a new young pastor and the church is doing very well - we really enjoyed the worship service.
The rest of the week was just good relaxing camping fun. We went around the loop early a couple of mornings and again late every afternoon - the mountain scenery is beautiful as always.
The Cades Cove wildlife is still plentiful and we saw the usual critters.
One day we went to Pigeon Forge for breakfast and then did a little shopping. Other than that, we pretty well hung around camp all week. We had no cell or internet service, plus no Braves on TV, so we did a lot of reading and had a few good campfires. We met some really nice folks from Knoxville who were camping next to us all week.
Today we were up early and left headed for home. Had a good ride and got home about 1:30. Everything at home was in good shape - except the grass is about knee deep! We've been gone about a month and a half and have had a very good trip! We do thank God and give Him the Glory for the safe and trouble free 3200 miles that we traveled. For you that have been following us, we're glad you were along for the ride! Until next time ----
