... and, by the way ... Tennessee! (Mile 6,125, Trail Mile 149.22)

I almost forgot ... we made it to Tennessee! Gatlinburg, to be specific. And yes, we are talking about the Gatlinburg that's just down the road from Pigeon Forge and that great American institution: Dollywood! If only it wasn't Covid time. 

It was a long but pleasant drive from Virginia through rolling hills, under gray winter skies. When we arrived, we drove through downtown Gatlinburg and saw what I can only compare to a country Hollywood. They had Ripley's Believe it Or Not, a bunch of Vegas-style chain restaurants like Margaritaville, and crowds - yes, crowds! - of non-mask-wearers milling about. Oh my!

And, off to the side, by the way, is Great Smoky Mountains National Park - the most visited unit in the National Park System. This is going to be great!

And, our home base for all of this is a lovely cabin in the hills ...

... with a million dollar view of the Smokies ...

... some highbrow art ...

... and a cozy living room. And yes, that's a Christmas tree in the corner. Since we're now in late January, I'm not sure if this is festive or depressing.

Here's the map.