We have our reasons:
1. There was a cold front heading to Kentucky (our next scheduled camp stop)
2. We really didn’t want to drive the Tail of the Dragon (aka “That damn road to Tennessee”) to get out of the Smoky Mountains
3. We were not ready to head north to the cold yet
Since we have a tiny 17 ft. travel trailer with a bump out canvas bed, the setup and tear down is always a big process. Just thought I’d share the Before and After. “Before” is when we pull into a camp site and all the stuff is in the way. “After” is set up but in dog sleeping mode instead of work table mode.
We also threw around all potential reasons for these poles that are at most campsites. We ruled out food hanging because they are always next to a railing or picnic table. Alan thought that it was a great vest dryer. Turns out it goes back to the days of real fire burning lanterns but are still used for modern day lighting sources as well.
During a cold hike I suggested Alan should look like he was checking something out…always cracks me up.
A short detour south to Vogel State park in Georgia (one of GA’s oldest state parks) extended our trip for a few days. We had our first campfire right on the banks of Wolf Creek with hot dogs and smores cooked over a fire. It felt like summer in Minnesota.
The dogs loved the park as there were plenty of places for them to be off leash and get the zoomies!
Vogel state park has a lot of activities (but not much cell access) and a great lake which is dammed and feeds an amazing waterwall!! Cece is always in the water, Alan likes to read all the info signs and I loved the daffodils in February! And this place has some great cabins to be rented as well as a really great campground.
We hiked to the impressive Trahlyta Falls with a viewing deck practically in the falls. Cece was uncomfortable with the metal grate steps down to the deck but was able to successfully crawl down with encouragement from all the people on the platform. She was a very proud dog when she made it and accepted some ear scratches from everyone.
Superbowl Sunday found us in a dry county…We had to drive 45 minutes over Blood Mountain to find Jonnie B’s (sports bar) so we could watch the game and Rihanna’s half time show.