All alone (well almost!) in the Smokies

One of the greatest advantages of travelling in the mid-US latitudes at this time of year  is that the colder temperatures mean fewer people.  This certainly proved to be true in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where we spent the last few days.  The park, opened in 1934 and developed as another one of FDR's depression era work projects, has an unparallelled variety of plant and animal life and several types of forest ecology.  It straddles the states of North Carolina and Tennessee and we were able to camp in both, with the campsites almost deserted!  We had a few very pleasant walks and two hikes.  The drive through the park is spectacular and I hope my photos convey some of the awe we felt!  

 Our camper all by itself by a brook at the Smokemont campsite

  Walking and hiking by beautiful brooks, among the incredibly plentiful rhododendron underbrush and the tall pines and hardwoods.

The Smokies live up to their name seen from some of the highest elevations  (6400')