Up to the mountains again

Since we did not go to see the sunset yesterday at the mountains, we decided to do that today. We planned to go to the town of Gatlinburg first before going up to the mountains. Dropped by at a fast food restaurant, "Chick-fil-A" for lunch on the way there.


I visited the town few months ago when CT was sent here for training for few days. I would love to go back again as it is a very nice town with lots of colourful flowers everywhere.

The last time I came was quite rushed, but this time round, I have the whole morning and afternoon to take my time and go to the shops of the town.





When we went to one of the shopping area, I saw a black looking animal walking in the mall. I thought it looked like a black bear as they are commonly seen in the Smoky Mountains. So, I went nearer and realised that it was a huge black dog. I couldn't help but take a picture with it..

There are a lot of tourist attractions in the town of Gatlinburg. There is the Ripley's Aquarium, Guiness Book of Records, World of Illusions, etc...So, it is a fun place for kids/families. They have lots of mini golf courses in the town as well...and it is usually crowded.

While walking the rows of nice little shops, selling interesting stuff, we stopped by "Ben and Jerry" ice cream shop for a milkshake. Yumyum..very nice. In US, one tub on Ben & Jerry costs only about US$2.50. In Singapore, it costs about S$8-$10.

Look at CT enjoying his triple chocolate milkshake. The weather is really hot. I would say it is about 32-35 degrees celcius. So, we kept stopping by for cold drinks.

Driving in this town is quite difficult as the lanes are small and squeezy. So, we parked our car a distance away at the welcome center and rode the trolley (bus) to the town. The trolley right is only 25 cents..which is much cheaper than parking in the town.

It is also nice to ride in the trolley as you feel more relaxed and do not have to worry about directions and parking.

After about 3-4 hours of walking in the town, we rode the trolley back to where we parked our car and drove to the Smoky Mountains by the bypass scenic route, which bypasses the town of Gatlinburg to avoid the traffic.

The scenic route was great as it overlooks the mountains and can view the town area as well. Lots of trees and scenery.

We drove to the many lookout points to view the smoky mountains and the weather was nice and cooling..maybe slightly below 20 degrees. We were about 4000-5000 ft above sea level.

We stopped by at "Morton's Overlook", "Newfound Gap" and "Clingsman Dome" which is the highest point in Tennessee- 6000 over feet. When we reached, it was drizzling and it was foggy driving up to that height. We took our umbrella, braved the rain as it got heavier and heavier as we walked the trail to the lookout point. It was very tiring as the route was very steep and we were freezing because of the rain and that we were among the clouds. Brr..

We were so tired and were panting a lot as it was about 900m walk up the steep slope. It was raining so heavily with thunder and lightning. All we did was pray and talked along the way to make our walk more interesting. All the tourists, turned back and did not want to complete their trails because of the heavy downpour. Only me and CT continued as we were determined and did not want to give up after driving up all the way.

When we finally reached the top, there was shelter. So we hid under the shelter and cuddled up as it was freezing. We even had to use our umbrella to shield the wind. We were in shorts and t-shirt only. Ha..

After about 45 mins, the sun came up and the rain stopped...and guess what?? We saw a full rainbow at the mountains. So beautiful. We were the only ones enjoying the scenery as no one dared to come up as it was raining just now.

We felt so happy and glad that we persisted and finished the climb up despite the weather when we say the rainbow. We planned to stay for the sunset. However, we went up too early and so had to stay up there for many hours. We were up about 6pm plus and the sunset is 845pm. So, it was 3 hours plus on top among the clouds.

Though it was cold, I felt it was a good time bonding with CT as we talked anything under the sun. Ha..

When the sun was up, the tourists came back up and we saw many come and go while we still stayed behind to wait for sunset. I knew CT did all this for me as he would not stay to wait for the sunset. So, I was pretty touched that he did not insist to go back down despite the weather but he waited patiently with me and did not complain.

After 2 hours passed, the fog came back on and everywhere was so foggy and cold. The colours in the sky were practically black and white...it felt like winter. So, it was quite nice taking pictures that looked like winter.

This was the shelter at 6000 over feet where we were hiding under from the rain and waited till 845pm.

Check out the thick fog..The weather was very cold..trust me!

When the time came up to 830pm, the weather was still so foggy that I told CT that we should leave since it is too foggy for a nice sunset.

So we left and walked back down.

Saw a bit of the sunset while we were walking back down. So it was nice.

We stopped by at A & W for dinner as there is no more A & W in Singapore. I missed it as I love the coney dogs, curly fries, fried chicken wings and root bear float.

However, in US, the A&W has no curly fries and chicken wings...but their fries are chilli cheese fries. Not too bad.

When we went to the A&W, we felt confused as it was a drive through..with no proper restaurant. Take a look!

The people in the car actually order their food by talking to the speaker and the waitress will deliver the food to you on a tray and attached it to the window. So, the people get to eat inside their car without having to get out.

We were totally blur about such concept. SO we parked the car, got out and ordered normally and ate outside the car where there are few tables.

By the time we reached home, it was about ten plus pm. Very tiring..and still feeling cold from the rain as we were drenched.