A Day Out With Dad

Realizing it is still early October our trip to the Smokies may seem strange to most folks. However, there are few things to remember: 1) my hard drive recently crashed 2) a line of Greeting Cards is not complete without a few Christmas Cards 3) Christmas Cards must have scenes reminiscent of Christmas.

Although Mom encouraged me to check out the Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge for some ideas, it was dad who traveled with me on his first day dedicated to photography. How many dads would sacrifice their first Saturday off in several weeks just to drive all day for a few pictures? Not too many I’m sure.

While dad napped, I drove us to Tennessee. I was amazed to find the fall colors are already showing up beautifully. Surprisingly northern Tennessee has some really bright colors but most of the mountains along the highway were deep dark colors but still beautiful especially surrounding by the early morning fog.

Having never actually visited the Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, I was a little disappointed looking at it from the outside. I was thinking I had made the trip in vain. But then I stepped through the front door. Wow!! Double Wow! Christmas was truly everywhere. Ornately decorated trees, ornaments galore, poinsettias of every description, reindeers flying overhead, miniature villages, Christmas music playing in the background – talk about sensory overload! It was a bit overwhelming and the inside of the store is huge. So hold onto your kids or they maybe forever lost in the maze. Dad and I got separated and it took several text messages and phone calls to finally find each other. But if you can’t seem to find the Christmas Spirit this season, I encourage you to come take a peek through these doors.

We also visited the Inn at Christmas Place – what a grand hotel. Even in October, Christmas doesn’t feel out of place when as tastefully decorated as this foyer. The cozy fireplace, muted colors, ornate woodwork, lights aglow complete with a nativity scene – I could have sank down on the plush sofa with a good book and been right at home.

Since our Christmas photo shoot didn’t take all that long, we checked on the ducks! Ducks are quite the attraction at the hotel where my parents often stay when visiting the Smokies. This particular afternoon must have been bath day. Everywhere you looked, the ducks were cleaning up. Some were spit shining their feathers, others taking a dunk (so long I thought there might have been an under the sea creature kidnapping ducks…crazy I know!) But no, a few moments later, they’d pop up somewhere else. I could have stayed all afternoon but I decided to show Dad Cades Cove. Yes, I’m still hoping to see the elusive black bear and this time I had a man along …for protection. With the overnight rains, the creeks were flowing creating waterfalls all along the way.

Although we never saw a bear, we saw several deer, turkeys and horses. In fact, we saw what we thought were Tom turkeys fighting over territory. But, as we got closer, we realized it was hens fighting over the Tom. I have never seen the like of squawking, neck twisting, and beak biting – it seemed like a fight to the bitter end. Fascinating but a little disturbing. The mountains rising through the haze were beautiful. In a few weeks, the color will be off the chart.

We were ready to call it a day!! Now for the long drive home! It’s not often Dad and I get to spend time together so we had a good day. This time, Dad got a chance to see his daughter at work! In repayment for sacrificing a day of skeeter making, I took some pictures of his little Tn football skeeter by the roaring waters!

Joy 2 u…until our next adventure! “C”