NOC

Yep... that's me on a giant $1000 dollar faux black bear. Good times, right? Today was the Business During Hours (Fancy, right? During instead of after... clever folks!) for the "NOC" (Nantahala Outdoor Center) Great Outpost in downtown Gatlinburg. It opened just a few days ago, and wow is it cool! It's located right at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a welcoming structure for those coming in to Gatlinburg from the park! Also, it's super cool inside - most of the building is wallpapered with reclaimed tree bark and there is an indoor rock climbing wall. One really cool thing is that they have a shuttle that goes to and from the AT trail for those AT hikers who want a rest. They also have showers for the AT hikers - which I would imagine is a veeery welcome sight. My fam and I had a great time wandering around - just soaking in the atmosphere. I had to really control myself in the shoe department (one word: Chacos) and in the clothing department (for someone who doesn't hike or camp, I certainly love me some outdoor clothing...). All in all it was a great experience!

So, if you're in the G-burg area, I would recommend checking it out!

~ Mari

Such a Turkey!

There's something incredible about living in a place where you look out your back window and see... well... that. We have a group of about 20 turkeys that float through our yard once or twice a week. But, the other afternoon, along with the 20 regulars, we had this guy. He was strutting about - showing off his stuff about 12 feet from our back deck. Thank goodness dad had just cleaned the windows or this picture probably wouldn't be.

I will miss this area and the mountains so much when I move... but, there will be new wildlife and new adventures in Middle Georgia! :)

~ Mari