I GREW UP IN THE MOUNTAINS, OUT WHERE THE SNAKES HAVE LEGS

Growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee meant  going to the Smoky Mountains.  Many school trips, church outings and family camping trips were spent in the mountains.  My children, raised in Florida, spent their school trips at Disney World and Busch Gardens.  I spent mine hiking, biking in Cades Cove and traversing over rock strewn mountain streams.  

I have had many a great trip to Disney World and understand the attraction for so many kids.  But I think our kids loved some of the thrilling rides in the mountains.

Rob (Auburn) Turtle Back Falls

Walker (Florida) Turtle Back Falls

James’s Florida Sigma Nu buddies, Billy, Gavin, Walker, Adam, Nolan and James on Devil’s Courthouse, Whiteside Mountain.

Tubing on Lake Glenville

Alum Cave hiking  (up)  to Mt. LeConte, the third highest peak east of the Mississippi River, not accessible by car.  Sounds like a great tailgating spot.

Getting ready to go up Arch Rock, Mt. LeConte.

Just a beautiful hike.

Hanging out at Cliff Top, Mt. LeConte.  Notice James’ Tennessee visor. This was pre-Florida for both Lizzie and James.  Steve, a Vanderbilt graduate and now a Navy fighter pilot, might have acquired his love of heights on Mt. LeConte.

Let’s Go!  Annabel and James, Warden Falls in Panthertown.

Climbing up the back way, Chimney Top Mountain.

 Saving Abbey, our mountain Yorkie.  Sounds like it could be a new series.

The mountains, especially Cashiers, NC  in the summer and fall are a wonderful place to be.  When our children were young, people would say, “how can you go to the mountains for the summer?  Won’t they miss their friends?”

I always replied, “Yes, but they have made so many new friends and they want to be with them in the mountains.”

 

And don’t forget when you have a mountain house all your old friends come to visit!

Families hike together in Panthertown.

And include their dogs.

Families boat together and bring their dogs.

Families gather for 4th of July Celebrations.  Remember the Symphony concerts at Fairfield Lake, gazing up at Bald Rock,  waiting for the 1812 Overture and spectacular fireworks?

Families and friends gather for mountain weddings

High Hampton Inn, looking at Rock Mountain is the perfect I Do place.

Friends gather for  an “Abba the Music” concert on the lawn of the Biltmore House in Asheville.

They never looked like this at Waterloo.

Friends dance together

I think we’re alone now, the beating of our hearts is the only sound.

Beat It

Friends croon into spoons together

  

Friends and family celebrating the wonderful moments together.

See the mountain dogs?

These two dogs, Sunny,  a sweet yellow lab and Abbey, our mountain Yorkie have become infamous in our family circles.

I grew up in the mountains out where the snakes have legs….

Dogs and snakes…..

Watch for my upcoming story about dogs, snakes and maybe a bear or two.

I welcome your comments, recipes and any inside information on your favorite tailgating spots.

Come celebrate with me.  I’ll save you a seat at the table.