just returned from the holidays in east TN.

spent some time hiking in the Great Smoky Mtns Nat Park, mostly up near
Mt LeConte, which is the highest lodging east of the Miss river.

the trail i usually take has a HUGE cave, really an overhanging bluff
approx 150 ft high, about half way up the trail to leconte.
it is called Alum Cave, named for the alum that was mined there years ago.

about 20 inches of snow at the top the week before.
perfect day approx 50 deg F there on new years day.

this pic gives some indication of the scale.

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gorp moocher at inspiration point.

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hi-lite of riding up to the park!

when i was a kid, i would BEG my grandpa to stop
here in pidgeon forge to see "HillBilly Village"

a tacky ass goody stand good for a few laughs.
hillbilly and indian trinkets, and even a live bear.

best of all, was the outhouse. when you touched the door:
a hillbilly dummy was already "using" the facilities, and
a recording said:

"hey, wait your turn. this is only a one-holer!"

at 6 years old, it was the funniest thing i had ever seen.

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