Rambling to Tennessee: Part 3, The Beauty of Mountains and Rivers

by Violet Rebecca Jones

Click on any picture to enlarge

Leaving Wear's Valley, and heading toward Gatlinburg, I drove along a beautiful scenic road that paralleled the incredibly beautiful Little Pigeon River. Deep and dangerous in some places, it was calm and serene in others. Some  places were deep while others were only knee high. Most areas were rocky, and at times, the sound of the river rushing over the rocks was so calming, I just wanted to park and take a nap. However, as Robert Frost said, "The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep."  

There were trout fishermen all along the river, and there were many people hiking along the trails that branch off into the woods near the river. I am not sure if they caught any fish, but they certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves. This area ( shown at right) was the most beautiful and peaceful area along the entire river. As I moved along toward Gatlinburg, the river picked up speed and became more dangerous, but still beautiful in its own right.

The Sinks is a beautiful waterfall, but it is very dangerous. There were warning signs like the one to the right warning people to not swim in the area because of hidden underwater cliffs that create currents that  can cause a swimmer to be held down. One man had left the enclosed viewing area ans was standing on a boulder hanging over the rushing water below. I couldn't help but feel fearful for him. Had he slipped, he would surely have died. 

The awesome power and beauty of a mountain
river as it rushes over boulders on its long journey to the sea.

This rustic staircase into the wilderness beckons one to explore the trails winding along mountain ridges. There were several of these trails leading into the woods along the river, and there were numerous people coming and going. Had I not been encumbered by "bum" knee, I would have at least ventured a little way into the forest. It simply looked so inviting. However, I would have been a little nervous about the possibility of encountering a bear. I simply enjoyed the scenery along the roadside, and it was quite enough to sustain me.









I couldn't help but wonder where this little path leads. It looks as if it has simply been worn down through  the ages rather than etched into the hillside on purpose.  There must be something especially interesting at its end.  I wish that I had been physically able, and had the time to explore. But again, I would have been afraid of bears. Yes, I am very afraid of bears although I have never personally encountered one.

                                                              

                                                                

 After this peaceful stop to view The Sinks, I  reluctantly climbed back into my car for the journey to Gatlinburg. There was still much natural beauty to see, and the drive continued to be beautiful.   However, shopping awaited at the journey's end, so I had to move along.   

                                                               

                                                                 

                                                               

Copyright 2014  Violet Rebecca Jones

Rambling to Tennessee: Part 2, Valley Wood Carving

by Violet Rebecca Jones

I left the Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee and rambled toward Gatlinburg by way of Wears Valley, TN.  I had never visited this area before and was astounded by its incredible beauty. Unfortunately, I did not have time to stop at any of the stores, restaurants, and other places  that beckoned to me, but it is definitely on my agenda for a future trip.




The Valley

Wears Valley is beautiful with a sense of calm and peace that coaxes one into a state of relaxation. Away from the hustle and bustle of the commercialized venues of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, the few establishments in the area seem to have a laid back atmosphere that is hard to resist.

Wood Carving Art

While rambling, I happened upon a wonderful place called Captn Daves Little River Artistry.  It was closed, but the beautiful wood carvings were in the yard, so I was able to click some pictures. I can just imagine what beauties were inside the buildings. What was so interesting was the whimsical nature of the carvings. Some had a comic element, while others took on an aura of fantasy such as the mermaid and the demon above the carved hands. 

This was just a small area of Wears Valley. There was also a museum of  Smokey Mountain Life that I wanted to see, but it was closed. Beyond this area of the valley, I traveled on toward Gatlinburg and witnessed some of the most beautiful scenery and mountain streams that I have ever seen. They will be in Rambling to Tennessee: Part 3

Copyright text and pictures 2014 by Violet Rebecca Jones 

Rambling Along Waterfalls in Greenville

by Violet Rebecca Jones

View of the falls.

Who doesn't love a waterfall? And when one is in the middle of a southern city, it is even more special. Greenville, SC is one such city. I love rambling the streets of this city. There is always something to do, experience, or simply to observe. Revitalized a few years ago from a deteriorating city that no one wanted to visit, it is now a place where tourists stroll the streets, locals go for lunch or dinner out, shop, live, and work. It is a place to relax, to enjoy nature, and to always have the luxury of coffee shops,  theater, concerts, art galleries, unique shops, and street performers within a short walking distance. Each time I go, I feel as if I have experienced a vacation.

Street musician gathers a crowd
(click any photo to enlarge)

On this particular day, there was a festival taking place, but there is usually a crowd in the downtown area even when there isn't a festival going on. There are often street musicians, and there are weekly concerts at the outdoor amphitheater. Although this concert was free, some of them have an admission fee to sit in the amphitheater. However, since the concerts are outdoors, you really can enjoy the music from any nearby area.It is easily heard while sitting on a bench near the children's splash fountains on the other side of the river.

During the summer months, the nearby Governor's School for the Arts present free, outdoor "Shakespeare in the Park" performances at another, smaller outdoor amphitheater near the falls.

Outdoor concert

These ducks have found
a cool place to hang out.

Cleveland Park, which adjoins the falls, is a lush,
wooded park that stretches outside the perimeters
of the downtown area, and any sunny afternoon                  
will find it packed with locals enjoying the outdoors.
However, there have been reports of muggings
taking place in this area and along Falls Park in
the evening hours. The city has put in effect a curfew
for underage patrons and increased police patrols,
but I am still a little wary to go there at night.          
                

One of the gentler scenes along the Reedy River

Children's Splash Fountain with Art Galleries Alongside

The art galleries along the river are amazing, and provide hours of aesthetic browsing. There is nothing quite like having original art in one's home to give it a sense of personality, and many of the artists sell their works at an affordable price. Even if you don't buy, it is still relaxing to stroll from gallery to gallery.

View from walkway over the Reedy River

                 

I have always wanted to walk on stilts.

Walkway leading to the
outdoor concert amphitheater.

Suspension bridge...
(I know this is not a good picture, but it is the only one of the bridge that "took" before my camera died

 For more  pictures of Greenville, SC , including the suspension bridge, which I was unable to photograph properly, go to: http://www.visitgreenvillesc.com/

Copyright 2014  Violet Rebecca Jones