Thursday

The couple's retreat didn't start until Friday, but we were able to go a day early and enjoy some free time by ourselves. It was wonderful.

I always enjoy the ride up to the mountains because of the scenery.



This was our room at the Smoky Shadows in Pigeon Forge. Each couple's room was equipped with a fire place and jacuzzi.


This was the view from our window.



After we checked in, we decided to drive on into Gatlinburg and ride the sky lift up the mountain.


Me and my honey



At the top of the mountain was our flag waving us on up.


These are the views from the look-out.





There's a gift shop and snack bar at the top of the mountain. Bruce bought us an ice cream to eat while we enjoyed the view.



I noticed these signs as we rode the sky lift. My only thought about them was DUH!



While driving to an old farm Bruce knew about, we passed the Gatlinburg Convention Center. On the sign out front it said that Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys were going to be there. Of course Bruce couldn't pass by without stopping to see what THAT was about. LOL I waited in the car while he checked things out. It looked as though the place was empty. And it was. We found out that Stanley and the Boys would be there Friday night. But that they were sold out. Bruce was so disappointed.


The old farm we visited was called the Noah "Bud" Ogle Farm.


The house....





Bruce with the barn behind him


Us with the house behind us


Bruce in the loft of the barn


If you'll look closely, you'll see a deer in this pic. We were walking back to the car when we heard the leaves rustle. We both looked toward the noise and there she was. She was so pretty. She just stood there for a few seconds and then leaped a little closer to us. We just stood very still. She got so close we were almost afraid. LOL


We were getting hungry so we stopped at this Pizza Hut to enjoy...what else.......

Stuffed Crust Pizza.


Then it was back to our hotel to settle in for the evening....BUT WAIT.....


One more stop to Wal Mart for drinks and Bugles.

We had a terrific day Thursday. It was so nice spending the time together. We enjoyed it so much.