Bewildered Brown Eyes

Taking a Bight

Before work takes back over most of my time, I am taking a moment to revisit one of our hikes earlier this spring at the Everglades National Park. We went for a long hiking weekend just before the Florida heat settled in, staying at the Flamingo Campgrounds. The mornings and evenings were crisp, getting intoContinue reading “Taking a Bight”

Geppeto’s

One last dining review from our trip to the GSM. The first full day in Wear’s Valley, TN, we stopped at a local pizza joint just off the main road called Geppeto’s. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. As we were walking in, the hubs asked a man walking out with a pizza how itContinue reading “Geppeto’s”

Local Goat – Pigeon Forge

On our last full vacation day in Tennessee, we found ourselves looking for a ‘new to us’ place to have a late lunch. I’ve spent many vacations in eastern Tennessee throughout my life, so the Calhoun local chain, nor any of the nationwide chains would do. I read up on a local scratch kitchen tavernContinue reading “Local Goat – Pigeon Forge”

Spruce Flats Falls

Our final waterfall hike for this trip to the GSM is up to the Spruce Flats Falls. This trail is not clearly identified when driving up, but once you find it, they have directions clearly identified to help folks along the actual trail to the falls. The start of the trail begins at the GSMContinue reading “Spruce Flats Falls”

Grotto Falls

Deep in the heart of Roaring Forks Motor Trail lies a well-traveled hiking trail to Grotto Falls. We arrived around 9:30 am for our hike and lucked out with a parking spot near the trail head. These falls were not as crowded as Laurel Falls, but still quite popular. The trail was well-packed dirt andContinue reading “Grotto Falls”

Laurel Falls

At the start of our trip visiting the Great Smoky National Park, we decided to tackle an easy hike out and back to Laurel Falls. I believe everyone else in the area decided the same! This popular hikes main and overflow parking areas were crowded with cars and people. It was a Sunday after allContinue reading “Laurel Falls”

The Pancake Pantry – Gatlinburg, TN

Anyone who visits the Smokies knows there are pancake houses galore ready and willing to whip up some of the most mouth watering sweet treats for your breakfast. Our family’s long time favorite, going back to my childhood, is the Pancake Pantry in the heart of Gatlinburg. Expect to wait if you arrive later thanContinue reading “The Pancake Pantry – Gatlinburg, TN”

The Final Prep

Piles and piles of laundry scattered across the floor. We’re only taking a couple things, but there’s tons of laundry to be done. Dinner’s on, chores abound, work is crazy, and vacation is just days away. My brain is looking forward to the break from deadlines and meetings, the endless meetings! I don’t really mindContinue reading “The Final Prep”

SAFARI!

Inspired by a trip in 2016 to South Africa. The driver awaited in the open air Toyota safari cruiser. We packed in our gear, stepped up at the wheelbase, swung our legs over and climbed in. We were ready for an adventure. We struck out in the early morning and headed to the Hluhluwe GameContinue reading “SAFARI!”

Two down….two to go

As of today, our household will be fully vaccinated from COVID-19. My husband is heading out the door for his final shot and my last shot was received yesterday. We have just under two weeks to go before our first real vacation in over a year, just in time! Our countdown has begun. Double checkingContinue reading “Two down….two to go”