BIG Appreciation Month | Day 6 of 28
Amazed by the
View of the
Great Smoky Mountains
When I was 6 my family took me to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and set up a picnic for us. Afterward, we left the table to check out the view of the creek beside our picnic site. While we were gazing at the babbling brook a bear happened to sniff the sweet smell of KFC(I think anyway, I can't remember every detail). He must have been interested in the secret blend of 11 herbs & spices because he decided to mosey on over and take a bite. I was big into Humphry the Bear, so a dinner picnic with a character I loved sounded cool at the time. However, my dad seemed to be a bit alarmed so we left the chicken behind. This story may sound scary but it wasn't. The bear waited until we had gone to get a bite (as I write this, I feel like I am describing Yogi) and we didn't feel threatened, just surprised. This moment is something that my family and I bring up from time and time and I wish I could remember it more vividly. We had an encounter with a beautiful view and an excuse to leave the house/technology behind to enjoy it together. I would ask that everyone take a moment and go try to make a memory with their family, and there is no better place than the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Either way, it warms my heart to know somewhere out there Humphry the Bear has a full belly.
The Breathtaking Views
I have lived in this region for my entire life and as a child, I would remember all of the adults talking about how they missed the mountains when they would return from vacation. I would think to myself “but have you seen a beach?!”. Fast Forward to 18-year-old me when I have been driving (and dating) for a couple of years and my perception has changed. You can’t drive anywhere without getting a breathtaking view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Still to this day, my wife (yes that’s right, this story led to a wedding) and I talk about the date we had where we visited the park only to get caught in the rain. Our date to the park was beautiful, romantic, and I may have gotten a smooch (which makes it well worth the gas money). I have a lot of great memories at the park and I cannot wait to take my kids on a picnic there this summer.
Our ancestors settled here because of the beauty and bounty our region provides, and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a testament to that truth.
My point is that I appreciate having an untouched region that I can visit. I can see more fully the beauty of God’s creation without all the distractions. We can go camping and reconnect with each other and ignore all the digital connections we have to everyone else. Our ancestors settled here because of the beauty and bounty our region provides, and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a testament to that truth. If you appreciate the Great Smoky Mountains then reach out and let them know what they mean to you. If you want to learn more about the park and the events and things you can do there, see the links provided.
What
A beautiful national park full of beautiful landmarks and adventures
Why
For keeping a great deal of God’s great creation untouched and open for our enjoyment.
When
It looks like the park was established around the 1920’s and 30’s
*Please note that BIG is not affiliated with The Great Smoky Mountains National Park at this time. We simply appreciate the beautiful view and family fun they provide the region.
