Last night as we were in bed a conversation began about how many sights we have seen on our trip. We counted 25 of them in 42 days. Pretty amazing. We also have traveled over 10,000 miles so far.
It was cozy sleeping last night as we snuggled up to keep each other warm in the 40 degree temperatures.
I slept in until 8 am and then got on the road for Abrams Falls. Dave noticed that the parking brake light was on and we were concerned. Called the guy in Wood River, IL who serviced it last Monday. He gave us a remedy and it worked and we were on our way.
Traveled along an 11 mile loop called Cades Loop Road which is a 20 mph road and lots of traffic. We had heard about a rock/mud slide along the route to get to Cades Loop and traffic was stopped for a few minutes as they only had one lane open. Most of the time we were doing about 10 mph along the loop road. Halfway through we exited and went to the parking lot for the falls. It is 2.5 miles one way. It was a rock and root sort of trail – similar to the trails in the Adirondacks. Got about half way and thought we would turn around due to Dave's feet/ankles sore but we continued on and it was worth it. The falls and the fall colors surrounding it were beautiful. We took a lunch of fruit and brownies. On the way down we noticed a bunch of people looking over the hillside. There was a cute, fuzzy, small black bear which someone had thought was born in the spring. No parent was around and it was happily feeding on the trees and grasses. He was itching himself on one of the trees. Watched him for 15 minutes and then continued our descent with a few ascents thrown in. As we walked it was raining acorns and colored leaves.
Got to the parking area and Dave again had to deal with 10 mph traffic which was frustrating to him. He says there are “too many people”. We did enjoy an ice cream though at the Cades Visitor center area. As we were driving back toward the campground we again had to stop due to the rock/mud slide. They were finishing up when we passed. Dave said it took 32 minutes to drive 13 miles.
Back to campground and Dave is making chili with lots of beans and cheddar cheese and chips for dipping. We need to get dishes done before dark at about 7.
It is 5:15 when I am writing this and my hands are starting to get a little cold. Going to be cold again this evening.
While doing dishes we talked to a lady from Baton Rouge, LA who isn't used to this kind of cold. She said they were going to stay in Yellowstone in June but it was too cold to camp. She mentioned that oil is still showing up in some areas.
Will head out of here tomorrow and travel along to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway and we think the traffic will be slow along there as well. Maybe we will get off and travel the highway. Along the way, but still in the Park, there have been sightings of bull elk. Hoping to see some. They are amazing creatures. We plan to be in Baltimore on Tuesday to see Dave's kids and his brother, Peter.
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