Day 5 - Smoky Mountains

With a forecast of 30% rain in the morning and clearing this afternoon, we woke up to a dry, warm, almost humid morning. We drove up and over the mountain into Bryson City, NC. There we boarded the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Our ride took us along rivers, over Fontana Lake (created by a very high dam), past blooming mountain laurel and many other wildflowers and into the Nantahala Gorge. We had an hour off the train to enjoy the area, we ate a hearty box lunch and switched seating for the return ride. By the time we returned to Bryson City we noticed the sky getting dark. We started driving back over the mountain, and it started raining. It didn't quit until we were almost back in Pigeon Forge. Then the sun came out again.
This evening we went to "The Miracle," a musical about the life of Jesus. Costumes, sets, talented singers, live camels, sheep and horses all resulted in reactions of, "spectacular," "wow,"
"terrific," "inspiring, "Best Show Yet." - Laurel Johnson - Tour Director