Smokemont Camping Trip - Fall 2011

 We just returned from a 9-day camping trip to the mountains of N.C.  The weather was just great even though it rained a couple of days.  We manage to have fun even in the rain. 

Last weekend, we helped cook for 70 church friends who came for the weekend.  The ages of our church group ranged from 2 to 75.  Such a good time!  At night we sat around the campfire singing songs, listening to a devotional and just enjoying each other while warming up by the fire.  When the group left Sunday at noon, our real vacation began. 

The leaves were gorgeous.

And we ate really good food.

 Sweet Potato Fries

 Steaks

 Pinto Beans and Ham, slow cooked over the fire all day.

 A first this year:  The King's Lodge Pot with coals on top & beneath.

And later, we had luscious peach cobbler!

 Yummy pancakes

 

And sweet potatos baked (or rather "fired"). Lenny is retrieving the potatoes using his hoe.  It was a funny sight.

Every day in the afternoon the elk come out in a field next to the Oconoluftee Visitor's Center.

On Thursday we drove up the Parkway and were delighted to find a winter wonderland.

We had a great time.  I'm ready for next year!