We spent a few hours in the Smoky Mountains today. It was very pleasant there, but the heat in the valley seems to have driven a lot of people up there. The traffic wasn't bad on the road, but the river was crowded with tubers. I stuck my hand in the water and it was about as warm as I can remember. Usually it will turn you blue in late summer, but not today. We had a picnic at Metcalf Bottoms picnic ground, then drove down past The Sinks and The Y and came on home.

Maybe I need to explain those locations. The Sinks used to be a waterfall, but before the area became a national park, lumber jacks dynamited the falls so they could float logs down the river. Now it is a cascade of sorts, but the plunge basin is still there along with a convenient bluff for people who like to jump from high places.. The Y is where the West Prong of the Little River joins the East prong. There is also a Middle Prong of the Little River, butit joins the West Prong a short distance above The Y. It isn't really as complicated as it sounds, but you know me.
Howard

PS - Having been called to supper, I will post this without proofing it. Probably a mistake.