Gatlinburg is in the Smoky Mountains. Before we got here I had visions of a sleepy bucolic setting, close to mother nature. It's not like that -- imagine Leavenwoth meets Vegas meets Orlando. There are two towns here at the edge of the Smokies, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Both are covered with hotels, show venues, and assorted tourist traps. It's very entertaining, but close to nature it ain't. We got to do a moonshine tasting, which was kind of interesting. Fortunately our condo is a bit out of the busy area, set back in the trees so it is quiet. It's been rainy so it was good to relax in our unit for a while. We can also prepare our own meals which is nice for a change. After the rain stopped today we went down town for a bit tried a wine tasting (swill) and then took a loop into the the nearby hills. The hardwood forests are beautiful, but not quite changing into their fall colors yet.

Tomorrow we will take a drive to another cave where there is supposed to be an underground lake.