Day trip to the Smokys - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In an effort to escape the 100 degree temps in Beech Island (neither a beach nor an island, by the way) I headed to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tourist numbers really soar this time of year, but it did little to dampen my enjoyment of this outing. The park is truly a national treasure. From dipping my toes in the wicked cool water of a mountain stream to taking in the breathtaking views from Clingman's Dome, it was a day to remember!