Hello friends,

Introduction.

Early one morning, fueled by excitement, we embarked on a journey to explore a nearby waterfall nestled in the mountains. Little did we know, our adventure would take an unexpected turn.

The Morning Start.

We woke up bright and early, eager for our adventure. After a quick and light breakfast, we set off for the mountain trail where the waterfall awaited.

Parking Predicament.

Arriving at the parking lot, uncertainty struck us. We noticed other cars with parking tickets and realized we needed one too. A trip to the visitor center became necessary, costing us our precious parking spot. Well that was such a disappointment to wake up early in the morning in a freezing weather to just come and not being able to park. I wish I could sleep in instead.

A Change of Plans.

Returning to the parking lot, we found no available spots. Despite the cold weather, we decided to pivot our plans and head to a nearby viewpoint to capture the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. I was still in a bad mood but decided to get out to snap a few shots of the Smoky Mountains. Who knows when next time I’ll be able to get here.

Brunch at the Pancake House.

Disappointed by the missed opportunity, we sought solace in a quaint pancake house. Warm coffee and delicious pancakes lifted our spirits, turning our frowns into smiles. I never had this home quality pancakes when eating out. I ordered pancakes with cherries. Kids also were happy with their chocolate chip pancakes and turkey sausages. Also the portions are pretty big, so I felt bad leaving my leftovers there. It’s not that good to reheat pancakes that were already covered with jam or syrup, since they are soggy. No one likes soggy food right?

I really liked the interior. It kind of reminded me of our favorite Cracker Barrel restaurant. The old tv, and a record player, some old looking newspapers decor on the tables. I just love it, and it was a lot of fun to read the old newspapers. Kids had something to do while waiting for their food.

A Pleasant Stroll.

After brunch, we enjoyed a leisurely walk in the neighborhood with our puppy, soaking in the warmth of the sun and the picturesque views of the mountains.

Capturing Memories.

During our stroll, I made sure to snap some photos to preserve the beautiful scenery and the joyous moments we shared as a family. These snapshots serve as reminders of the serenity and beauty that surrounded us, even when our plans went awry.

Looking Ahead.

As we returned home, filled with warmth from the sun and cherished memories, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the simple joys of life and the unexpected adventures that come our way. While we may have missed out on seeing the waterfall, our day was still filled with laughter, love, and the beauty of nature.

I hope you enjoyed the photos.

All the photos in my posts are taken by me, copyright (c) @artmom.

Thank you for visiting!