Grist Mills and Smoky Mountains

  Although we are making our way to sunnier weather, we couldn't pass up a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains since we were so close.  The weather wasn't the best, and it took three tries before we were able to drive over the top due to road closures.  We did get to see those blue, smoky, mountains however.  It is a nice little park with lots of buildings left from the early settlers of the area.

Mingus Mill was built in 1886 and ran for 50 years.

Information on the Mingus Mill

This mill had a turbine that was powered by water.  The turbine is under the structure.

Little Greenbrier School.  It was built in 1882 and had no heat.  It was used for 50 years.  Children came from as far as nine miles away to attend.

This cemetery was next to the school because the school also served as a church.

We counted nine Walker children graves.  This was one of the longest living.  There was an infant who died a few days prior to this child.  Tough time and place to be a child.  So sad.

John Oliver bought this land and built this house in 1820.  His family continued to own this place until the park was established in 1934.

Cades Cove in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

The Cable Mill, built by John Cable in 1870.  This grist mill used a wheel.

The Great Smoky Mountains.

More Smoky mountains.

Newfound Gap and the state line.

View of the Smoky Mountains through the frosty trees.

Seriously, we thought we were avoiding this!

We hiked on the Appalachian Trail.

  Tomorrow we head for Savannah, Georgia for a few days and then to Florida!