C is for Camping

    Summers meant camping to our family.  There were several places we liked to go but our favorite was Smokey Mountain National Park in Tennessee.    One particular trip especially stands out among favorite memories.  Let me tell you why.

Me, Tina, Brenda & Dian

     Mom always let me take one of my friends with me on our vacations.  This trip I was taking my friend Dian.  We were camping up in the mountains in one of the park campgrounds.   Mom, Dad along with sisters Brenda and Tina would stay in the tent and Dian and I would sleep in the back of the station wagon.

Mom with Station Wagon

     We had a beautiful campsite, right beside the babbling creek that flowed down the mountain.  The Smokies were my favorite place in the whole world because I loved hiking the trails up to Clingmans Dome and other neat spots.  Then for some real fun we could go down to Gatlinburg and shop in all the unique little shops.  We always rode the sky lift that took us up for the best view of the scenery below us.  There was never a dull moment.

     Following a day full of fun and adventure, we all settled in for a good night's sleep.  Of course, left on our own in the station wagon, Dian and I talked and laughed until very late.  We were sleeping sound until around daybreak when we were both startled by noises outside.  Raising up to see what was going on we both got suddenly silent as we looked at each other.  We didn't know whether to stay quiet or scream, but quickly decided being quiet was the best option.  You see, we were up-close and personal with a big black bear.

     Yes, right out the back window of the car stood a bear.  We froze as he slowly walked around the car.  Luckily, he made no effort to get in.  Making his way through the camp he searched trash cans and anywhere else he thought he might find food.  Not finding any he moved on to the next camp.

Okay, so he looked much bigger standing next to the station wagon!

     Now everyone knows when you go to the Smokey Mountains there is a chance you will see a bear.  But we really didn't plan on getting that close to one.  If we had rolled down the window we could have touched him.

     Bear and all it was a great camping trip.  Dian and I had a wonderful time together and I will always treasure that time with her.  A few years ago Dian died of cancer.  Rather than dwell on that, I prefer to remember the fun times we had as teenagers and tell of  the time we survived our meeting with a black bear.

Until next time...that's my view.
Kat