Third time should be a charm

Cades Cove picnic area. Timed exposure while zooming lens

The lure of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area continues to pull on me.

Not out of the mountains for two weeks, and we're already planning to go back in early October.

That's when the color is suppose to start becoming vibrant.

We don't know if we'll hit it at the right time for the best viewing, but we hope so. A number of years ago we went in October and just missed the height of the spectacle of colors.

Maybe this time will be better. We'll be staying in Gatlinburg for four nights and around the area for a another two nights or so, depending on whether we can find some truly unique places to stay.

This will be our third trip to the area this year and there could be another toward the end of the year if snow is in the forecast.

We just like the Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas. We've been so much, it is like a second home, which means it is a very comfortable fit.

Next post: Aug. 20, 2013