Shutdown or not, we're still headed out

Great Smoky Mountain National Park roads hit by government shutdown

Well, what can I say, or do.

The government closed down at midnight Monday.

Today, on Tuesday, I'm wondering about my situation. And there are probably thousands more who are in a quandary.

We have plans to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park next week to experience the beauty of the fall color. We don't plan on camping so we won't be affected in that manner, but many others will be having to change their accommodations.

There is no entrance fee to the park and a major highway runs through it. The southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway intersects just north of Cherokee.

I was advised that US 441 through the park will remain open as will the Gatlinburg bypass and the corridor between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  All other facilities, roads, campgrounds and trails will be off limits, even to those that just want to take a walk.

During the color season when thousands descend on the area, this may cause somewhat of a headache, but then maybe not, if people decide to stay home.

This will be our third trip this year to the area and even with a lot of roads and trails closed, traveling along different venues will still allow us to enjoy the scenery.

Maybe we'll have to find new and different things to enjoy on this trip. And that may be a good thing.

Next post: Oct. 8, 2013