Monday, September 19, 2016

Our Trip Into The Smokies

Blogging has taken a back seat to other activities and situations this summer, I'm afraid.  I don't know about you, but when this happens, I begin to question my focus and whether the direction (or lack thereof) I had been taking with my blog is worth continuing.  Or, do I need to rethink what I'm doing and come up with something new.

While I'm still pondering those thoughts, I want to share with you some of our recent early fall trip to Indiana via a few days in the Smokies.

Our destination goal was to be in Indiana on August 31 for my 12-week post-op appointment on
Sept. 1.  Hubby mentioned that he would like to leave a little early and drive through the Smoky Mountains.  That was all this person needed to start planning.

We had never done this, but on the suggestion of our son, we rented a vacation cabin in Gatlinburg for a few days.  We went through VRBO to find what we wanted and were not disappointed.  They provide an iPhone app with all the information you need for accessing, etc. the property right at your fingertips.  This was a great experience and one we will do again.

One of the things we like about taking a driving trip is being able to take those little side roads when we think something looks interesting.  So, when we saw the signs for Tallulah Falls we thought, "Oh boy, our first view of a beautiful water fall!"

Not exactly.  However, what we did find at the end of the road was this gorge.
Then we saw this view.
Evidently at the bottom of this gorge is the Tallulah Falls hydroelectric plant.
This poster explained that as part of Georgia Power Company's development, in order to get all needed equipment and personnel down into the steep gorge, a railway was built.  It took three years, 1911-1914 to build the 1,200-foot incline railway which connects the Tallulah Falls power station at the bottom of the gorge with the rim above.
This car, built in 1915, carries 20 standing passengers and I cannot imagine what that downward trip must have been like.  YIKES!
 We didn't see any waterfalls on this little side trip but we did see history and it was worth exploring that little road.
I wonder if I would ever tire of seeing mountains.  Especially ones covered in clouds.
 Just across the North Carolina line, we had another of those, "Oh, that looked interesting.  Can we turn around?" moments.From the road it looked like the most fascinating junk yard I'd ever seen.  Not that I am normally attracted to junk yards.
We learned that what appears to be a place that has been in that spot for at least 100 years was actually built five years ago with the goal of looking old.
The inside was a wee bit more organized than outside, but was equally as piled.
This gentleman was one of the owners and explained that this antique piece came from his home land, India.  It can be a desk as you see here, or
a bench.  The holes you see in the back are actually the ink wells for the desk top.
The cast iron piece here was a bridge support and cannot be lifted by the normal person.
 Need a door anyone?
 Corbels and any architectural item you can think of is here somewhere.
 They stock nautical lights and windows from old ships.
Downstairs is everything wood and this workshop.  He was making a set of sliding barn doors that would literally fit in a barn.  All from the huge stash of old wood.
So when in the area, you must plan a visit to this fascinating if not overwhelming "junk yard."  For more information their website is Otto Depot Wholesale Salvage Company.
 But, you must be prepared to take home all the great finds.
Next time, I will take you further into the Smokey Mountains and share more highlights of our great trip.
Elizabeth "Libby" Day
Elizabeth "Libby" Day

Hello, My name is Libby. I enjoy reading good books, painting, blogging, spending time with friends and whatever my "Heart" leads me to do. Welcome to Beauty Without Within.

5 comments:

  1. Oh, my, that would be some folks paradise for sure. I know folks that have gone to places such as that while building their home. Not for me but it can sure be a lovely addition to a house if that's your thing. Of course, the Smokies, what can I say, they remind me of home. We're pondering a trip there in a few weeks. Happy week and welcome back!

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  2. Oh wow thanks for the salvage link! I showed it to my hubs and we are definitely going to make a trip that way to check it out, probably not til we're in the house but we love old doors, etc. We would love to find fireplace mantles. We put something in to have when we move in, but we're always on the hunt for a cool mantle. You were not too far from me! We're a couple of hours from Otto. The Smokies are beautiful all year round!

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    1. How exciting that you are so close. You will find so much more than I showed there. The guy I showed in the shop builds custom pieces so I feel sure you will be able to get exactly what you want. I can't wait to hear what you think and what you find.

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  3. What an interesting find...I enjoyed the tour...I've ALWAYS wanted to visit the Smokies...some day. Enjoy your week!

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  4. I don't think you need to come up with something new. Post when you have something to post about, like this! It is the history of your life and your families. I can tell you that after living in Illinois for 38 years and have been in California for 27 years I never tire of seeing the mountains! Wow that is one amazing junk yard. Enjoyed all the photos.

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