Because we have not had the dry season that late summer and early fall usually bring this year, the streams and falls were a bit more active than would normally be expected in October. That was a pleasant surprise. Streams bubble and sparkle all over the Smokies. We had a lovely one just outside our hotel room. Windows stayed open at night to hear its song. We also enjoyed just stilling on the large rocks on the edge and watching the critters stocking up for the cold winter days that will follow in the near future. Chipmunks and squirrels darted during the day and the bats were diving and hunting for tasty treats at night. I don't think I had ever watched bats dive in the water for prey before. They were adorable...don't laugh, they put on a great show!

When we were not lolly gagging close to the room or strolling around town inspecting the local crafts or feasting in some of the long time standard restaurants [I like the established local places and try to steer away from chains...like the plague ;-] we were out enjoying the incredible scenery with walks and drives in the woods.

On Wednesday, we drove across the state line into North Carolina, and then into the Cherokee Indian Reservation. We'd heard that was a lovely waterfall there which we had never seen or hear of before. Rumor had it that it wasn't one of those trails that would have me grumbling and moaning before I reached the top. I only grumbled a little on this one. haha It was well worth the walk. I am afraid my photos did not do it justice and you can't really tell the height, but these may give you an idea what we saw.

Don't you love the sign? I was snapping a picture of it when another couple came back down the hill and were looking at me like I was out of my mind. I started to laugh and commented to the woman [who was in control of their camera at the time] that I thought I just had to have a shot of this little hand painted beauty to go with my shots of the falls. As we were driving off, I saw her snapping away as well. Decided I was a trend setter. lol!

Here's a glimpse at the beginnings of the path to the falls. It seems the Cherokees have been kind enough to build some steps up the side of the hill. You can only see the beginning, so stop carrying on about what a whimp I am. I am a 'puter chair potato & old woman, & am proud of it...hey, there are advantages to being able to howl, "I am toooooo old to do this!" I wasn't too old for this one, yet. [grin]

Shots of Mingo falls and several other assorted water images can be found by clicking the thumbnails below.