The Yukon was quiet as kids nestled into their blankets and pillows and slowly dawn arrived, as we rolled through the hills of West Virginia.
4 hours later--Emergency bathroom stop. Gas. Food. We shuffled into a nearby restaurant to be greeted by the delightful West Virginian drawl. The kids grinned as they listened to her.
Back on the road, we were in Virginia shortly...and eventually we hit the Tennessee line--which we celebrated! However, the closer we were to our destination, the slower we went. The traffic in Sevierville was the slowest as we crawled through miles of tourist traps that made me nervous about my amusement park choice. Though finally, we reached the Dollywood parking lot at 3:30 PM.
As the kids baled out, we were greeted by warm sunshine. We caught the next tram and were at the entrance faster than any city street we had just travelled. Relief flooded me when I looked out at the park, as it appeared to be tastefully designed. Though as we gazed at the map, we realized just how large the park really was! Finally, we just headed down a trail and soon arrived at the first roller coaster. It was a wooden roller coaster, and the kids quickly darted into line with Ron. Chayse and I walked down the path a few feet to uncover a playland for younger kids.
Ride over--no words necessary.
The next ride, all the kids could participate...though one wasn't so sure.
Many adventuresome rides later, the final, wet ride of the night zipped down the last hill.
Strange, I know, but where is the love in this very wet hug??
As the crowds thinned, we double checked what time the park closed, as there were no announcements or ushers pushing folks to the entrance. Yes, the park would be closing soon...no there were no announcements, folks would just meander to the entrance. I smiled and decided it must be a Southern approach.
Just as slowly as we arrived, we headed out to find our cabin, Critter's Cove. We slowly navigated up the winding mountainside as I read the detailed map. Dusk was falling, and we were relieved to find chair on the front porch in the warm evening air.
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