Retirement Misadventures: May 2021

"Families are like branches on a tree.

We grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one."

What could be better than a weekend in the Smoky Mountains? One that also includes a family reunion, of course! I've just returned from spending a wonderful weekend with most of my paternal family in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg. It has been many years since all of us attempted to get together. Since that time some family members have been lost to us and their absence was apparent. All the more reason that it was so important to have this opportunity for quality time with several generations of us. There were others absent also due to other obligations so hopefully with a little longer planning time we will be able to gather more of us the next time.

As with most families the larger we get the more scattered we become. Our family spreads from east to west but I still live in the town I grew up in. This makes assembling all the members of the family very difficult but we managed to get a large number present. There were 30 of us in one very large cabin outside of Gatlinburg which was somewhat centrally located for those who could attend.

As we began to arrive the luggage began piling up awaiting selection of rooms. Even this required careful consideration as to number of steps, bathroom availability and potential for noise at night (over half of us were under 20). But in short order we had made our choices and started settling in and thinking about dinner. My cousin Bruce had the foresight to bring good southern BBQ pork for sandwiches that required minimal preparation. We soon found that more food planning should have been made because we had each brought entirely too much food! Well, we knew we wouldn't go hungry and learned this is something to be planned for next time.

We talked until midnight, even the oldest of us, before retiring to our rooms. I had brought some old photo albums of my parent's and this brought forth many a story that had to be told. We made basic plans for hiking the next day for those interested. Others were to planning to rest at the cabin.

It was a slow start the next morning. After feeding the crew, working out how far to hike and transportation to the trailhead we finally set off late morning. We chose a short hike to Grotto Falls because it was close to our cabin and the right length. It was nice to be in the woods again with my feet traveling down a dirt path. I've always loved hiking in the Smokies and the beautiful day combined with being surrounded by family proved immensely enjoyable.

Grotto Falls

The trail to Grotto Falls is relatively short at 1.2 miles with a moderate elevation gain of about 500 feet and fairly easy walking path. After reaching the falls we were ready to take a break and grab a snack. I also took time to gather some photos of the family and the falls. From the falls the trail continues behind the falls and up to the top of Brushy Mountain but our group was planning to end at the falls. So after a brief rest and refreshment we were back down the trail. It seemed much shorter going down and we seemed to arrive too soon. We piled back in our cars and headed back to the cabin.

We were met by delicious smells coming from the kitchen. My cousin Rich's mother-in-law had prepared Pho for all of us. I had never eaten pho before but I've always been willing to try new things. It was tasty and I hope I can find it at a restaurant close to home. Failing that I'll have to get her recipe.

Two of my grandkids had come with me. They were restless and wanting to see Gatlinburg so we loaded back into the car and headed that way. Their favorite activity there so far seems to be the Rugged Ropes. After getting harnessed up with safety equipment they were off and climbing. After an hour they were ready to call it quits and we again headed back to the cabin. Dinner was in progress of course and we had to get our appetites back for more delicious food.

And so the weekend progressed with hiking activities, time spent in Gatlinburg, delicious meals and best of all, time with family. For many of the cousins it was a time to reminisce and for others it was a time to get to know each other. I was so glad to see all the kids playing games and spending time getting to know one another. Hopefully this trend will continue and lasting friendships can be made to be passed down from generation to generation so that our family history will continue.

All too soon the weekend came to a close. We were reluctant to leave but needed to be on the road. Another reunion is planned for next year with no particulars as yet but those of us present knew we would make it happen. We are hoping with some advance planning we will be able to include those who missed it this year.

If this time together has taught me one thing it is the importance of maintaining a relationship with your family, especially the elder members with all the memories. I cherish them and every story they can tell about my parents and grandparents as well as other members of the family. I hope this is just the beginning of a series of family get togethers to help us maintain close ties to one another and continue to tell the stories from one generation to the next.