Tag: nature

Don’t Blink: Encountering the Greater Roadrunner

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

When we are traveling, we enjoy seeing the scenery and the wildlife, including both the large and small animals.

We have seen a couple of roadrunners this week, although both were at a distance. They were there and then they were gone, only making a brief appearance.

However, on Thursday while playing a round of golf at Lake Powell National Golf Course in Page, Arizona, we spotted a roadrunner between holes 12 and 13. This time, instead of keeping his distance, he posed for us.

For a few moments, this normally elusive desert bird seemed perfectly content to stand there while we admired him and took pictures.

And, of course, seeing a real roadrunner immediately took me back to childhood.

Beep, beep!

I loved the old Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoons. The formula was simple: Wile E. Coyote was always scheming, plotting and ordering some elaborate Acme contraption in an attempt to catch the Road Runner. And the Road Runner was always one step ahead. Usually, the coyote’s plan ended badly.

I’m not sure the real roadrunners are quite as savvy when dealing with their adversaries as their cartoon counterpart. I doubt they spend much time contemplating elaborate strategies for outsmarting coyotes.

But one thing the cartoon got right: Roadrunners are fast!

The greater roadrunner is a real bird of the American Southwest. Its scientific name is Geococcyx californianus, and Arizona lists it among the state’s native bird species.

Unlike many birds, roadrunners spend much of their time on the ground. They have long legs, a long tail and a distinctive crest, and they are wonderfully adapted to life in the desert. They can run at impressive speeds when necessary, which makes the cartoon’s famous “beep, beep” escape scenes at least somewhat grounded in reality.

They also eat a remarkably varied diet, including insects, lizards, snakes, small mammals and other prey. In other words, the real roadrunner isn’t simply a cute desert bird. He is a pretty capable little predator himself.

A roadrunner in red-rock country

The Page area is an especially appropriate place to encounter one. Here in northern Arizona, the landscape seems almost inhospitable at first glance. There are miles of red sandstone, rugged mesas, deep canyons, sparse vegetation and seemingly endless sunshine. Yet the desert is anything but lifeless.

The National Park Service describes Glen Canyon National Recreation Area as home to a rich diversity of wildlife adapted to the arid conditions of the Colorado Plateau. More than 300 species of birds live in or migrate through the area, along with numerous mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

That makes a roadrunner more than an interesting roadside sighting. He is one small part of a remarkable ecosystem.

More than roadrunners

During our time around Page and Lake Powell, we have been reminded repeatedly that wildlife is all around us, even when we don’t always see it.

The area is home to coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, mule deer, kangaroo rats and desert bighorn sheep, among other mammals. The National Park Service notes that coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions inhabit Glen Canyon, although these predators generally avoid people.

And then there are the birds. In addition to roadrunners, the region provides habitat for eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, ravens, herons and many other species. Glen Canyon’s waters and shoreline also attract a variety of waterbirds and shorebirds.

Perhaps the most spectacular animal we could encounter would be the desert bighorn sheep. These remarkable animals are perfectly designed for the rocky desert. Their ability to negotiate steep, rugged terrain is extraordinary, and their coloring allows them to blend surprisingly well into the canyon walls and surrounding rocks.

Even the animals we don’t see leave evidence that they are here. Tracks, scat, bird calls, movement in the brush and an occasional flash of wings all remind us that the desert is alive.

Keeping eyes wide open

Perhaps that’s one of the lessons of traveling through the desert and to places like Page. You have to slow down enough to see the wildlife.

We can become so focused on the spectacular scenery—the towering cliffs, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon Dam—that we sometimes overlook the smaller wonders.

A roadrunner standing beside a golf cart isn’t as dramatic as a red-rock canyon. But it is memorable.

On Thursday, between the 12th and 13th holes, we had our own little encounter with one of the Southwest’s most recognizable residents. He stood there long enough for us to appreciate him, photograph him and remember a cartoon character who entertained us when we were children.

Then, eventually, he went on his way. No Acme contraption. No Wile E. Coyote. No “Beep, beep!” Just a real roadrunner doing what real roadrunners do.

Sometimes you just have to keep your eyes open.

And when you see one, don’t blink.

He might be gone before you get the picture.

A Trio Southwestern Wonders: Glen Canyon Dam, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Thursday September 24

Our third day in Page, Arizona, turned out to be one of those days when the scenery seems to get better every time you turn around.

After a simple breakfast of cereal, Amanda’s ice cold milk, and my Folger’s coffee, we headed into Page for our scheduled visit to Upper Antelope Canyon. But before arriving at the canyon, we made a brief stop to admire another remarkable feature of the desert landscape—Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River Gorge.

A Stop at Glen Canyon Dam

Glen Canyon Dam is an impressive sight. Completed in 1963, the massive dam spans the Colorado River and created Lake Powell, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. The dam was built as part of the Colorado River Storage Project to provide water storage and generate hydroelectric power for the growing Southwest. Its construction dramatically changed the landscape, flooding much of Glen Canyon and creating new recreational opportunities while also altering the river ecosystem and inundating cultural and archaeological sites.

Standing above the dam and looking down into the river gorge, it is hard not to be impressed by both the scale of the engineering and the power of the river that carved this landscape over millions of years.

The Colorado River has been the great sculptor of this part of the country. And today, we saw some of its artwork up close.

Into Antelope Canyon

We arrived at the Upper Antelope Canyon tour area and discovered something rather amusing. For a place that attracts visitors from around the world, the entrance area is remarkably unassuming and simple. There was an unpaved parking area, a wooden pavilion where we checked in, and a bank of portable toilets serving as the rest area. Nothing about the entrance suggested the spectacular experience waiting just beyond the desert.

We checked in at 10:00 a.m. and waited until our group was called at 10:40. Then we climbed into the back of a pickup truck for the approximately three-mile, 15-minute ride across the desert to the entrance of the canyon.

The contrast was striking. We were traveling across a seemingly barren desert landscape toward a place renowned for some of the most beautiful rock formations in the Southwest.

Antelope Canyon was formed primarily by water erosion over thousands of years. Flash floods and flowing water gradually carved and smoothed the Navajo sandstone, creating the narrow, flowing walls and graceful curves that make the canyon so distinctive.

The canyon is part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park and is located on Navajo Nation land. The Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Department notes that local Navajo people have long had cultural connections to the canyon and surrounding LeChee area. The English name “Antelope Canyon” is associated with the pronghorn antelope that once roamed freely in the area. For generations, entering a place like Antelope Canyon was regarded by older Navajos as something akin to entering a cathedral—a place to pause, prepare, and experience the beauty of nature with respect.

That description seems especially appropriate once you enter the canyon.

Our Guide, Tyrone

Our guide was Tyrone, a member of the Navajo Nation. He was an exceptional guide.

Tyrone was highly knowledgeable about the canyon and its geological formations, but he was equally knowledgeable about Navajo history and culture. He was also well-versed in Navajo government and clearly passionate about the future of his people.

I got the impression that Tyrone would describe himself as progressive. He spoke openly about the need to consider reforms to some of the “old ways” and seemed deeply concerned about finding ways to improve life and opportunities for the Navajo people.

His perspective added another dimension to our tour. We weren’t simply looking at beautiful rocks. We were listening to someone who has a personal connection to this land, its history, its people, and its future.

Throughout the tour, Tyrone provided historical information about the canyon and was quick to point out nicknames given to various rock formations. He also knew exactly where to stand to capture the best photographs.

He would point out a formation and then tell us how to position our cameras to capture it.  And at times, he took photos of all of our group members with our own phone cameras.

Also, Amanda took some of the best photographs we’ve ever taken at a site like this.

The canyon walls seemed to change constantly as the sunlight filtered through the narrow opening above us. Curving sandstone walls flowed upward and around us, creating shapes and patterns that looked almost too artistic to be natural. But nature is often a better artist than we are.

After leaving the slot canyon, we climbed the outdoor stairs and made our way over the mountain and back to our vehicle.

It was quite a contrast—inside the canyon, we were surrounded by narrow sandstone walls; outside, we were back in the broad openness of the Arizona desert.

The Birdhouse for Lunch

After our tour, we headed to The Birdhouse for lunch.

The restaurant is located in a renovated Sonic drive-in and specializes in fresh-battered chicken tenders and homemade sauces.

The chicken was delicious. There’s something satisfying about a good meal after walking through a canyon and climbing a mountain!

After lunch, we decided to return to our townhouse for a brief rest.

We also took the opportunity to watch some of the President’s Cup before heading out again. Travel doesn’t have to mean being on the go every minute. (At least I keep telling Amanda that.)

Sometimes you need a little downtime to recharge before the next adventure.

Horseshoe Bend

Around 4:15 p.m., we headed out for our second major attraction of the day: Horseshoe Bend. And what a sight it is.

Horseshoe Bend is an enormous, horseshoe-shaped curve in the Colorado River just south of Page. The river makes a sweeping 270-degree turn around a sandstone escarpment, creating a canyon approximately 1,000 feet deep. The bend developed as the Colorado River continued cutting downward through the uplifted sandstone of the Colorado Plateau.

The overlook has become one of the most recognizable views in the American Southwest. Photographs simply don’t do it justice.

You stand on the rim and look down at the Colorado River making its enormous turn below. The river looks almost impossibly small from that height, yet you know that this seemingly modest ribbon of water helped carve the landscape surrounding you.

Most visitors were respectful of the “rim,” and they maintained a safe distance from the edge. Certainly, any slip and fall would prove fatal. But a few folks were pushing the limits, letting their feet hang over the side, or posing dangerously close to cliffs. This elevates my anxiety to the point I can’t hang around and watch for long.

We spent about 40 minutes walking and taking in the view.

Forty minutes doesn’t sound like a long time, but at Horseshoe Bend, you don’t really need an itinerary. You just stand there and enjoy the scenic view.

Sunset Over the Desert

We started back toward our townhouse, grabbed a frozen yogurt for our “light snack,”  but decided we weren’t quite ready for the day to end.

So we stopped at the Scenic Overlook near our unit to watch the sunset. It turned out to be an excellent decision.

As the sun began to sink toward the horizon, the desert landscape changed before our eyes. The various colors in the rock formations seemed to come alive as the setting sun cast its final rays of daylight across the cliffs, mesas, and desert floor.

The colors became warmer. The shadows grew longer. The landscape seemed to glow.

It was a fitting conclusion to a day where we had already enjoyed so much of the beauty of the desert.

One of the blessings of traveling is discovering that no two days are quite alike. Today we saw an enormous dam built by human hands, a canyon sculpted by water, and a bend in a river created through millions of years of geological change.

We listened to a Navajo guide share his knowledge and perspective. We ate good food. We rested. We watched golf. We stood at the edge of one of the most spectacular vistas in the Southwest. And we ended the day watching the sun paint the desert.

Tomorrow will be a little less adventurous. We plan to wash a few clothes, reorganize our suitcases, and prepare for the remaining days of our trip. We also have a tee time at Lake Powell Golf Club.

Then, on Saturday, we’ll head toward one of the great highlights of our western journey: the Grand Canyon.

We’ve discovered that the hardest part of a trip like this isn’t finding things to see. It’s finding enough time to see them.

Stay tuned. The journey continues.

Marching to Zion, Then Onward to Kanab and Page

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Wednesday September 23

There are some places you visit once and check off your list. Then there are places that you want to visit again. Zion National Park is one of those places for us.

David Muench said, “Zion National Park is a symphony of stone, a cacophony of color, and a ballet of light.”

Today we traveled from Hurricane, Utah, to Springdale, the gateway to Zion National Park. We were returning to a place we first visited with family about 25 years ago. Some things had changed considerably. Other things—the towering sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River, and the breathtaking beauty of the canyon—looked remarkably familiar.

Springdale: Gateway to Zion

Springdale is a small community tucked into the Virgin River Valley immediately outside Zion National Park. Its history is closely connected to the Mormon pioneer settlement of southern Utah. During the 1860s, several communities sprang up along the upper Virgin River, including Springdale. Pioneer families established farms and homesteads in the area, although flooding, drought, and difficult agricultural conditions made life challenging.

Today, Springdale has become a bustling gateway for visitors from around the world who come to experience Zion. Hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries, and tour companies line the road leading toward the park.

And today, we became part of that traffic!

Marching Into Zion

Zion is Utah’s oldest national park, having been established by Congress on November 19, 1919. Before becoming a national park, the area was designated Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909 and later Zion National Monument in 1918. The name “Zion” comes from an ancient Hebrew word meaning “sanctuary” or “refuge.” It certainly seems like an appropriate name for a place where the walls of the canyon rise dramatically toward the sky.

Long before it became a national park, however, people lived in and around Zion Canyon. Indigenous peoples—including Ancestral Puebloan and Southern Paiute peoples—have called this region home for thousands of years. Mormon pioneers later established settlements in the area during the nineteenth century.

Today, millions of people come to Zion each year to marvel at the landscape. We were among them.

Taking the Shuttle

One of the biggest changes since our last visit is the shuttle system.

During the shuttle season, private vehicles are not permitted on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The National Park Service began operating the shuttle system in 2000 to reduce traffic and parking problems and help preserve the canyon experience.

Our original plan was to park at the Zion Visitor Center and catch the canyon shuttle there. There was only one problem. The parking lot was full.

So we did what the National Park Service recommends: we parked in Springdale and took the town shuttle to the visitor center. From there, we transferred to the Zion Canyon shuttle and headed into the park.

The shuttles were full, and the trails were fairly congested. The weather, however, was beautiful, so it was a great day to be enjoying one of our nation’s premier national parks.

A Milestone and Highlight

A highlight for me getting my Lifetime National Parks Pass now that I’ve reached the age of eligibility for the senior pass.

There is something special about receiving that little pass. It represents more than admission to America’s national parks. It feels like a passport to some of the most beautiful places in our country—and a reminder that retirement has its privileges!

This little card is going to get plenty of use on this trip and beyond.

Our Favorite Stop: The Narrows

Our favorite stop in Zion is Stop #9—the Temple of Sinawava, at the end of the canyon.

From there, we took the Riverside Walk, a paved trail that follows the Virgin River into the narrowing canyon. The National Park Service lists the round-trip distance at 2.2 miles.

This time we walked all the way to the end of the paved walkway. And that brought back some wonderful memories.

The last time we were here, about 25 years ago, we came with family and continued farther into The Narrows. By “into,” I mean we actually walked up the Virgin River.

Or, perhaps I should say, we walked in the Virgin River!

The Narrows is one of those places where the landscape seems almost impossible. Massive sandstone walls rise on either side while the river winds its way through the canyon floor. At the end of the Riverside Walk, the paved trail gives way to the famous river hike.

We didn’t wade into the river this time, but we enjoyed remembering the adventure from years ago.

Sometimes returning to a familiar place is almost as enjoyable as discovering it for the first time because the landscape brings memories along with it.

Over the Mountain and Through the Tunnel

After returning to our car, we continued through the eastern side of the park.

We climbed the mountain switchbacks and traveled through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which was part of a major highway project completed in 1930 to connect Zion with Bryce Canyon and other destinations to the east. The highway was an engineering achievement for its time, climbing through the rugged sandstone landscape and passing through the mountain itself.

The drive itself is an adventure. One minute you’re surrounded by the towering cliffs of Zion Canyon, and before long you’re climbing through a dramatically different landscape on the eastern side of the park.

That’s one of the things we love about this part of the country. Sometimes the best view is through the car window.. Sometimes the road itself is the attraction.

Dinner in Kanab

We continued on to Kanab, where we stopped for dinner at Houston’s. The meal was great, and the homemade rolls were especially good. Our server even brought us a bottle of honey to go with the rolls. That’s the kind of thoughtful touch that turns a good meal into a memorable one.

After dinner, we climbed back into the car and continued toward Page, Arizona.

Home for the Next Three Days

We arrived in Page and checked into our Airbnb townhouse, where we’ll be staying for the next three days.

Our accommodations have a great view of the surrounding mountain range and desert, along with a distant glimpse of Lake Powell.

After several days of moving from one hotel to another, it will be nice to unpack for a few days and establish a temporary home base.

And there is plenty to explore from here. Tomorrow we’re planning to visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Two more iconic places. Two more chapters in our western adventure

Today, we enjoyed our journey between Zion’s towering cliffs and Page’s desert landscape. Tomorrow, another adventure awaits.

From the Desert Oasis to the Valley of Fire

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Tuesday September 22

Our second full day out West took us from the bright lights of the Desert Oasis of Las Vegas to the spectacular red-rock formations of Valley of Fire State Park. It was a day filled with good food, beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and another reminder of just how diverse the American West can be.

Breakfast in Overton

We left our hotel this morning before breakfast, so we decided to find something along the way. We stopped in Overton, Nevada, at Salt’s, a popular local restaurant.

We ordered the Captain’s breakfast platter and decided to split it. That turned out to be a very good decision. The platter included two enormous pancakes, two scrambled eggs, and two large sausage patties. The pancakes may have been the fluffiest we have ever tasted. We both ate until we were full and there was still food left!

Through the Nevada Desert

After breakfast, we continued north on I-15.

Along the way, we passed the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and then the three exits for Mesquite. One of the things that continues to fascinate us about traveling through the Southwest is the way unexpected pockets of green appear in the middle of an otherwise rugged desert landscape.

The golf courses around Mesquite were beautifully manicured and plush green—almost like oases in the desert.

Then we turned our attention toward one of Nevada’s great natural treasures.

The Valley of Fire

Our destination was Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s first state park and one of the state’s most spectacular landscapes. The park encompasses more than 40,000 acres of brilliant red Aztec sandstone surrounded by gray and tan limestone. The sandstone formations were created millions of years ago, and the landscape contains evidence of human habitation going back thousands of years.

The name “Valley of Fire” seems entirely appropriate.

The brilliant red, orange, and pink sandstone formations almost seem to glow when the sunlight strikes them.

We enjoyed seeing several of the park’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Beehives, Arch Rock, Elephant Rock, and Atlatl Rock.

The Beehives are fascinating examples of geological cross-bedding. Arch Rock is exactly what its name suggests—a natural sandstone arch that can be viewed from the road. Elephant Rock looks remarkably like an elephant, and Atlatl Rock is especially interesting because of its ancient petroglyphs.

We also saw several other interesting features, including the Seven Sisters, Petrified Logs, and the Fire Canyon/Silica Dome area. The park also includes such attractions as Mouse’s Tank, Rainbow Vista, White Domes, Balancing Rock, and the Fire Wave/Seven Wonders area.

One of the highlights was the new Visitor Center, which opened in 2025. It is an impressive facility with exhibits focusing on the park’s geology, ecology, prehistory, history, and wildlife.

We could have spent much more time there.

The timing of our visit was also interesting. The park’s busiest season doesn’t really begin until October, and some of the trails were still subject to seasonal closures. Nevada State Parks closes many trails from May 15 through September 30 because of the extreme summer heat.

Even with some areas unavailable, there was plenty to see.

And one of the lessons of travel is, you don’t have to see everything to appreciate those things you do see.

On to Hurricane

After leaving Valley of Fire, we continued north into Utah and eventually arrived in Hurricane, where we checked into the Wingate Hotel.

Hurricane makes a great base for exploring this part of southern Utah. From here, Zion National Park and several other spectacular attractions are within easy reach.

And that’s where we’re headed tomorrow.

A Burger and a Few Motorcyclists

After checking into the hotel, we enjoyed a late lunch/early dinner at Red Rooster, just a couple of blocks from our room.

As graduates of Jacksonville State University, we couldn’t resist the name!

We both ordered burgers, and they were absolutely delicious.

While we were there, we met a group of 16 motorcyclists who were traveling together to visit several of the national parks. They were from France and were making their way through the American West. They already been to the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, and they were headed toward Vegas.

One of the things we enjoy most about traveling is the people we meet along the way.

Sometimes the most memorable encounters aren’t on the itinerary. They happen at a restaurant, in a hotel lobby, at a gas station, or beside a scenic overlook.

A trip is measured not only in miles traveled but also in adventures experienced, people encountered and stories shared.

Tomorrow: Zion

We headed to bed early tonight because tomorrow promises another big day. We’re going back to Zion National Park.

This will be our second visit to Zion, and we’re looking forward to seeing those magnificent cliffs and canyons again. There is something special about returning to a place you’ve visited before. We hope to refresh a few memories and make a few new ones.

As we continue this journey, we’re reminded again how fortunate we are to have the health, time, and opportunity to travel during our retirement years.

Every day brings another road, another view, another meal, another story, and another memory. And that’s one of the great gifts of travel.

As writer J.R.R. Tolkien famously observed, “Not all those who wander are lost.”

We’re not lost. We’re simply wandering out West.

And tomorrow, we’re wandering into Zion.

Stay tuned. The adventure continues!

Pancakes, Pizza, or Pintos: 10 of Our Favorite Places to Eat When Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

One of the highlights of every trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is deciding where we’re going to eat. Amanda and I have been traveling to the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville area for more than forty years. Through the years, we’ve watched restaurants come and go. Some of our longtime favorites have sadly closed their doors, while many newer establishments have opened that we have not yet had the opportunity to try.

One thing hasn’t changed: we generally prefer locally owned restaurants over national chains. We enjoy discovering places with personality, history, and friendly service. Mountain hospitality is still alive and well in East Tennessee, and we’ve experienced it time and time again around the dinner table.

Here are ten of our favorite places to eat (in no particular order) near the Great Smoky Mountains:

  • Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant (Pigeon Forge)

If you’re looking for breakfast, this is our favorite place to start the day. The pancakes are legendary, the portions are generous, and the service is consistently excellent. This week we visited Sawyer’s new location on Wear’s Valley Road, which offers the same good food and service as the location on the Parkway. Whether you prefer a hearty country breakfast or a short stack of pancakes, Sawyer’s is dependably delicious.

  • Best Italian Café & Pizzeria (Gatlinburg)

When we’re craving Italian food, this is usually our first choice. Nestled among the shops on the south end of Gatlinburg, Best Italian offers delicious pizza, pasta, garlic rolls, and a relaxed atmosphere. After a day of walking around town, or after returning from a scenic drive in park, Best Italian is a great stop for dinner.

  • The Old Mill Restaurant (Pigeon Forge)

No list of Smoky Mountain favorites would be complete without The Old Mill. The historic setting, Southern cooking, homemade breads, and old-fashioned charm make this one of the most iconic dining experiences in the region. We especially enjoy introducing first-time visitors to this Smoky Mountain tradition.

  • Owens Restaurant (Dandridge)

Located in Tennessee’s second-oldest town, Owens Restaurant offers excellent food in a comfortable setting. Their lunch menu includes daily “meat and three” specials. They also feature multiple flavors of fried pies in addition to other desserts. Owens may not receive as much attention as some of the restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s one of those places that locals know and visitors are glad they discovered.

  • Captain’s Galley Seafood Restaurant (Dandridge)

Whenever we’re in the mood for seafood, Captain’s Galley is a dependable choice. The portions are generous, the food is consistently good, and the atmosphere is welcoming. We could make meal just off the basket of homemade hushpuppies they bring to every table upon your arrival. Captain’s Galley has become one of our regular stops when we’re passing through Dandridge.

  • The Peddler Steakhouse (Gatlinburg)

For a special meal, it’s hard to beat The Peddler. The riverside location, outstanding steaks, and excellent service make it one of Gatlinburg’s signature restaurants. Their salad bar is bountiful and their bread is served hot out of the oven. It remains one of our favorite places to celebrate a special occasion.

  • Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant (Sevierville)

Applewood combines great food with a unique experience. Every meal begins with their famous apple fritters and apple butter. The country atmosphere and consistent quality keep us coming back year after year.

  • Mel’s Diner (Pigeon Forge)

Sometimes you’re simply looking for comfort food and nostalgia. Mel’s Diner delivers both. The classic diner atmosphere, burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes make it a fun place to enjoy a casual meal.

  • El Paso Mexican Restaurant (Sevierville)

When Mexican food is on the menu, El Paso is one of our favorite choices. The service is friendly, the portions are generous, and the menu offers something for everyone. I tend to favor their fiesta fajitas.

  • The Diner (Sevierville)

The Diner has become another of our favorite stops. The extensive menu means everyone can find something they enjoy, and the classic diner-style atmosphere makes for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Their daily special might include a specialty burger, a spaghetti platter, or fish and chips.

Part of the joy of traveling is discovering great places to eat. While there are certainly many excellent restaurants throughout the Smoky Mountain region, these ten are just a few of our personal favorites over the years.

What we appreciate most isn’t just the food. It’s the friendly faces, warm hospitality, and local character that make each visit memorable. After more than forty years of visiting the Smokies, we’ve learned that some of the best vacation memories are made around the table.

And who knows? Perhaps on our next trip we’ll discover a new favorite to add to the list.

Holiday Cacti 101: How to Tell If You Have a Thanksgiving or Christmas Cactus

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Throughout the years, my grandmother gave us cuttings or babies derived from several of her houseplants, including a philodendron, a pencil cactus, and a Thanksgiving cactus. My wife and I have tended the philodendron and Thanksgiving cactus across the 40-plus years of our marriage, and the pencil cactus didn’t survive the journey.

Yesterday, the buds on our Thanksgiving cactus began to open. This morning, the plant is almost in full bloom. As I gazed at the salmon color, I began reflecting on the history and morphology of the plant.

Every year as the holidays approach, you can find various colors of these holiday cacti for sale at your local garden center or grocery store.. They’re often lumped together under the name “Christmas cactus,” but not all holiday cacti celebrate Christmas. Some arrive a full month early, bursting into bloom right around Thanksgiving.

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of cactus you actually own, or why it blooms when it does, here are a few tips:

1. Start With the Leaves: The Easiest Way to Tell Them Apart

Holiday cacti don’t have traditional leaves. Instead, they have flattened segments called phylloclades, and their shapes reveal their identity.

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)

  • Edges are pointed, like little hooks or claws.
  • Segments look more jagged and angular.
  • Sometimes called the “claw cactus.”

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi)

  • Edges are smooth and scalloped, with a rounded shape.
  • The overall look is softer, gentler, and less spiky.

If your cactus looks like it’s growing tiny crab claws, it’s probably a Thanksgiving cactus, even if the label said “Christmas.”

2. Bloom Time: What the Calendar Can Tell You

Bloom time is the next biggest giveaway.

Thanksgiving Cactus: Late October through November

These are the early bloomers of the holiday cactus world. They often hit their peak just in time to sit next to the giblet gravy.

Christmas Cactus: Mid-December through January

These bloom closer to Christmas and sometimes even keep going into the New Year.

That said, bloom times aren’t locked in stone. Light and temperature play a huge role, so a Christmas cactus may bloom early—or a Thanksgiving cactus may bloom twice.

3. How the Blooms Look and Grow

Beyond timing, the flowers themselves offer clues.

Thanksgiving Cactus Blooms

  • Grow more horizontally, sticking out like little trumpets.
  • Look slightly more pointed and dramatic.

Christmas Cactus Blooms

  • Tend to hang downward, bell-like and delicate.
  • Appear fuller and more symmetrical.

Either way, holiday cactus blossoms are stunning—long-lasting, vibrant, and perfectly timed to bring color to shorter days.

4. Why Your Cactus Blooms When It Does

Holiday cacti are photoperiod plants, meaning they respond to:

  • Long nights
  • Shorter days
  • Cooler temperatures

Give them 12–14 hours of uninterrupted darkness and temps around 55–65°F, and they’ll start forming buds. A plant near a warm lamp may bloom late; one in a cool, darker room may bloom early.

Sometimes they even surprise you with a bonus bloom in spring.

Whether yours blooms at Thanksgiving or Christmas—or both—it’s one of the few houseplants that comes decorated right out of the box. Understanding their subtle differences helps you appreciate the unique beauty each brings to the season.

So next time you see a holiday cactus, take a closer look. You might just discover whether you have a Thanksgiving cactus showing up early, or a Christmas cactus right on time. Whether you bought your cactus this year or you have an heirloom edition, you have a living plant adding its color to your holiday décor.

(This article is curated from a variety of sources.)

Just Hanging Around: The Brown Bat on Our Front Porch

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

(Stock photo)
A couple of months ago, a family member noticed a brown bat hanging on our front porch. Since then, our new friend has made frequent appearances. But over the past week, the bat has been there almost every afternoon, resting quietly in the shade just above the door. At first, we weren’t sure what to make of this tiny visitor. Was it lost? Was it dangerous? Or was it simply taking a break from its nightly rounds?

Curiosity soon turned into fascination. So, I did what any curious person would do — I looked it up. That’s when I took a deeper dive into chiropterology — the scientific study of bats. It comes from the Greek words cheir (hand) and pteron (wing), meaning “hand-winged.” And it’s an apt description. A bat’s wing is really a modified hand, with long, finger-like bones stretched out under a thin layer of skin. The more I read, the more amazed I became at these misunderstood creatures.

The brown bat on our porch, I learned, is probably an Eastern small brown bat, a species common throughout much of North America. Far from being pests, these bats are actually helpful neighbors. Each night, a single brown bat can eat hundreds of mosquitoes, moths, and beetles, serving as nature’s pest control service, free of charge.

In the 1920s, the Texas farmer Charles Campbell discovered how bats could protect crops from insect infestations. He built the first “bat tower,” inviting bats to roost nearby so they could feast on pests at night. His experiment was successful, and ever since, people have come to view bats not as villains of the night, but as quiet allies in the balance of nature.

Today, bats are even finding a role in technology. Modern scientists study how bats navigate with sonar to improve drone guidance systems and medical imaging. What once seemed mysterious is now inspiring innovation, a reminder that creation itself holds lessons awaiting our discovery.

Still, bats tend to get a bad reputation. They’re often linked with darkness, caves, and spooky stories, unfair associations that miss their real purpose. Watching our little brown bat tuck itself into the same quiet apex of our porch ceiling each afternoon has reminded me that even the most misunderstood creatures have a place in God’s plan.

As one biologist observed, “To study bats is to see beauty where most see only shadows.” God’s creation is full of surprises, and sometimes, the reminder of divine creativity is right at your door.

So now, when I step out on the porch and look up, I’m grateful for our tiny tenant. Bats are stealthy creatures, yet they remind us that there’s fascination in things we often overlook, and purpose in things we often misunderstand, even the eerie things.

Rather than wishing our bat would stay away, we want our friend to hang around a while and feast on our lakeside mosquito population so that they do not feast on us.

A Tall Tale: A Brief History of Bell Mountain

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Tyler Knott insists, “Mountains know secrets we need to learn. That it might take time, it might be hard, but if you just hold on long enough, you will find strength to rise up.”

This year we are spending Labor Day weekend in a cabin in Hiawassee, which is one of our favorite places to visit. Our cabin is high on Bell Mountain, just below the historic park and overlook.

Perched high above Lake Chatuge in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bell Mountain offers one of the most breathtaking views in North Georgia. But its story is about more than scenery—it’s about scars, preservation, and a community that saw beauty where others saw only rock.

Nowadays, Bell Mountain provides one of the most scenic overlooks in the Appalachian chain. When most travelers think of the peaks of North Georgia, they automatically think of Brasstown Bald, which boasts the highest elevation in the Peach State. However, Bell Mountain, which looms above Lake Chatuge and overlooks the valley to Brasstown Bald, offers a panoramic postcard view of the lake and the North Georgia and Western North Carolina mountainscape.

In the 1960s, Bell Mountain was targeted by the Hiawassee Stone Company, which blasted away at the peak in search of quartzite. The mountain’s once-smooth crown was left jagged and scarred, leading some locals to call it an “eyesore.” Yet others believed that even broken landscapes could hold meaning and purpose.

One such believer was Hal Herrin, a local businessman and conservationist. In 1971, he purchased the mountain and willed it to Towns County so it could be preserved for future generations. For decades, access remained limited, but Herrin’s gift ensured that Bell Mountain would not be lost to industry. In 2016, the county developed the Bell Mountain Park and Historic Site, complete with observation decks and interpretive signs.

Today, visitors can stand where dynamite once shattered stone and instead experience serenity—watching the sun dip behind the peaks or the mist roll across Lake Chatuge. The graffiti that now covers the rock face has become a kind of cultural quirk: while controversial, it is also a reminder of how humans leave their marks, both destructive and creative.

Bell Mountain’s story is one of transformation: what was once blasted and scarred has become a place of reflection and wonder. Standing there, I am reminded that mountains, like people, even wounded ones, still rise to inspire.

Cold Mountain: Where History, Folklore, and Storytelling Meet

On By barrysnotes1 Comment

It’s been almost 20 years since my first visit to Springdale Golf Course. On my first trip there, the starter pointed toward a nearby mountain peak and said, “That’s Cold Mountain.” Then he cast his hand across the panorama of the community and added, “And this is where the story took place.”

Yesterday, I joined a group of friends at what is now the Springdale Golf Resort. I recalled my first introduction to Cold Mountain, and I revisited the progression of how the story, the novel, and the movie evolved.

Rising over 6,000 feet in the Pisgah National Forest of western North Carolina, Cold Mountain is a peak rich with both natural beauty and cultural significance. Located about 15 miles southeast of Waynesville, its rugged slopes have watched over centuries of Appalachian life. Long before it became famous in literature and film, Cold Mountain was home to Cherokee hunters, later to pioneer families who farmed its foothills, and eventually to soldiers who marched off to fight in the Civil War.

It was that Civil War heritage that inspired Charles Frazier’s 1997 novel, Cold Mountain. Frazier, a native of the region, based the story loosely on family history and local lore. His tale follows W.P. Inman, a wounded Confederate soldier who deserts the battlefield and makes a dangerous trek homeward. His journey mirrors the experiences of many disillusioned soldiers of the time, while his beloved Ada Monroe, left behind to manage her late father’s farm, embodies the resilience of Appalachian women. The novel, steeped in historical detail and place-based authenticity, went on to win the National Book Award and cemented Cold Mountain’s place in American literary imagination.

Hollywood soon took notice. In 2003, director Anthony Minghella adapted the novel into the film Cold Mountain, starring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Renée Zellweger. While the story is set in Haywood County, North Carolina, the filmmakers chose Romania as the primary shooting location. Why Romania? Its unspoiled landscapes better resembled the 19th-century Appalachians than the modernized North Carolina mountains, and the cost of filming abroad was considerably lower. Still, the production team worked hard to capture the spirit of the Blue Ridge, consulting historians and even drawing on Appalachian music traditions for the soundtrack, which featured performances by Alison Krauss and Jack White.

The film proved a success, grossing over $173 million worldwide and receiving seven Academy Award nominations. Renée Zellweger won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her unforgettable role as the feisty Ruby Thewes. Beyond the accolades, the movie rekindled interest in the real Cold Mountain, drawing visitors from around the world who wanted to glimpse the peak that inspired the novel and film.

Today, Cold Mountain remains a powerful symbol. It can be summited only by a strenuous 10.6-mile hike via the Art Loeb Trail, but it can also be admired from overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether encountered on foot, in the pages of Frazier’s novel, on the silver screen, or viewed from the nearby golf course, Cold Mountain continues to evoke themes of perseverance, homecoming, and hope. It is both a real place and an inspiring narrative, a reminder that local folks in local communities have some of the best stories to tell.