Catch-up Post #1: TN, SC

Alright, here's the longer version (with pictures):

July 1: We spent way longer than we wanted driving through Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The roads were very narrow and windy, not good for T's stomach. She fared well with the help of her ginger gum and other motion sickness accessories.

GSMNP provided some amazing views. We stopped early on in the day at a cute pull-off next to a stream. But the drive was so long, by the time we got to the top of the mountains, we were eager to get going -- knowing that we still had three or four hours of driving after we left the park. After driving past numerous amazing views, we finally decided we ought to stop and take a picture at one. Of course, by the time we decided this, all the best views were behind us. Thus the earlier reference to the worst view in GSMNP. (It was still really nice.)



July 2: After arriving safely in SC, we spent some good quality time with my Pop and Sung. The visit was very good. (The following is the opinion of the blogger. It is my blog, I'll say what I want. If you don't like it, start your own blog.) For those of you who don't know the story, my mom and pop split up a few years ago. I was relieved when they split, because I don't think either of them was as happy as they deserve to be. As a result of the split, there is still plenty of awkwardness. Those of you who have been through this with parents probably know the deal. Long story short, Pop was unhappy for years, and he seems much happier now. This is a good thing. I had a very nice time staying with him for a day and a half.

So, here's the golf story: Pop, Sung and I went out to play a few holes while T relaxed with a book. Sung stops at the Ladies' tee while Pop and I go on to the Mens'. Pop tells me to go first, and as I step up to the tee, I see Sung up ahead. She moves towards the tree line about 35 degrees away from the direction I'm supposed to hit, but all I can think is I haven't hit a ball in at least three years. She is totally not safe standing over there. You know where this story is going. I hit the ball off the heal of the club, and sure enough, it was a line drive right at Sung. Thankfully, she danced her way out of harm's way. (Freud would have a field day with this, but I swear it was an accident!)

More updates later, it's time to go to the lighthouse.