Day 3 -Newfound Gap, Oconaluftee Visitor Center

This became part of the morning wakeup process for Lucy

As you will likely notice, we stopped at "the gap" at least twice daily on this trip.  Our first stop was in the rain with some very limited but still unique views.  Lucy had fun climbing up a tower in the rain and we tried to teach her about the Appalachian Trail that passes through that area.

A rainy view at the top of the tower that Lucy climbed.

Lucy's first taste of the AT.  Only 1972 miles more until Maine!

Next we stopped at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the North Carolina side of the park.  Isaac and I have enjoyed the farm museum in the past and were excited to share that with Lucy.  She enjoyed seeing the small buildings and certainly liked seeing the baby pigs.

The piglets.  Both Charlie and Lucy loved seeing these little guys.

Lucy needed a rest break.

Maddie found a new lookout she wanted to try; very pretty!

 More rain was on it's way so we found a picnic area to stop for lunch.  We finished up just in time to get into the car before the downpour.  The rain lulled both Lucy and Charlie to sleep (it's a rarity to get Lucy to nap in the car anymore).

 

We ended the day with some dry weather at last!  We had our first campfire and Lucy tried out roasting marshmallows.  Later that night Lucy, Isaac and Kerry went out to see the fireflies.  Lucy was excited but was ready to head back to the campground after seeing about 5 minutes of flashing.