When I first learned that they were closing Smoky Mountains National Park, I’ll admit I was MAD! How can they close nature??? Mother Nature never rests!! How dare them keep me away from my favorite place!!! They started off closing down the restrooms and visitor’s centers, which to me made sense. But then they progressed (a few days later) to closing down the entire park. At first, I didn’t understand why, and I didn’t want to understand why. Now, I kind of get it – we needed the tourists to stay home (we honestly LOVE all of you and can’t wait to see you back!). It was dangerous having people here from all over the US.
Mother Nature Is Taking A Breath
And now I realize that the beautiful thing is that in the meantime, Mother Nature can BREATHE. For the first time in forever, the mountains can rest. They can replenish themselves.
The wildflowers can grow freely without any footsteps stomping them down.
The trees can grow unhindered with nobody hiking through them.
The sunrises are free to rise with nobody here trampling through their mountains or leaving litter behind.
The historic cabins are free to just be, without any people carving their initials into the wood (don’t get me started on this one!)
The animals are free to roam without anybody staring at them or getting too close and disturbing their habitats.
The rivers are free to flow with no tubers or kayakers or waders or fishermen (think of all the happy fish!)
The Smoky Mountains Are So Happy!
So yes, while this is very difficult for me to not be able to go to my favorite place, I choose to be happy for The Great Smoky Mountains and Mother Nature right now. That probably sounds a little weird (and maybe a little tree hugger like), but its making it easier to bear this absence right now. Before you know it, you’ll all be back. It will be an exciting time for sure! One of the reasons we love living here is the vibe of all the tourists – after all everyone is always happy because they’re on vacation!! Until then, be kind to yourselves and to each other, and do your part with a smile on your face. We love you!!!
