The Dragon (hwy 129) is kind of like the Autobahn of the Smokies. The section we were on is known as the Tail of the Dragon. I just knew Cooper would be all over it because we have done the scenic drive before and it's all about Bikes, Bikes, Bikes. Firetrucks and Motorcycles all in one place. It was the perfect combo for Cooper. We hung out at an overlook where people could look, enjoy the view and ask questions about the fire. There was a Fire Information & Education Specialist there to educate visitors about the fire. And a State Trooper on a Motorcycle!!!! He was sooo nice to Cooper and gave him a special badge and coloring book of Tenny C. Bear (ha, ha).
The day wasn't quite as exciting for Cruz. He stayed in the car (air conditioning stayed on in case you were worried about that) and slept. He was able to "meet" several of Mark's coworkers while remaining in the car and acting newborn-like. And Cooper was able to ham it up and get some extra attention without people oohhing and ahhing over his baby brother.
Cooper was also able to meet our good friend Matt for the first time who is here from Florida helping out on the fire. It was fun to get to introduce our kiddos to a dear friend from back in our Pre-Marriage, Pre-Park Service, Pre-Kiddo days. Unfortunately, Cooper had turned into Grumpy McGrumpy Pants at that point. Sensory overload. Oh well, I'm sure he seemed like the typical toddler to Uncle Matt.
The Fire is still burning and it's supposed to be hot, hot, hot the next couple of days. The Good news is that Mother Nature is doing her best to keep things burning. The Bad news is that Mother Nature is also doing her best to keep Mark burning. Damn Her! At least she chose such a beautiful spot to do her work. I guess I have to give her kudos for that.
Fire, Fire on the Mountain.
(Grateful Dead lyrics reference)
View from the other side.
Checking out all the bikes driving by. Notice Cooper had to bring his bike.
Checking out the Map. Cooper helping the Education Specialist educate.
View of The Dragon (and a few bikes)
Since we didn't manage to take a picture of Cruz here's a shot of what he looked like most of the time. Yaaaawwwwwwnnn!
Checking out all the bikes driving by. Notice Cooper had to bring his bike.
Checking out the Map. Cooper helping the Education Specialist educate.
View of The Dragon (and a few bikes)
Since we didn't manage to take a picture of Cruz here's a shot of what he looked like most of the time. Yaaaawwwwwwnnn!
6 comments:
So true on your good and bad news. At least he's close on this one! Maybe coming home every night? That's always nice even if he's super tired. Thanks for the pics and updates. Cool you got to see Matt too, what a small work world.
Yes, if he has to be gone I'd rather it be close. It's great that he gets to come home every night. Although, I'm not so sure if Mark is glad he gets to come home every night. He's not exactly getting much sleep helping out with a newborn on the night shift :). And he's only home from about 10pm-6am. Poor guy.
Even working night shift at home I'm sure his bed and good food beats a week of possible MRE's.
How exciting that Mr. Cooper and Mr. Cruz were able to meet Matt!
That picture of Cruz yawning is super funny. That pretty much sums it up.
Cool that you guys got to see Matt.
Now, on to the nitty-gritty....
you are NOT a very good hippy jam band fan if you MISSPELL Grateful Dead!!
I will blame it on the lack of sleep:)
@Joanne. As much as I should be blaming my mispelling on lack of sleep....I must blame it on not being a very good hippy jam band fan. Mark would be very disappointed so I quickly fixed the mistake. Thanks for helping me out there :)
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