Today was the last full day of my 2017 Smoky Mountains vacation. Yes, a good time was had by all. Including me.

I believe I’ve stored up enough good memories to carry me along until my next vacation, whenever that may be. 

 I saw some reminders of the fire that tore through the area last year, but thankfully, a lot more managed to escape unscathed. I’m especially thankful that the main part of Gatlinburg where all the shops and restaurants (including the Pancake Pantry) are wasn’t burned.

My thoughts and prayers are still with those who are still rebuilding their lives and their homes a year later, long after the media has largely forgotten about them. They still have a long way to go to get back to any sense of normal.

But I believe the people here are strong and sturdy. They will survive. They will carry on. It will take a lot more than a fire to kill the spirit of te people of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the rest of Sevier County.

In the midst of all that, I’m grateful to still have a place like this to come to for vacation and create new and lasting memories.

Thank you for making my vacation great.