Strolling

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According to the pedometer in my phone (I have no clue how accurate it is or isn’t), I walked over four miles today. A considerable amount of that was strolling through Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn’t open right now (it won’t open until Saturday, and then only in limited places), so Gatlinburg looked more like it does in September after Labor Day and before the leaves start turning. I didn’t count, but I would say that there are still more places closed than open. One of my favorite spots — Calhoun’s — was open. Before I could be seated I had to answer questions about my health (had I been coughing, sick, running a temperature, or in contact with anyone who had been coughing, sick, or running a temperature). Their menu was limited, including no fried green tomatoes ; however, as I said yesterday, it just felt good to go in, sit down, and be in a restaurant instead of eating in the car in the parking lot or picking it up at the drive-thru. After lunch I had to walk it off, so I continued my walk. Now, if you’ve never been to Gatlinburg, it’s not flat all the way through; therefore, it’s good exercise!! Along the way I saw some ducks in the water as well as one sitting in the grass, unfazed by the people walking by on the sidewalks. Most people were practicing social distancing, and the ones in bigger families had masks on. (And yes, my server was wearing a mask...and any time he came to my table for more than a “are you doing okay?” check I put mine on, too.) I think it’s a good idea for the tourist towns to open slowly, before the “rush” heads back in. I’m sure by Memorial Day Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge will be hopping. Safely, I pray.