Day Four - Take me to the River!

So today was the day most of us were looking forward the most.  Turns out it's a good thing we drove by the Arts and Crafts Community yesterday, even though we didn't visit.  We have gone in and out of the cabin the same way each and every day.  Who knew there was another way out?  So the directions we printed to go to Rapid Descent took us out another way all together.  We didn't pay any attention to the directions until we reached the Parkway and realized we were supposed to come out on a different street.  The directions did say however we needed to get to 321, which is at traffic light #3 in Gatlinburg!  We knew this from out failed attempt yesterday! Yay failed attempt.  Otherwise I would have been having an anxiety attack, crisis averted.

So we took the drive to the North Carolina state line and put our raft in the water.  It was one of the coolest things I've ever done. This was TOTALLY worth the money.  So far, this is the highlight of our trip. 

I debated buying the waterproof camera in the gift shop and decided against. So I have only the 10 photos the company takes on the the river.  This is the 1st set of rapids we hit, not the biggest or the best.  It does capture the fun we had!! 

No one fell out of the boat, but Marie, Tati, and Bree jumped overboard in a calm spot in the river.  It was a lot of fun. 

After the "float" we did stop by a few shops in the Arts and Crafts Community.  I fell in love with a Turquoise ring, that is until they told me the cost...not so much in love anymore.  :)

We also tried to hit the Nascar Speedtrack, unfortunately it started to rain as we were driving, no go-karts on a wet track.  By that time I was hungry so we decided to head back to the cabin to cook dinner.  Good thing too, as soon as we pulled into the driveway the skies opened up again.  I'd really hate to travel those mountain roads in the rain. 

So Philly cheese steaks for dinner were yummy.  We are all adequately full and worn out from the day.   We are debating a trip to Dollywood, a hike, Wonderworks, or something all together different for our last day in the area.  So tomorrow we may just surprise you with our quest! 

I hope the river pictures make you smile/laugh as much as they do us, that was an awesome trip.  I think Marie and Cianah are plotting to come here and be raft guides in college over summer breaks.  It was a really good time!!