During the “Bomb Cyclone” that produced subzero temperatures in Indianapolis last week, I had warm thoughts about a recent trip to the Smoky Mountains National Park. Pie Pal Linda and I had a memorable drive through the park and as we entered the park with our exit destination in mind, we enjoyed the bright colors of the autumn leaves. We drove leisurely toward the far boundary of the park using our two brains, two GPS devices and one AAA Map. Several hours later, we saw the sign that told us we were “leaving the park” but quickly realized we were not at our intended destination! We decided we should stop and ask for directions. My eyes are always open for the word “pie” and, as we pulled into a market that might be able to help us, I spotted the sign: FRIED PIES. We ordered the blackberry hand pie and regrouped to retrace our steps through the park and make the correct turns to our exit.
People: Siri. As we turned around, and before we entered the park, several signs warned us that our GPS would not work in this area! We have learned to trust Siri but to verify her directions with our brains!
Places: Smoky Mountains National Park. We were in the park during peak leaf-peeping season and enjoyed retracing our route from a different perspective. I felt like I was in a colorful cocoon as the trees made an archway overhead. We stopped to listen to the stream beds and feel the leaves falling like gold coins from the sky.
Pies: Blackberry Hand Pie. Maybe because we were hungry, but we agreed, this was the best pie of the trip! The pie was brimming with blackberries wrapped in a warm, flaky crust. We quickly devoured our treat.
I can taste the pie now !!🥰❤️🥰👨🍳