Mountains from the Tuckaleechee Retreat Center Lodge
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1Jn 1:7)
We just spent four nights at the at Tuckaleechee Retreat Center in Townsend, Tennessee. They call it “Fellowship in the Smokies.” We were at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Those two towns are very “tourist” minded and have many attractions that have little to do with the beauty of the area. It is hard to see the commercialization of such a beautiful area created by Our Lord.
The Tuckaleechee Retreat Center is the national headquarters of the Children’s Bible Ministry. They open up a couple of weeks this time of the year for visitors, like a big group (13 couples) from our church and a few from other churches. We are fed a fantastic breakfast, have an informative time and then are free for the rest of the day.
Stream on Roaring Fork Nature Drive
Dan and I went into Gatlinburg to the Roaring Fork Auto Nature Dive to see some birds. One turkey seen, one Pileated Woodpecker heard, and a small waterfall later, we finished the drive.
Cars and people were everywhere and needless to say, we were somewhat disappointed.
Back at the Lodge, we had great fellowship with our friends and some new ones we met. We ate out at some nice restaurants with our friends and just had a relazing and enjoyable time.
The roads are very curvy in the mountains and I said, “I’m not going back over those mountains into Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge again.” It was hurting my back somewhat.
Stream through the park – SMNP by Lee
The next morning, I was told about Parrot Mountain, with lots of Parrots. Other birds also. Run by Christian people and from a “Christian Perspective.” Have you ever heard of “eating crow”? Well, I swallowed my words and went. :) Am I glad we went.
You will have to wait until we arrive home in a few hours. Then I can get the photos ready. I have had the blog on “auto-pilot” this week and am glad WordPress lets us schedule articles for the future. (The only day not scheduled was this one.)
Taken Friday morning before we all left.
Fellowship in the Smokies — at Tuckaleechee Retreat Center.
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Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 
So good you were able to make the journey and enjoy the beautiful surrounds and fellowship, thank you Lord! We have an Australian story about the ‘crow eaters’ which the South Australian’s would not like me to share:-)
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Thanks, and we are back home. I won’t ask about the “crow eaters” in your country. Here is just means you said something and then did what you said you weren’t going to do. Harmless. :)
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Thank you Brother Lee for the email updates. Love the way you give God the glory in all of your travels, photos and with scripture verses. Even though I’m a beginning bird watcher I learn from each post. Thank you, Mikie Coogan
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Thanks for the complement. I’m sister Lee along with brother Dan. :)
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Lovely pictures. So glad you had a good time and that your back didn’t interfere too much.
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Yes, I made it without too much pain. The 700 mile ride was/is the most taxing. We are getting close to home. Yeah
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