Another thing we did with Andy and Nikki was to visit the Gatlinburg Skybridge. I've never been a fan of heights but neither is Nikki and she said it would be ok. I shouldn't have trusted her! :)
Here's how it went...
You start out by riding a ski lift to the top of the mountain. That wasn't great fun, but not terrible either.
The entrance to the bridge.
Here's what it looks like from the side.
The skybridge is the longest suspension bridge in North America. It's 680 feet across and 140 feet high. There is a section of glass panels in the center of it that are 30 feet long. Because it's a suspension bridge it sways when you walk on it!
Here's the start. It only took a minute to realize this was not going to be fun! I who usually take lots of pictures, stopped at the beginning to take this shot, then I walked fast, just wanting to get to the other side!
I did stop to take pictures of the glass panels but then kept going and was so happy to reach the other side!
Here's the view from the deck on the other side. Bob, Andy and Nikki joined me after a little bit. For some reason, they enjoyed the view and walked a lot slower!
The sad thing is - you have to cross again to get back down the mountain! On the way back, some crazy guy laid right down on the glass portion so someone could take his picture. Yikes!
They have a little refreshment stand and souvenir building. In it was this flag that was flying during the 2016 fires. Much of the skybridge was burned at that time.
After all that, we had to go back down in the ski lift. I was glad to be done with it. I can say I did it, but I don't think I would do it again!
That evening, we had a fun activity. Andy had taken along an MRE that a pilot had left in one of the Apache helicopters he was working on. Normally it would be thrown, but he thought we might enjoy seeing it.
Here's the unopened package. It had Ratatouille, crackers and peanut butter, dried cranberries, carrot cake, strawberry banana drink, coffee, creamer, salt, pepper, toilet paper and gum!
checking out the crackers and peanut butter
The girls were pretty suspicious of all of it and didn't want to taste it.
They did try the gum, but weren't impressed. The guys tried it all and said it was ok. I guess if you are hungry it works, right?
And that's it for another day.
I'm not afraid of heights, Mari, but I would have been a bit apprehensive about that bridge!! Wow! Pretty views though and now you can say you did it!! Those MREs sound horrid, but (like you said) if you are hungry they probably taste pretty good! The girls are so cute, always!! I enjoyed visiting the bridge with you! xo
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I would have been throwing up the entire way across! You did great, and were very brave. Now you can say you DID it! That view is beautiful. I don't know if I would have tried the MRE...I might have been on the girl's side!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adventure! I would try that. It sounds like you are enjoying it with your grands. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh lordy...brave, you were. This reminds me of the Royal Gorge suspension bridge in Cañon City Colorado!! And, for heaven's sake, if you're fool enough, you can DRIVE over it!! We walked. And someone drove their car as we crossed. Never on you life would I do it again!!!!! MREs aren't too bad, but what I've tried is nothing to write home about.
ReplyDeleteHaha I'm not a great fan of heights but would have coped with the bridge until it started swaying!
ReplyDeleteLove the "But God" t-shirt.
After having experiencing crossing a suspense bridge, I remember saying to myself 'never again'. It was a frightful experience for me.
ReplyDeleteThe bridge ... uh, no. Well, maybe. Depends on how sedated I am. *lol* Funny, I love flying, especially helicopters which really ARE dangerous, but when it comes to standing near a railing or crossing a bridge which are fairly safe, not so much.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the kids had fun. They look happy just doing things with Grandpa. Another sweet memory for them.
Blessings. xx
I wouldn't like the fact that the bridge swayed but would have enjoyed the views. I have walked on glass over the Grand Canyon and it is eerie. How interesting to try the food and a good experience for the girls.
ReplyDeleteYikes, I think that bridge would make me very nervous, especially the part with the glass!
ReplyDeleteOh I have to try that Sky Bridge next time we are down there! It looks awesome but I can see how it can be very scary too!
ReplyDeleteNope Nope Nope....but you already knew that 😁
ReplyDeleteUm...no. You are one brave lady!!
ReplyDeleteI MIGHT could have handled the bridge until I read part of the panels are glass!!! It is a gorgeous view. Thank you for sharing the flag that was burned also. That was a horrible fire. I enjoyed all of your photos.....looks like so much fun for each of you,
ReplyDeleteYou do get the prize, Mari! I am very sure I could not have stepped foot on the bridge. I feel dizzy just imagining it!
ReplyDeleteTrying the MRE packs sounds kind of fun!
I am terrified of heights and just couldnt have walked that bridge. I know the scenery was beautiful but I wouldnt be able to look for fear of falling. The man that laid down to have his picture taken was 'nuts'! Hope the remainder of your trip was calm and low!
ReplyDeleteYeah, umm...NOT. LOL---You are so brave. I would of not done it, and the guys know it, lol. Beautiful though, its been many years since we have been to Gatlinburg. Wishing you a beautiful Mother's Day my friend.
ReplyDeleteUgh! Yuck! Gross! No! And that's just the bridge. The MRE? I'd rather starve! Haaahaha but I love Bon's t-shirt! "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Amen. Happy Mother's Day, my dear friend! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of heights either and I'm not sure if I would have gone across that bridge. I think you were pretty brave! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of heights either and I'm not sure if I would have gone across that bridge. I think you were pretty brave! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Mari,
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by! :) We are going to be in Tennessee at the end of June with some friends. The same friends and us were in Tennessee in 2016 and right before all the fires. Unfortunately, our cabin was destroyed. :( I do not like heights either and I think I would have made it a couple steps and turned around and waited for everyone else to come back. No thank you!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Jules