12 Oct 2026 3 min read

Abandoned like an orphan at the Kuwohi parking lot!

Daddy and I posing in the parking lot. I thought we were gearing up for a fabulous hike. I had no idea the herd had lost their mind and planned on leaving me in the car!

We had spent time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park previously but it was March and the road to Kuwohi was closed due to snow. Carrie decided we might as well check it out on the way to Hendersonville. The herd had already agreed to drive through the park on our travel day since we had plenty of time before we could check-in the next hotel in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Nobody warned me that pets aren't allowed on the paved summit trail. We had my bag carrier. I don't know why Carrie didn't put me in it and take me to the top so I too could enjoy the beautiful views. Something about her back almost breaking when we used the bag shopping in Gatlinburg for an hour or two. Rude! I'm a tiny baby and it was shameful to not carry me!

Here is what Google had to say about Kuwohi. I have heard the sunrise and sunset views are awesome!

I quite enjoyed the parking lot. Even if you aren't able to hike to the summit, the parking lot offers nice views and a chance to let your pets have tinkle time.

Carrie locked me in the car, told me it was cool enough for me to be ok, and said they wouldn't be gone very long since it was only 0.5 mile hike each way. I didn't have a timer or alarm but I know they were gone HOURS! What kind of sister blatantly lies like that?

They came back saying how pretty it was. They also rambled on about how hard the hike was and that their legs were going to be sore. I acted concerned for them. Between you and I, any pain they endured was justified! Leaving the baby in the car when they know I live for hiking!

Anyway, at least Carrie took some pictures to share. She said the flowers were buzzing with bees. That is a little scary, maybe I was better off in the car.

After we left the park, we took the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville. It was raining and visibility was low due to fog. Carrie and I found the fog to be captivating. While the mountain views would've been amazing on a clear day, there was something special about the fog. Sometimes it is nice to leave something to the imagination. The views were beautiful yet mysterious, leaving you wanting to visit again to see more. In a world of instant gratification, that is a rare thing to be mesmerized but still eager for more.

If you don't mind a little exercise (but aren't a dog), the herd says you should visit Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

I hope you enjoyed today's postcard. Despite being left in the car, I had a really nice travel day from Gatlinburg, TN to Hendersonville, NC. Asheville and Hendersonville were so much fun! I'll tell you all about our adventure in future posts. For now, I hope you have a blessed week! Remember to take your furry friends with you everywhere. If you decide to leave them in the car for a magnificent hike, I hope your leg muscles are sore for days! Sorry, not sorry!