On Monday we were lucky to have Mason's dad, Dave, take us to the Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium in nearby Kingsport. The weather was perfect. It was great for a sweatshirt and light jacket with the sun shining. The Bays Mountain park is a city park with a 44 acre lake, hiking trails, a nature center, planetarium, and animal habitats. The day we were there the Planatarium show wasn't running, but we made a fun, full day out of it anyways.
When we arrived we first headed out on the Lakeside trail. We got to see a dam that was built on the lake and travel the beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake. It was a great path for everyone. It was clear, wasn't too steep, and the views were beautiful. We hiked along the lake, above the lake into the forests. We saw beaver lodges, trees beavers had chewed, crossed bridges, saw a wildlife observatory and newly built gazebo over the lily pad cove, and even stopped for snacks along the way.
We then checked out some of the animal habitats. The boys enjoyed seeing wolves, raptors, owls, snakes, deer, and a fox. The wolves were pretty large and active in their cage and definitely checking out what was going on around them. After out time with the animals, we decided to sit for lunch/snacks near the adventure ropes course. This was also closed and was probably a bit too advanced for our kiddos, but they enjoyed playing on some of the activities.
After lunch and a rest we were fortunate enough to get to take a 40 minute barge ride around the lake with a knowledgeable guide who told us about the wildlife in and around the lake and the history of the park. It was really relaxing and peaceful going around the lake. The kids really liked seeing the beaver lodges, but would have liked to see a beaver too. The colors were stunning and the sun glistened on the lake.
We ended up checking out a few more habitats on the way back to the car and the otter even came out of his shelter for us to see. The boys and Grandpa had gone ahead, so while Mason, Max, and I got to see the otter, they were watching the Red Fox evening feeding. We ended up dropping off Dave and heading back to the hotel for some dinner and to change into swim suits. After dinner Dave and his step daughter and her four children came to the hotel for a pool party. I can't believe the kids had any energy left, but they played for about 90 minutes before turning blue from the chill. They ALL slept well.
Tuesday morning was a highlight for Theo, because he got to do ART with Grandpa Dave. We had brought white t-shirts from home and Dave pulled out all his paints and let the kids paint shirts. Woodrow just kind of painted around his shirt, and Theo being newly obsessed with buffalos painted a scenic painting with his buffalo. (The shirt is so stiff and is still on his dresser). Max mostly got messy, chased the puppies and fed the chickens. It was nice having so much land to play on far from the road so we didn't have to worry about cars.
After painting, the kids played with clay for hours and hours. I sat and soaked in the view. After a bit Dana came back from her morning engagement so we had time to catch up while the kiddos played and ate lunch. We then headed off for an afternoon/evening with GG.
We grabbed some gyros for lunch We spent a few hours playing and visiting at her house before she took us into Jonesborough for an evening Storytelling event. We were a little early so we let the kids run around at a local park before the show. Theo and Woodrow sat in the first row and enjoyed the stories that were told. Mason ended up talking Max for a little walk and then sitting in the sound booth. It was a fun evening and great to get a taste for the local flavor.
After grabbing some late night dinner the kiddos passed out and we got packed up to head to the Smokys the next morning.
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