After the riders returned, we gathered the group together and finally had our "shopping for souvenirs" day in Cherokee. Parents be ready for some crazy purchases involving sharp objects!
We had an afternoon swim for most of the boys though one opted for a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Finally, after our Chinese buffet dinner...we headed back into the National Park for a little hiking up to the top of Clingmans Dome - the highest point in the Smokies. Elevation is about 6,640 feet there and we had stunning views. The temperature dropped over 20 degrees from the time we left Cherokee to the time we made it to Clingmans Dome.
Another highlight of day 5 was getting to see a large herd of elk - about 10 or 11 of these majestic animals. What a day!