—Lynn Takes The Tram—
I did something I’ve been wanting to do for years.—I took the Tram.
I’ve been too scared to take the Tram in the past because it doesn’t have a restroom on it. Disabled people think about things like that. We think about it, and we worry about it.
I got up this morning and didn’t eat anything. I limited my liquid intake as well because I knew today was the day. The day I ride the Tram.
It takes approximately ten minutes to go from Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg on the Tram.
The highest point is 2,800 feet above sea level, 1,500 feet above Gatlinburg, and 1 second to the bottom if it falls. —According to the Operator.
I was prepared to chicken out, but when I heard it was only a ten-minute ride up, I felt I could make it. Plus, the Tram had just arrived, and the doors were already open for me to hop on board. On I went.
It has several leather straps hanging from the roof for you to hold on to while you take the ride up. I never let go of my strap.
It swings forward, backward, left, and right as it moves.
I would compare it to being on a cruise boat in a storm.
Many of the younger passengers “Woo-Hoo’d” as it swung. I, on the other hand, counted the seconds and minutes. It’s right at ten minutes. I know. I counted.
My plan was to take a picture of our Cabin from the Tram and get it enlarged and framed.
That, however, did not happen.
I saw our Cabin, but I wasn’t letting go of the hand straps.
Since I don’t have much feeling in my legs or feet, I have balance issues. Had I let go of a strap, I would have fallen.
I know now that you have a really great view of our Cabin from the Tram.
In fact, if you waive at the Tram from our Cabin, the passengers will see it.
We arrived at the top, and I hopped off.
My plan was to walk around for ten minutes and get back on the next Tram.
They have an Ice Rink at the top.
When I was younger, I skated on that rink. Good memories.
I walked outside, and they had artificial snow on the mountain, and people were Snow Skiing.
The place hadn’t changed much since the last time I was there.
They have several “Snack” areas as well as a Restaurant.
Many stores are also located at the top.
I snapped a few pictures and got back on the Tram to head back to Gatlinburg.
I have to admit that I felt proud of myself. I had done something that “Worry” had kept me from doing since I was a child.
It was a good day.
Love you,
–Lynn
