Wed 1 Nov 2006
Christopher woke me up a 6:30 this morning so I could take him fishing. I was the mama human going along to protect my young from bears. We found a beautiful spot along a roaring river and he fished while I drank coffee, talked on the phone to Tim (I can’t always get a signal out here) and read the Bible. Oh, I took a few pictures, too. I have now used up 4 rolls of film.
I could be heard chanting, “There are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, no bears, no bears at all.”
Really!
Yesterday we took what was dubbed an “easy hike” up to see The Grotto Falls. I did think I was going to die a few times but I was determined not to harm the children’s fun by pooping out. Whew, we made it to the falls, read a chapter of The Princess and Curdie and made it back to the van. It was well worth the pain and suffering but I felt very sorry for several groups of elderly people who also bought the “easy hike” promo. I was like a prophet of doom as we descended, telling older groups of hikers they had a long way to go.
I think we may go to Cades Cove today before the leaves drop.
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Pieter and I took a hike like that last year in Yosemite. I never felt so old, and not because it was my birthday.
I have bad news, though, about those old people and hiking. My dad and stepmom are part of a hiking club that goes out for several miles every Wednesday. The oldest members of the group are in their 90s. I’m afraid I would have trouble keeping up with those folks. Practice, practice, practice. I need to go for a walk.
Comment by Carmon (November 1, 2006 @ 10:17 am )
Grotto Falls is a tough one, huh? Let me know about any others you choose to hike. The Smoky Mountain web site makes them all sound like “easy” hikes. When we go, I’ll have a 20+ lb. baby on my back! And a toddler at my side…
Comment by Linda (November 2, 2006 @ 3:25 pm )
Along the road to Cades Cove there are lots of trails labelled quiet walkway. I hope to try a couple of those. I think the Grotto Falls would be pretty hard with a baby on your back. The trail is rocky and rooty and there are a few steep inclines. It isn’t climbing though. The kids walked to Laurel Falls and it was paved the whole way. You could even try the stroller although it looked steep. I hope to go back and try that next week.
Comment by Cindy (November 3, 2006 @ 9:19 am )
Cindy,
I enjoy your website. I love the pictures of the bears. I grew up in TN, and Cades Cove is one of my favorite places in all the world. I also love the hike to Abram’s Falls. THe leaves are beautiful in October, but not sure how they are now that it is November. Yet, I’ve hiked the Abram’s trail in the snow, and it was breath-taking then. I think I saw a river otter and a bobcat’s tracks. Even though it was very cold, there was such a peacefulness there as well as no other human visitors.
Blessings,
Jan
Comment by Jan (of ClassEd) (November 9, 2006 @ 2:14 pm )