Smoky Mountains

On Sunday, Dale, Jon Bryden, Jon Lee, Drew, Neal, Brad, Justin, and I returned from a 3-day trip to the Smoky Mountains. We camped, then drove each day to hike. It did rain a lot; however, Justin, Drew, and I were able to enjoy sleeping out underneath the stars for one night. Bryden and I ran most of a 5 mile trail - our favorite place - Abrams Falls. Here we enjoyed a 30-40 foot waterfall and a cool swim that rewarded our hike. Then, together, we hiked 12 miles to the top of Mt. LeConte. Our last day included a 2 mile hike to Chimney Tops; a 1,700 foot incline that resulted in a beautiful panorama of the Smoky Mountains. For the last 20 minutes of that hike, it rained a lot! From there we went straight to a hotel, showered, jumped in the pool and hot tub. We topped the trip off in tradition by eating a meal at Apple Barn (you have to have eaten there to know what a treat it is!). The eight of us truly enjoyed the time - from the car rides, to the hikes, to laughing together, to eating smores (and hobo dinners!) over a campfire. These 3 days were filled with fun, fellowship, and sore muscles!