Hiking!

Yesterday I got to go on Hike #2 for this summer. The original plan was Ramsay Cascades in the Smokies, but plans had to change after we were stuck for over an hour in traffic due to a bad wreck. Plus, there were a few wrong turns on the way up that made it too late to begin what would have been an eight mile treck.

Instead we decided on the Chimney Tops Trail. It is only 2 miles each way, but is a pretty vertical ascent. Very challenging. I was exhausted when we got to the top, only to find out that we had to rock climb the last part. Terrifying, yes. But well worth the view from the top. We enjoyed lunch and a long break while taking in the gorgeous view of the very green Smoky Mountains. The trip down took about as long because it was too steep to go fast. The weather was perfect though, so it was nice to spend time in the trees enjoying the nature. Here are some pictures from the day:

Clay, Anne, me, Garrett, Joel, Andy, Bobby, and Adam at the top of the mountain.

Anne and me taking a break after making it to the top.

Joel, Anne, me, Clay, Bobby, Adam, and Garret on a bridge over one of the many waterfalls on the way down.

The view from the top.

From the other side.