This post will, in fact, require two posts, I think. I, personally, found Tennessee's greatness too large to contain in a single post. John and Marilyn were extremely hospitable - from picking us up at the airport, to putting us up, to making sure we got back to the airport. And their hospitality didn't belie the kindness of the people of Tennessee. Trying out my Southern accent, I want to say that the people in Tennessee are so naaahce! Seriously - with the exception of a few teenaged shop attendants, the folks in Tennessee were very, very nice. Always asking where we were from, how we were doing, etc...
So, back to the highlights:
- Being with Brian's family
- Walking up to Clingman's Dome
- Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
- Seeing elk
- Seeing a great black bear (no pictures!! He is my "The one that got away").
The Smoky Mountains as seen from the "trailhead" to Clingman's Dome
Elk as seen grazing (and most likely unwelcome) in a farmer's field off of Newfound Gap road, from Cherokee toward Townsend.
Sunset over the Smokies - along Newfound Gap road, after seeing the elk, after seeing the Bear.
Me and Brian at the top of Mt. LeConte - we hiked uphill 5 miles to get here (for U Canadjins out there - that is more than 5 kilometers!)
Also - I respect the people who live in Tennessee; they actually do go hiking and/or fishing in the Smokies; they don't say -"it'll be there tomorrow". I love that. I love that people appreciate what they have, and have to admit, with some shame, that I have climbed Mt. Fuji, and sailed along the Mekong river, but I have never been to Niagara Falls or Quebec city. Why can't we recognize that the best things can often be found right at home?
2 comments:
The next time you go home make the run to Niagra Falls, the longer you wait to see it the tackier we manage to make it.
Nice pictures as always. Looking forward to seeing the rest of them from the trip.
Post a Comment