Hiking has been a major part of my life in recent years, both due to Spring Ridgerunning Season for the past 12 years, as well as endeavoring to keep in shape during the 9 months between Seasons.
I could provide a long list of rewards associated with working in the 'Park' (GSMNP), not the least of which is better health, enjoying one of the National Park System's "Crown" jewels and being a small part of it. It's awesome!
I finished my 2015 Spring Season on the 25th of May then took my 9 year old grandson, Matthew, for a short loop in the Smokies a week later.
We spent a night in the Cades Cove Campground and started our loop out of the Cove on Anthony Creek Trail the next morning headed for a night at Russell Field Shelter. Determined not to overburden "Matthew", I kept his pack weight minimal only to follow him up to Russell Field like he was 'rolling down hill' with a tailwind. On the way up, his vocal chords showed no lack for oxygen either.
Matt's enthusiasm for the entire trip seemed the equivalent of my embarking on my thru-hikes, both the AT and PCT together. He did not see 'Smoky Bear', only a doe wandering through the woods and Spence Field's resident Gobbler strutting around, but he headed home talking about doing the "whole" Smokies next time.
Never have I enjoyed being called a "hiker" more than the day after returning home, while walking through Home Depot at a brisk pace with Matt right beside me, when 9-year-old Matthew looked up at me and said: "People are watching us and they're saying they are hikers."
I am so blessed!
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| Peering over AT Sign |
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| Shelter |
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| To Rocky Top |
Rhododendron
Spence Field
