Friday, October 4, 2013

Have I mentioned that I've been doing a bit of hiking?

September 15th, I went with a group of folks to hike the Middle Prong Trail in the Smokies.  The Smokies which are currently closed because of the government shutting down. But that's another issue altogether.
For my money, this is actually more of a walk than a hike since it's pretty flat the whole way.The hike is along an old railroad bed, used by a lumber company until the 1930's.  For much of it, there is a steep rock face along one side and the Little River along the other.
There are several falls and cascades along this trail.
The persistence of nature - this tree is sitting on a boulder, but manages to snake its roots around it to find bits of earth to anchor to.
This time of year there are signs of fall amidst the bright Spring-like greens.
I added a tiny rock to the very top of this cairn.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a temperate rainforest, so you are always surrounded by lush scenery.
Another waterfall - I believe this one is Lynn Camp Falls.
I was walking with a friend and catching up, since I hadn't seen her in a while.  We walked about seven miles on this hike, too.
A brick chimney is all that remains of an old pioneer homestead.
You pass over some small creeks on lovely moss-strewn bridges.
We also passed the rusting skeleton of an old Cadillac.
And then back to the parking area.  I could get used to this hiking on the weekends thing.

36 comments:

  1. Lovely scenery - makes me wish I'd been along.

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    1. Thanks - there are so many beautiful trails in the Smokies.

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  2. This is a gorgeous landscape, no wonder you enjoyed it.
    Hiking is good for the soul, as well as common or garden health.

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  3. The Smokies are closed.....geezus. Yeah, Y'stone and Glacier are also, I wish they'd shut the damn freeways, those are Federally funded, right?
    I digress.....nice pictures, very nice indeed.

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    1. thanks for the laugh - yeah they want attention - close all the Federal transportation stuff. I heard on the radio today that they closed the congressional hair salon. Really who knew?

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    2. They need to start, of course, by shutting down their own salaries.

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  4. I need to remember that trail next I'm around that area. I like scenic easy trails.
    I knew you had done some outdoor hiking and biking from those recent pics. Those pics make it appear you were cruising for a bruising.

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    1. Not really, just a random fall because of the situation.

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  5. Stunning, what a great place to walk!

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  6. My, but you live in a beautiful part of the world! Thanks for these photos.

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    1. I do - I try to remember it when I yearn to live somewhere else.

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  7. Once again, your photos ROCK!

    LOVE the ones of the falls, cascades and snake roots. Doesn't it amaze you how persistent nature is? It thrives regardless; finding a way.

    And the photo of the rock with the mossy leaves growing on it is incredible. It almost looks as though the leaves were painted on.

    Thanks again for taking us on a beautiful hike with you, girl. Enjoyed it!

    Have a SUPER weekend!

    X

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    1. Thanks, Ron! Nature is incredibly persistent. I love that. ANd just so beautiful it makes me catch my breath sometimes.

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  8. It does sound like it would refuel the soul!

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  9. This looks a lot like the national park near me. What a treat to hike with a friend, isn't it? I can walk for hours and not grow tired...as long as I'm with a friend.

    Have a super weekend!

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    1. It was such a nice surprise seeing her there and getting a chance to talk.

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  10. Looks like a fabulous walk. I'm intrigued by the tree. If it's on top of a boulder, how come it grew there in the first place?

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    1. I assume a seed dropped somewhere where there was a bit of soil and burrowed in.

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  11. its pretty cool to find those old homesteads to see where like once was...and how nature has taken it back just a bit....

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  12. Your photos are beautiful. love the waterfalls and cascades.

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  13. Some hidden treasures on your walk!

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  14. gorgeous. looks like a beautiful walk/hike.

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  15. This youtube clip I just watched had me thinking about your recent bike riding. Don't try this on your home trails.
    http://youtu.be/O46HJbbIWlA

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  16. Gorgeous hike. Hiking is one of the things I enjoy most and I need to get out there more often. Thanks for the beautiful pictures.

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    1. You're welcome. I am trying to fit some in while the weather holds.

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  17. it's all so beautiful. reminds me of my childhood.

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  18. A walk in the woods with a camera in hand is my idea of heaven.

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