The Smokies

What a wonderful time we had with our friends visiting the Smokey mountains.  The leaves were still on the trees in all their splendor, splashing red, orange and yellow across the sloping landscape as far as our eyes could see.  The cabin/house we stayed in was amazing, with plenty of room for all 10 of us, three decks, a hot tub, large kitchen and 3 living rooms.  Whew!  We were able to take many walks (props to Katie who pushed Selah in the stroller!!!) and did a bit of hiking in the National Park.  Talk about beautiful.  Joe and Glendon climbed Chimney Tops, quite a feat as the trail was ice half way up!  A driving/hiking trip through Cades Coves proved rewarding, as we saw black bears, many deer, along with a 10-point buck, old homesteads with cabins still intact, chapels and grave yards....such a great experience.  Joe and I and our friend Brandon actually got to venture up to the highest point in the smokies, Clingman's Dome.  There was about a foot of snow up on that peak, and we could see for miles!  God has made some beautiful places for our eyes to look upon.  Praise Him!  The Appalachian Trail runs right through that area, and we got to hike 1/10th of a mile on it!!  It was quite a daunting thought, thinking about hiking all 2,000 some miles.  But what a feeling.  The A.T.  Hmmm....maybe someday?   

It was such a blessing to get away to the mountains and enjoy the company of good friends.  We miss the mountains of the west, now! :)  But, Lord willing, we will see those again someday.  For now, we look forward to the whirlwind of the holiday season here in snowy Ohio!