On top of ole smoky

Posted on | July 17, 2007 | 12 Comments

all covered with trees, I lost my poor kneecaps, yet performed a striptease…

What a great trip!  Memory is selective, you know, and right now, sitting in a comfy chair with hazelnut creamer in my coffee, all clean and well-rested, I can reflect upon the weekend and think happy thoughts.

I have quite a few pictures, so I’ll make this Part One of the trip report. 

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This is Arch Rock, on the Alum Cave Trail.  Alum Cave is the shortest (and steepest) trail leading to the top of Mt. LeConte, it climbs 2,700 feet over 5.5 miles.

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This is Alum Cave, for which the trail is named (you can see the trail on the left).  One of the driest places on earth, in the midst of a tropical rainforest climate, it’s home to over 100 minerals but very little alum. 

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My favorite little hiker

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Pretty white flowers on a backdrop of moss

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I can just imagine little elves and fairies spriting about!

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The cabins have undergone some improvements since we were here last.  They now have small porches and two rocking chairs, which was very nice.  Here you can see the clouds starting to roll in.

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His, hers and his

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We hiked to Clifftops to see the sunset, but we were clouded in for the most part.  I still think this is pretty.

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Kerosene lanterns create such a soft, golden light.  I should get one for home.

Good night!

Comments

12 Responses to “On top of ole smoky”

  1. margene
    July 17th, 2007 @ 12:04 pm

    It looks like a marvelous getaway! I’d love to stay in one of the cabins.

  2. grace
    July 17th, 2007 @ 12:26 pm

    Looks like you guys had fun!

  3. Janice in GA
    July 17th, 2007 @ 12:55 pm

    Oh man, I love that picture of the sunset clouds! Better not tell my husband about the rocking chairs. He’s a rocking fool. :)

    Looks lovely!

  4. Janet
    July 17th, 2007 @ 1:18 pm

    Oh how wonderful — the hike, the cabin, the clouds (all of it) — I love the kerosene lantern shot too.

  5. Nannette
    July 17th, 2007 @ 3:50 pm

    WOW! Fabulous pictures. Looks like a great time was had. Thanks for sharing. =D

  6. Peeve
    July 17th, 2007 @ 6:15 pm

    Wow. Those pictures are AMAZING.

  7. Amy
    July 17th, 2007 @ 9:59 pm

    Oh, I SO want to go there. What wonderful pictures.

  8. Laura
    July 18th, 2007 @ 12:07 am

    Oh EB. Thank you. I love this. :)

  9. Paula
    July 18th, 2007 @ 7:35 am

    All great photos. Your weekend sounds fun.

  10. Jennifer
    July 18th, 2007 @ 6:54 am

    GREAT pics! If it weren’t for the 5 mile hike uphill thing, I’d say I wish I was there. ;)

  11. kmkat
    July 20th, 2007 @ 8:31 pm

    Great photos. I especially like the sunset clouds one.

  12. Holly of HollYarns
    July 22nd, 2007 @ 2:39 pm

    Wow–so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your trip.