Saturday, January 8, 2022

Grayson Highlands w/Kids

 6/22 - 6/24/21 (2 nights)

2021 Bag Nights: 12

Third kid trip in June, this time to the Grayson Highlands to climb on rocks and see the ponies. 

All cell phone photos


The weather forecast looks good, but the wind made it feel a lot colder. Still really nice day for hiking.


An assortment of fungus







Moon is poking up



There are lots of cows in the summer. I guess the Forest Service allows them as a way to keep the area open, but they are a little annoying.

Lots of cows

The ponies are more entertaining





Next morning, the sky looks a little grey, but we are going hiking.



Lots of rocks to scramble on, the kids had a blast











Cows and ponies 







We woke up the next morning in the clouds and decided that it was time to head towards the car.

My son decided to hike in his fleece PJs because they were warmer than shorts.

Across the AT on the way to the car



One last field with flowers before we get to the car. 


A very nice trip, not a lot of miles, but great views and the kids had fun.

Sunday, January 2, 2022

Cades Cove Biking

 6/15 - 6/18/21 (3 nights)

2021 Bag Nights: 10

The NPS has implemented "bike" days for Cades Cove in the Great Smokies National Park. Now the gate is not opened for cars on Wednesdays in the summer. My kids and I headed to Cades Cove to take advantage. We spend three nights, did a little hiking, enjoyed the biking and did a tourist horse ride. A great couple of days. 

Beautiful weather for our bike ride.


Lots of flowers


The Methodist Church



The Missionary Baptist Church




We saw three different bears feeding in the fields


Walked over to check out the sunset. I got this photo and my battery died. Of course the spares were a mile away in camp.