The Smoky Mountains

Our first stop on this adventure is the Smokies. On the way there we completed our junior ranger pamphlets and picked up our badges. Then we started the first hike of the day which was only about 1.5 miles. There was a huge storm about a week before and some big trees had fallen over, and since we’re kids if there’s a chance to climb on anything we do it.

After that we headed to the park to set up camp. Mom and I parked the RV first try. We decided we wanted to hike again so we walked from our camp to a little nature trail that was no more than a mile. It was really pretty. Most of it was under magnolia trees and we saw a new type of fungus we liked (Clavulina cristata if your interested). And since we’re kids, if there’s a chance to climb on anything, we do it.

It was really hot out so we thought it would be fun to hop in the river. The water was freezing! After we thawed out we had a delicious dinner of bacon cheese burgers.

The camp had a rule that said we couldn’t have our generator on past 8:00. What that means is no lights or air conditioning while we sleep. As you would expect it was hot as blazes! Other than that, it was a fantastic day.