What. A. Week.
Last week, I mean. I took to the Smoky Mountains with a truly stellar group of pals, and the town of Gatlinburg gave us many a memory. From driving on winding mountain roads to rafting to (too many) moonshine tastings, my fellow explorers and I filled the Southern town with songs and smiles. Cheesy? Got him! We met interesting new friends everywhere we went. Being a tourist never felt so good! Chalk it up to good ol’ southern hospitality.
My camera did not see the light of day nearly enough as it could have, and that’s alright. I’ve compiled a few shots from two of our hikes, trails named Laurel Falls and Chimney Tops. I’m so good at preparing for those! (see previous post) Laurel Falls was simple and beautiful. Chimney Tops… strenuous. Nevertheless, once we hiked the 1487′ elevation gain the view was spectacular. Of course, I have little to prove of it since I had to ditch my camera before the last 900′ of trail. When the sign said hikers must climb rocks to reach the summit it really meant, “Find the best handholds you can on this 45 degree slate rock, because you’ll die if you fall to your right or left.” If you think I’m exaggerating, I strongly encourage a trip to the trail yourself. You may regret it until you get to the top where a few locals are strumming a guitar and singing sweet hippie songs.
Please enjoy my small selection of trip photos and head over to my Instagram feed for better shots of the views I enjoyed all week.
Agave!
Heidi Zell Photo 