Appalachian Trail and Laurel Falls

I think I may come back one day and hike to the last destination listed on the sign - it's only 1,972 miles to Katahdin Maine!

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.727749/k.91A1/AT_Essentials.htm

Click on the link for information about the Trail.

Cataloochee

I love the name of our Tuesday destination! Cataloochee was once a thriving community of about 2,000 people. Now, the elk that were re-introduced here have free roam of the area (except for the tourists). Actually, the Cherokee Indians named the area Gadalutsi, but the white people messed up the pronunciation.



The snowy, narrow little road into Cataloochee.

Cade's Cove

Monday's outing to Cade's Cove was beautiful. Bright blue skies reigned over a chilly, and sometimes, snow covered landscape. It was a thrill to see the frosting of snow on the green mountain sides. Not like Colorado snow, but more like powdered sugar shaken over a cake. It was cold, but comfortable since we were dressed warmly.

Snow fell in the mountians the night before we arrived. Luckily, the temperature has stayed low enough to keep the snow around for a few days.

A snowy trail just begging to be followed.

Just one of many small waterfalls we saw.

We happened upon this gobbler on our walk to the cabin below.

Can you imagine someone knocking on your door and telling you that the United States of America wanted to buy your home and all the property surrounding it for the purpose of creating a national park? Well, that's exatly what happened here in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The U. S. A. bought out all the people in these hills!

Spring flowers near what was once a home. I couldn't help but wonder about the person who planted the bulbs long, long ago. What would she think if she could see this place now? It would be interesting to know how the families displaced by the creation of the National Park did after moving and starting a new life.

Rock City

We got pulled into the "tourist thing" and toured Rock City. It is always a fun place and especially so this time of year because of the lack of people. We arrived early and were the only ones here for a little while. The temps were in the mid 30s with a little wind in the open areas - quite chilly at times!

Just as I snapped this shot, an eagle landed on
the branch! NOT! ;-)

Nothing like a fake waterfall!!!

Trenton, Georgia

First stop: Trenton, Georgia: just south of Chattanooga. We arrived about 4:00 Eastern time and drove to Canyon Land State Park after checking in to the Days Inn. The light was low down in the canyon. Not the best time for taking pictures. In the photo above you can just barely see a waterfall left of center. Click on the photo to enlarge it. If you look jst to the right of the trunk of the pine tree perched on the edge of the cliff, you can see icicles about 2 feet long.

Early Spring Get-Away!

The travel bug has bitten once again - we're off to the northeast section of the beautiful state of Tennessee. We will leave home on Saturday.