The great fall of Easter 2010

Today we went to Look Rock on the Foothills Parkway just south of Maryville, TN, along side the Great Smoky Mountain park. Had a great time. It was a good short day event with spectacular views of the mountains. The observation tower is about half a mile up the mountain on a nicely maintain gravel path. Ada loved running from rock to rock and tree to tree. She saw a few squirrels and tried to call them over, but they weren't having any of that. Ada also had to pick up every pine cone along the way. By the time we got to the top we had enough to make a wreath.
Before we started the hike, Ada took a tumble trying to jump onto the sidewalk. We did not realize the extent of the scrapes till we were well on our way up the mountain. She was a trooper and hung in there all the way to the top and back down again. Once we were back in the parking lot, we converted the back of the SUV into a first aid station with a snack and drink bar. Adam and I were about ready to break out the fan and grapes for little Miss pitiful when she decided that she was ok with the "sticky's" on her knee, elbow and finger.
We ended the day with a stroll along creek at Abrams Creek camp ground in Happy Valley at the bottom of the mountain ridge.
It was good to spend Easter Sunday surrounded by all things good, green and peaceful. It was kinda nice to have the cell phones turned off.

The Great Smoky Easter

We went to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park today to take Ada's Easter pictures. We has such a wonderful time. Our day started by meeting Grandpa and Grandma Martin at Newfound Gap. It was very windy and a bit chilly. You could still see snow up there! Adam and I were able to walk on the Appalachian trail for about 200 feet and it was enough to confirm in us that hiking the whole thing from Georgia to Maine would be worth every blister.  After lunch in Gatlinburg with the Grandparents we set off for Easter pictures in the park. We stopped off at Sugarland's visitor center and took advantage of the meadow in front of the Ranger station. We then set off on a little hike to the waterfall. We really had lots of fun and Ada had a blast hiking in her Easter best. After trying to hug the waterfall it was clear that Ada was ready for her afternoon nap so we set off to Cades Cove about an hour away, just long enough for her to get a good rest. Once there, we pulled over in the picnic area and got our feet wet in the little creek running along side. It may have been a warm sunny spring day, but that creek was still stuck in the winter! Boy was it cold! Ada loved standing on "her rock" while holding on to Adam for balance to pick out river rocks to "skip" in the creek. Once she threw a big enough one that the splash got us all a little damp we decided to wash our toes off and set off for dry land. The cove itself is currently closed so the park can do much needed road repair, but we able to stand at the entrance and look down. There were wild deer that had wiggled their way into the horse pen. Then off in the distance you can see the horses running in the meadow. It was just breath taking to watch. Adam and I are counting down the days till June when the road opens back up.
Only with the amazing views we were consistently reminded that it is now bear season, so that maybe the only downside to this whole adventure, but for now, we will roll with the punches.

We wish all of you a very happy Easter. May you all find your own joy in this season.

Love,
Adam, Elizabeth and Ada