An Exploratory Hike to Gentry Creek Falls

Cherokee Nat'l Forest: Mountain City, TN: Gentry Creek Falls: 5 miles

This past Saturday we took part in a guided hike lead by PACT. Unfortunately, we didn’t attract the turnout we were looking for, but the few people who did join in made our walk through the woods very enjoyable. It was a special treat since Cody and I don’t hike with other people very often.


Throughout the trek we all took turns pointing out various plant and animal wildlife, and because I have such a curious mind, this was a big highlight for me. Our hike was more about exploring and less about keeping up a steady pace. Even so, we moved faster than if Cody and I had gone solo. It’s no surprise that I generally stop every few feet to take a photo! Okay, not every few feet......[Cody, stop shaking your head]….okay, every few feet!


As unconcerned as we may have been about reaching our destination, we finally arrived to the proverbial pot of gold. At the “end of our rainbow” lay a double-decker waterfall, both 30 to 40 feet high. It was magnificent! After a couple photos, we trudged to the top tier where we all sat down to have lunch and tune in to the rushing water flowing past us. Very refreshing, indeed!

(The photo below doesn't show the one up top)


Well worth the 2.5 miles it took to get to Gentry Creek Falls. Altogether, I would say that it was a very moderate hike with barely any gain in elevation. It did, however, take a little over 4 hours to complete, and the numerous creek crossings did present quite a few obstacles since we had to do it 13 times! After a while, you succumbed to soggy shoes!

These foot bridges probably have you thinking, "What creek crossings?",
believe me, we got our feet wet! I just didn't get any photos of it :)

I do hope to return in the future on an overcast/foggy day to get some better photos of the falls. Not that I am complaining about the gorgeous weather we were graced with, but it’s just not conducive to taking good waterfall photos. Note to self: Remember this the next time you don’t want to go for a hike on a rainy day!

Friday, I was thinking that I would share the results of our wildflower findings. I came home with a handful that needed to be identified and thought you all may be interested to see the little beauties that were springing up!!

Posted in Wordful Wednesday

Quick Getaway : Clingmans Dome

I told you about our stay in Tennessee a few weekends ago. Although I mainly focused on our outings within the city, and left out what we did during the day. Since we only had one day to check out the National Park we wanted to make the best of it. Upon waking up, and having a bagel breakfast at the campsite, we began to make our way to Clingmans Dome.





Along the way we picked up a set of hardcore-outdoor enthusiasts, who were trying to make their way to a place that happened to be along our route. They were very nice fellows who, by 10 or 11 o'clock, had already biked like 14 miles, and were planning to do a loop hike of an equally astonishing number of miles. I mean we were half their age and couldn't imagine keeping up with the likes of them! Despite their best efforts to get us to try another hike, after dropping them off, we continued on our way to Clingmans Dome.




One of the primary reasons the hikers were attempting to deter us from going to Clingmans Dome was due to it's popularity amongst tourists. I didn't really care how many other folks were going to be there, I just wanted to go and see for myself. We dealt with a large amount of tourists in Gatlinburg, it couldn't be that bad!




The "trail" was a very steep 0.5 mile concrete walkway to an observation tower that was constructed in 1959. To be honest, I can't see why it's such a popular destination amongst tourists because that hike was mighty strenuous. I mean, you didn't get any switchbacks, you went straight up! Cody and I were troopers, and left the rest of the tourists to eat our dust as they stopped to take breaks every 20 steps. Cody even reprimanded me when I stopped to snap a quick photo because it messes up our momentum.......he's a slave driver I tell ya'!



At the tip-top of the 54 foot observation tower, you are standing at the highest point (6,643 ft.) in the smokies, and the second highest east of the Mississippi. Thankfully, we went on an especially clear day, and had panoramic views that went for miles.



The serpentine ramp coiled it's way to the top.



Slowly, I made my way to the deck so that I could enjoy the vistas with the other sightseers.
It was magnificent, those views never cease to amaze me.

Making your way back down, believe it or not, is rougher on your body.
Towards the end, I had to walk backwards because my knees were killing me.
Walking backwards did really help.
At the end, we had a picnic on a grassy island at the head of the parking lot.

Though this is a high traffic area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, it is definitely not something you want to miss. I highly recommend seeing this modern marvel if you're going to be visiting the park. If not, I hope you enjoyed the photo tour of Clingmans Dome.

Quick Getaway : Gatlinburg, TN

Friday evening we packed up the car and headed to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Instead of staying in a hotel, like normal tourist, we opted to camp out in the Great Smokey Mountains. This was somewhat of a special little trip for me because I have been to the town once, but that was when I was 12. From what I do recall, the Great Smokey Mountain National Park was not a part of those memories, which was one reason why I wanted to stay there.

I made reservations through the website a few days prior to the trip since I read that July was one of the busiest months of the year. After a few hold ups, mainly traffic related, we made our way to the Elkmont Campground. As late arrivals we skipped checking in and headed toward our campsite. Elkmont is the biggest campground in the park with 220 sites, however, we managed to find our plot of earth.

You would think that after setting up our tent, and a 3 hour drive, we would be ready to relax.......but nooooo.....I was ready to head straight to the action! I never imagined exactly how much traffic we were in for, but I hardly cared because I was thrilled to be there. Has there ever been a time when you were happy to be in bumper to bumper traffic?! It's sick. Speaking of traffic, at any given time, whether walking or driving, you were constantly surrounded by 360° of chaos. Not that I don't pay close attention usually, but you had to be on high alert to get around that town.



Walking the strip reminded me so much of our Las Vegas vacation last year.
I have my mind made up that Gatlinburg, TN is like the Hillbilly Las Vegas.
Not that I didn't have a great time, but if it walks like a duck......
We didn't pay to do the space needle, but it reminded me of the Stratosphere where we had dinner at the "Top of the World Restaurant".
Although, the Stratosphere was 5 times as tall.



Saturday evening took us on a ride up the mountain on the Sky Lift.
The view was spectacular!



Walking through the souvenir shops was about the only other thing we did while we were in town.
The Village was a set of shops that were tucked in a nook off the main road.
The different shops were all done in various styles of architecture,
the Bavarian styled building was my favorite, but I didn't really get a good photo to share.



For dinner, I wanted a soft pretzel......so that's what I had!
It was delicious :)



Aside from the plethora of airbrushed t-shirt stores, olde tyme photo huts,
and pancake houses, candy stores were also plentiful.
We bought a 1 lb. box of Aunt Mahalia's Salt Water Taffy.
The box of taffy has been hit pretty hard, it's almost gone!
It's Cody's fault, he eats 2 to my 1......don't lie, you know you do :o)





I'll leave you with this cause it makes me laugh.
Giddy up!

Blue Hole Conclusion "Part Three"

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
~Thornton Wilder

*These waterfall photos conclude the last of our visit to Blue Hole......these are by far my favorite of the entire bunch, what do you think? I don't have a whole lot to say, the photos of that beautiful place can pretty much speak for themselves......and as far as the WOW factor goes - I give it an 11......but then again they'd probably ALL be 11's if I were to dole out the WOW factors!! Waterfalls will always have a special little corner of my heart where nothing else can even begin to compare......there is something so mesmerizing about the water's journey and the point at which it descends that I'm sure will always amaze me no matter how small or tall it may be......

Blue Hole "Part Two"

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.
~John Burroughs

*Here is a photo of another waterfall at Blue Hole. This one was tucked in a little alcove above the main cascade. By the time we made our way back up the sun was then beaming down, making the greenery above the waterfall a tad bit overexposed, oh well....I can live with that.
I would describe this waterfall as being dainty.....it was just cute....not very tall, maybe around 6-8 feet?! The pool of water that the outpouring flowed into had rocks covering every inch of the floor, it was quite a challenge to set up my tripod there, but I managed just fine. I was halfway in the water, and the legs of the tripod were partly submerged in the ice cold pool, it definitely took some fancy footwork for me to stay dry.....although at one point I slipped and thought I was done for! Thankfully, I made it out safely.....there is one more waterfall @ Blue Hole......I will post those photos tomorrow. I hope you've enjoyed our day trip to Blue Hole so far......stay tuned!

The second photo is not my favorite, but I did want you to have a visual of what the surroundings looked like......

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Happenings:

• Cody took the boys (photo link) to the Humane Society this morning, they are being stripped of their manhood......we won't see them again until Friday......I hope that Cody can cope, haha
• I am looking forward to tonight; Cody and I are going to eat at a fancy schmancy restaurant here in Boone called the Gamekeeper (link to website).....I've wanted to eat here ever since I moved to Boone......it's going to be great! Check out the link to see their menu......they have some interesting dishes.

~Nature's Cure~

Blue Hole "Part One"

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

John Muir






This is the "Main Fall" at Blue Hole



It's not entirely about the "WoW" factor for me.......on a scale from one to ten......I don't care.....
It's more than just the actual sight that I am focused on when amongst nature.....sounds also play an integral role in the experience as well.......especially when visiting a waterfall.....
I got the "WoW' factor from a Waterfall Guide Website that featured Blue Hole, which scored pretty low based on their scale.......maybe I'm just easily impressed.....I suppose if the water level were a bit lower it may be a little less interesting........for me.....probably not.......but then again I have that amazing ability to find beauty in all sorts of different places........does that mean I'm easy to please?!........not really.......I thoroughly enjoyed myself out there none the less.......it was a gorgeous day........at times a little too sunny which didn't really help me with long exposures but I made do......

Blue Hole Info/Location: HERE

Thank You to: Mark - for the info; without that it may have been a while before I found this place.

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***MODIFIED***
02.13.2008 at 10:55

"technodoll said...
I would like to see the originals though,
i think they pics would be just as stunning."


(Click photos for a slightly larger view)

*I only had to make slight adjustments in these photos, you were right......

Look-see

"Tree Hugger"
Kimya Dawson & Antsy Pants
*From the Juno CD, I'm all about it right now!

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.

~George Washington Carver

These were the most charming steps I have encountered thus far in our hiking/outdoor excursions.
They were definitely unique compared to other steps we've seen at various other places.
Not that they were the main attraction or anything, but I thought that they were pretty cool.

This is just a little teaser......
not at all the highlight of "Blue Hole" by any means......
and as far as waterfalls go......
it was simply the overflow of a much prettier and more scenic cascade....

And a scene downstream from the waterfalls.....
I thought it was just as beautiful as the rest of what we got to see......
the rock cliff, stream, and surrounding forest......
it was all so invigorating........
did I mention, I had a great day (Saturday)......




*The 'real' waterfall photos will start tomorrow

Hole in the Wall

This place was pretty much in the middle of nowhere, out in the sticks of Tennessee......
We saw this place on our way to the waterfalls, and afterwards decided to eat there. Otherwise our choices were pretty limited in the small town as country stores would have been our only other options. We were pleasantly surprised at the offerings available on the menu.





That was our appetizer, homemade mozzarella sticks.........not your normal mozzarella sticks either......oh no, these were JUMBO mozzarella sticks!





Just for scale, you can see that it's as long as the fork handle, and they were pretty thick too. Is your mouth watering yet?!?! Oh, I'll make a trip out there again just for those mega cheese sticks I tell you what......





Here is the actual meal we had......and at a very reasonable price I might add.....
I ate Eggplant Parmesan with Spaghetti, Salad, and breadsticks.......man, I sound like a little piggy, huh?!?!?! To my defense, I didn't finish it all, I happily finished that off today - with Cody's help......Cody had a Gyro, which is what you see wrapped in the foil. It was a great meal all in all........if we're ever out that way again, which I'm sure we will be, I'll definitely be stopping in to see Rico again. He suspected that we weren't locals, especially with me toting my camera taking photos of my food and wot not.......being a tourist is the way I like it......wouldn't have it any other way!



*I'd like to hear about any roadside gems you've stumbled upon before, good or bad.....

Taking Turns

Today was absolutely gorgeous, white puffy clouds and all..........which are my favorite by the way.

This is a photo taken from "The Snake", a stretch of road in Shady Valley, TN. Actually, three separate roads make up the snake. A haven for anyone who has a need for speed, or one who is especially fond of switchbacks.
"There be Twisties"

To get to our destination we had to pass through Shady Valley, TN, making the snake only a 1/4 of today's adventure. I drove there and Cody drove on the way back home, my shoulders were somewhat sore, and the back to back curves where becoming too much for me to handle, yeah yeah I'm a weakling.

The sign reads:
1 Valley - 3 Mountains - 489 curves



*I had such a great day.......stay tuned to see what else we did today!

Bays Mountain Park

Before breakfast on Saturday we didn't even know where we wanted to go but by the time we were done paying for our breakfast I had spotted a brochure. Now this brochure is a part of that all too familiar display that has a variety of musings we locals tend to pass by. I am not one of those locals, respectfully. Every single weekend I can pick something different to do with no fear of overlapping our weekend outdoor activities. That's what I absolutely love about being here, there is an endless supply of wholesome entertainment that motivates me more than anything else. When asked what I want to do when the weekend rolls around I answer, "Something new!" and without fail we always seem to make it happen. Cody has taught me to be a little more flexible simply by example, when I say "Hey, let's go here!", he normally goes along with it...........and we always have a great time. This past weekend was no exception to that statement, we set out to Kingsport, TN which is about 1.5 hours away. What caught my eye was the fact that it was a nature preserve with animal habitats, hiking trails, nature center, and planetarium. After we leisurely strolled around the animal habitats and nature center we set off on the Lakeside Trail hike; which was a total of 2.3 miles around the lake. We both really enjoyed our hike although they all take way longer than they rightfully should with my constant stopping to snap photos. Cody used to be all about keeping a nice pace but now he must exercise sporadic periods of patience since he knows it makes me happy for him to do so without complaints :)
Read more about the park here: BAY MOUNTAIN PARK