photowalk 2010 - Lincolnton

and the last day of 13....

SMNF - part 2

Early morning with a foggy lens...


The next day we decided to go for a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Chris wanted to hike 4 miles into "Charlies Bunyon" and Hannah and I wanted to go shorter. So he agreed that we could turn around if we wanted.

We drove up to Newfound Gap and joined the trail in the parking lot. Headed out along the NC/Tennessee border - and hiked and hiked.

We arrived at the IceHouse Shelter about 3 miles in. We were so close to the bunyon, we all agreed to go on but first a bite to eat.



Within minutes a front moved in and it was a downpour. And I mean downpour.



After about 15-20 minutes, the skies cleared and we went on our way. Everyone we passed was soaking wet and wanted to know HOW WE WERE DRY!!! Just dumb luck!

We arrived at Charlies Bunyon and boy, it was crowded!


We stayed for a little then headed back. I was able to find the Bunyon on our return, now that I knew what to look for. See those hikers on the knoll?


Here, a closer look.



Proof that yes, we did hike the Appalachian Trail!


But Maine....1972 miles??? Yikes.

Smoky Mountain National Park - part 1

So in June we went camping to Smoky Mtn. National Park - stayed in the park at Smokemont so no hot showers or electric hookups.

We went up on a friday and came home Monday.

At the visitors center was an old homestead. The barn is original, all the other buildings were moved in from other areas of the park.


Hannah down at the river


Playing the lap harp

Someone is in my photo op


Now this is what I was trying to shoot...



Then on the way back to camp we stopped at an old grist mill...

After returning to camp we decided to take a hike - about 3 miles up to a hikers reststop.

Not officially on the Appalachian Trail...

The next day we drove thru Maggie Valley to the Catalochee Valley - where the elk have been re-introduced. It was winding dirt roads for the final stretch and very isolated. There was few people there, but we understand that in the fall when the Elk are mating and fighting the hordes drive in.


We were very lucky to see elk during the middle of the day.....while eating lunch

Then they decided to head to the forest and hang out along the river bank


Next to the picnic table was this old barn...can't you just see all the "letters' in that baby???

The last day of school....2010 version

Hannah's last day of school. They had an assembly where awards were given then a band concert.

Hannah did not want me there snapping photos.

Come on, give me one smile.

Please???????

Getting recognized for Math Counts

Mom stop it
Geez

I'll smile for you Mrs. Fritts (what a sweetie). Notice Hannah off to the side - No, Mandie, NO!!!

And playing their final concert

bridges and milll

In may, I took off in my trusty Volvo pickup truck to shoot a couple of local landmarks that I had never visited. The Murray's Mill (grist mill) and one of the last 2 covered bridges remaining in North Carolina.

First the mill...

And the bridge.....