A Li'l Piece of Appalachian Trail

03 October 2014.  Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

En route to Appalachian Trail

Gatlinburg Trail

September 2014.  Gatlinburg Trail (one of the two dog-friendly walks) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

"I made a new friend.  Her name's Angel"

Oconaluftee River Trail

September 2014.  Oconaluftee River Trail (one of the two dog-friendly trails we're aware of) in Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina.

Although the trail is dog-friendly, pets are not allowed in the Mountain Farm Museum.

New Found Gap

September 2014.  New Found Gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Baby doggies aren't allowed :(

Bursting Hearts

September 2014, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

Euonymous americanus, also known as Hearts-a-Bustin' and Strawberry Bush.

Abrams Falls

Abrams Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.  October 2014.

The Bear Essentials

Taken on 01 October 2014 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

We were driving on Cades Cove Loop, on our way to Abrams Falls when the car in front of us suddenly stopped.  Pete scanned the area as he was sure that there was a wildlife sighting.  The passenger rolled down her window and started snapping away but I still couldn’t see anything.  After a few seconds, a black bear was crossing the road.  I desperately tried to take a good photo but, unfortunately, I wasn’t in the most desirable position.  The bear headed to the woods and I continued eyeing it, still hoping to snap a picture.  It disappeared and when I looked in front of the car there were two playful cubs on the road and they quickly scurried after their mom.  I was enthralled and tranced (no exaggeration here).  Everything happened too fast that I had no chance of immortalizing the experience.  When I recovered, I kept on kicking myself (I still do).  Anyway, it’s alright.  I could relive my first bear sighting and the heartwarming image in my mind whenever I want to (yeah, yeah … photographs would’ve been way cooler!).

Grotto Falls

Taken on 26 September 2014 at Grotto Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

We saw a couple of salamanders thanks to another hiker who showed them to us.  Otherwise, we wouldn't have spotted them on our own.  They were tiny and their colors provided a perfect camouflage.

A Dog, a Bird and a Snake

We're now camping in Sevierville, Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Not all our morning walks are as exciting as this one.  Taken in September 2014.

Along the Little Pigeon River

Great Blue Heron

I was busy taking pictures of the heron when something suddenly moved near where I was standing.  It was a Common Garter Snake (later identified as non-venomous, whew!).  This is the only photo I was able to snap for it was quick as a bunny. I startled the poor thing as much as it startled me. 

Little Pigeon River

Laurel Falls

The trail that leads all the way to Laurel Falls is the very first paved one I've been on.  It's an easy 2.6-mile hike (round trip), immensely popular and, therefore, very crowded! And yes, dogs are not allowed :(

Taken on 23 September 2014 at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

Fall is slowly creeping in.