4/19/13

Sylvester Goes Camping & Abrams Falls

 

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His name is Sylvester and he is changing my mind about camping with cats.  This is the stray from my last post who finally got a name.  Although table sitting is not allowed, an exception was made for this picture. 

My camping experience with our two older female cats was miserable, putting it mildly.  They were afraid, wailed constantly in the car and cowered under the Casita bed.  Their litter box was huge and I feel into it more than once!

Sylvester has been a perfect gentleman, so far!  Sweet, affectionate and complained only mildly about being crated for the trip….oh, we are at the Tremont Campground, only a few feet from the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Townsend, TN.

This is the 6th annual Eggscursion….a fiberglass egg rally hosted by the Egg Camping Club of TN, GA and AL.

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Thursday is the perfect day to go hiking….and our only chance since abundant rain is in the forecast.  Cades Cove is a short trip away and halfway around the 11 mile Cove loop is the Abrams Falls trailhead.

Since the goal is exercise, not photography, most of the  loop pictures are taken on the move.  This loop is one of the most heavily traveled routes in all of the Park and a good reason to only go off season.

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Traffic is not too bad…we are hiking by 11:30.  The hike’s rated as moderate, 5 miles with 3 climbs, and we’re unsure of our fitness…..hope we can do at least 5 miles!

 

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This is the peak of the spring wildflowers and I am wondering if we will see anything.  We are not disappointed!

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Star Chickweed

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Crested Dwarf Iris

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Trillium, unidentified type

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Bleeding heart

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These rare bleeding hearts are all around the waterfall cliffs.

After one hour and forty five minutes (due to the picture taking) we arrive at Abrams Falls.

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Looking for a bit of shade, we find the perfect place for lunch.

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Playing with the shutter speed…..which do you like better?

The sun gets hotter as we trudge back to the car.  There’s few leaves to offer any shade.  We are counting the hills; one, two, and then, almost to the top of the third hill…. a blow out occurs!

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The sole of hubby’s hiking boot comes loose! 

There’s no duct tape but a plastic grocery sack helps.  I’m concerned that his gait will be altered, placing stress on the hip replacement so we slow way down….and due to the turtle-like pace, we see a black racer heading through the brush.

Two tired hikers are happy to see the parking lot!

Coming attractions……more on the Eggscursion….and pictures if it ever stops raining!

12 comments:

  1. GREAT photo's..personal preference on waterfall is the 1st photo....but your husbands shoe photo is the "Days Keeper"...you two have the right "site picture"....Have a great weekend...Horst

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    1. Thank you for your feedback....much appreciated. All in all a very good day.

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  2. Nice! Hope the weather improves for you. Duct Tape!! Never leave home or trailer without it:-)

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    1. The weather was only bad one day....then, like many others, we encountered very unseasonable cold with temps in the 30's for two nights.
      Duct tape...will be taking it hiking from now on!

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  3. Nice save on the boot! Sylvester sounds to be your best traveler...something about a black and white...perfect name! Wish I was looking for shade these days :O) Enjoy the rally!

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    1. Oh Carla, I saw the flooding on the news last night. Hope none of yours were severely affected.

      Poor Sylvester.....he has been called every name in the book. Hubby is still forgetting and calling him Sebastian.

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  4. GORGEOUS photos, Lynne!!!!

    And what a delightful name for the new kitty. And he's turning out to be a traveler! It doesn't get any better than that.

    I am so happy for all 3 of you. :)

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    1. I afraid that he got a little spoiled with all the attention over the weekend. He protested quite loudly most of the way home. But I was impressed about how much better he did than the older "girls."

      Hope you are settled in tonight in a great spot.

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  5. Great pictures! Looks like it was a wonderful day.

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    1. Thanks, John. We hike so little now....the spring weather, flowers and just getting out made it a very special day.

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  6. Thanks for sharing. Cades Cove is a special place. On my "go back" list. Great pictures.

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  7. Thanks, Rob. We count ourselves as fortunate to live close to the Smokey Mountains.

    Can't visit Cades Cove without remembering the struggles of the mountain pioneers. Appreciate your comment!

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