November 7, Sutton Ridge Overlook
Since I have become a healthier, lighter version of me, when it comes to hiking, I no longer have to ask "how steep and how far?" I can now climb things that contain the words "ridge" and "overlook"!
Low Gap Trail, where you will find Sutton Ridge, was a beautiful trail covered with leaves. Sometimes we couldn't see our feet!
It was a pleasant, (short sleeves) sunny day, perfect hiking weather. We enjoyed the streams and what little color was still on the trees.
We climbed and finally reached the top and took a rest and snack break at Sutton Ridge Overlook.
Now one thing you should know about the Smoky Mountains - the weather can change in an instant. Without warning the scene can go from this.....
... to this!
We were sitting there enjoying the view and the next thing you know we were in the middle of a rain/wind/leaf storm! Fortunately, it blew through quickly and we didn't get too wet or chilled.
(Note: If things had gotten really bad, we had ponchos in the backpack. Always be prepared for anything!)
We finished our snacks and headed for the car.
November 8, Old Settler's Trail
The weather turned much cooler overnight. Today would be a long sleeve hiking day. We traveled to the Greenbrier section of the park (near Porter's Creek Trail). We went in search of old homesteads, but all we found were rock walls. Perhaps the leaves had covered up other signs of settlements. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful walk on a crisp day.
November 13, Light The Way 5K
The next weekend was a "Biggy"!
Last year, I read about a race that runs through The Christmas lights at Dollywood. I wanted to enter it, but knew that I was in no shape to walk, much less run, 3.1 miles! But this year I'm 40 pounds lighter and I'm a hiking machine! I had completed a "Couch to 5K" training program. I was ready! I convinced Keith and Jeff that this would be fun and signed us up. My sister, who also lost a lot of weight this year, decided to come run it with us. My niece heard about it and decided to run as well. It snowballed and the next thing I knew, half my family was coming to town! They stayed at the beautiful Dreammore Resort.
There were 19 of us altogether and we had a blast! I'm hoping this will become a new family tradition!
By the way, The lights at Dollywood were gorgeous!
November 15, Gatlinburg Trail
In case we didn't get enough exercise that weekend, we hiked our old 4.2 mile standby, the Gatlinburg Trail. No matter how many times we hike it, we always enjoy the scenery along the way. We've never seen any bears on this trail, but there are some other "animals" there.
The elephant ...
... the rhino
... and the reindeer!
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