Quite the Outing

As Fr. Christian mentioned, this hike was our first of many in our journey to complete all the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I wish I could say that the idea was mine, because it is so awesome, but he gets all the credit.

However, our first hike was picked by our honored guest, Ken Naumann. We hiked up Rainbow Falls and down Bull Head with a short trip on Old Sugarlands. The trails offered wonderful views of the park but were rather rocky. If you're tender footed or incredibly clumsy, like myself, I wouldn't start here. The jaunt to Rainbow Falls is slightly rocky, but the view is well worth it. Also, it would be a great spot to have lunch.

The wildlife consisted of the occasional bird, a lot of flies/flying insects, a beetle or two, a chipmunk, and this little guy!

FC's motto for the hike was "There's No Adequate Substitute for an Early Start." My motto unfortunately became "Mind Over Matter." At some point, I did something to my right leg, and after Rainbow Falls, it felt like someone was stabbing me every time I took a step. Although Rainbow Falls trail is not the steepest way to get to Mt. Leconte, the incline took a toll on my bum leg.

However, with my cheerleaders cheering me on, lots of water, a painkiller, and the always present and very annoying phrase "it's mind over matter", I was able to finish the hike. I'm glad that I did, because it would have been an epic fail to not finish the first hike!

You know, my favorite part of this entire hike was when we reached the sign and place where the Rainbow Falls and Bull Head trails meet. I remember sort of shouting with joy to take a picture. That sign was the most beautiful thing I had seen all day...because it meant everything after that would be downhill!

Downhill was easier to walk, but Grace is my middle name. If there is a rock or a tree root or a fallen branch, my feet will find them. And I will trip. It is inevitable. Unbeknownst to my companions, there were times when, because I tripped, I almost fell off the side of the mountain.

Cross your fingers that I will be less clumsy. Hopefully as time progresses and more hikes are completed, I will be in better shape. I didn't gain the "freshman 15" but I sure as heck didn't get in shape walking across campus the past year.

In the end, it's good to know that you're friends will be there cheering you along when you think you can't go any further. It is also nice to spend a great day outside away from civilization. We don't often get the chance to admire nature for the sake of admiring it, so if you ever get the chance, go hiking!