There is nothing more refreshing than being in the great outdoors. http://www.mtleconte.com/acblocations.html
The hiking trip to Mount Le Conte Mountain in the Great Smokey Mountains was perfect. Nine women of who I knew only two of, made the hike this last week end. All dressed for the hick, back pack with as little as possible in it for the one night stay in the rustic cabins at the top, off we went. Passing the rocky creeks that were once full of water now running on low but still a beautiful site. The lush greenery lining the trail was so fresh and the wild flowers were beautiful. As we made our way up we came to the log bridge that lead to the Arch and made out way through that. I was surprised at the number of people there, I said to one passer by-er, it seems like the mall at this spot. After that area it was just straight up until we came to the cave which was not really a cave but a huge rock cliff. There were many people there as well and we all enjoyed the beauty of the mountains. A short break and lunch was great, quads starting to feel the strain from the climb but it was a good pain. We started this hike at 11;30 am and at about 3:30 we arrived at the cabins. Much nicer than I thought. They were clean and the beds were pretty nice. There is working plumbing in the out house style bath rooms just down the rock path. At the main lodge were plenty of rocking chairs, books and magazines to read, cards and games to play if you wanted. The dining hall was set up with large tables and had a great view off the deck. Everyone there was so friendly.
The food was great, beef, mash potatoes, green beans, apples, corn bread and soup.
We then went to the lodge and heard the history of the area from Ranger Dan. Very interesting.
The next morning, I saw the sunrise from the cabin deck and it was gorgeous. Oh, no, now we have to leave. After a wonderful breakfast, off we went on another tail down the mountain. We decided to go the boulevard because it was less steep but it was much farther, 8.2 miles. The scenery was great. We left at 9:30 and ended up at the parking lot at 3:30. Oh I was tired then. It was great to get back home in the hot tub. Monday I could hardly walk from my calves being so sore. Of all things, my calves. I had trained all the other musels but not so good on those I found out.
If you going on a hike and you have not trained for the down hill part, take my experience and lesson learned and work those calves.
Connie Rice,
Simpsonville SC
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