When I saw Ed’s post about making his traditional Labor Day weekend hike, I was excited and determined to hike with him.  Part of my excitement was in the fact that I knew I’d be making this trip solo which meant an 11 to 12 hour drive from Florida all by myself.  It would be the first time I’ve ever driven that far alone or stayed by myself so far from home.

I have the pleasure of using a friend’s condo in Waynesville , NC and so at 5:30 AM on Sunday morning I headed over the mountains to meet Ed at the McDonald’s in Cherokee.  Grins………what an experience that was for me, who doesn’t see very well in the dark, driving on that mountain road!  I got to the McDonald’s parking lot just as Ed was coming out of the hotel.  His sons Bob and Bill and two grandsons, Charlie and Austin soon joined us and after ordering breakfast to go we headed over to the Alum Cave Bluff trailhead.  Bob was kind enough to invite me to leave my car there in the parking lot and ride along with them.  I enjoyed chatting and laughing with the boys and appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Bob and Bill.

At the trailhead there was quite the welcoming committee awaiting our arrival. Cindy, Gerry and Nora, Tillroe, Me, Ed, Bob, Austin, Charlie and Gerry headed out around 7:15 AM.  Bill was not hiking and was going to run errands before he returned to meet us back at the trailhead later in the day. It had rained in the park the day before and so the creek was running nicely and there was an early morning mist on the trail. This is always one of my favorite parts of the trail. The sound of the rushing creek sets the tone in my heart and soul of the beauty and wonder of what’s about to unfold. I can’t help but smile as I think of the day ahead of me spent with this very special group of people. It is such a beautiful experience for the boys to share this love of the mountain with their Granddaddy.

A little time into the hike, Glen caught up with us and we all were very pleased to have him join us. Austin and Charlie were very happy about the previous day’s rain because it afforded them lots of opportunities to find salamanders. By day’s end, I believe they had held 8 of the little critters. They named two of their favorites Hopper and Jumper. I enjoyed observing Bob interact with his sons and it is very evident that his loving guidance and patience is a tribute to his Dad, Ed. There were several spots where water was running across the trail and it made for some slippery adventures! Luckily there were no serious mishaps with falls or slips.

One of our favorite rest stops is Arch Rock. The creek was putting on quite a show for us. The overcast morning weather kept the temperature down and even though it was extremely humid it was fairly comfortable hiking.    By the time we reached Inspiration Point, however, the sun had come out and it was a beautiful day.

I can’t remember what it was that had Glen so fascinated……smile……but given the beauty of the surroundings, it all fascinates me each time I’m there………and always as if I’m seeing it all for the very first time. The bluff is always a good spot for photo ops.  I’m always happy to reach this point and for the opportunity to take a break here.

At Gracie’s Pulpit, we met “Stan the Running Man.” Stan “RUNS” up and down the mountain…… sometimes 2 or 3 times in ONE DAY!  The rest of us rest there and watch Stan run off for the second time that day. At the second set of stairs I start to get my second wind. At the Grassy Slide, Ed moved in for a close-up photo of a flower. This is another one of my favorite spots along the trail. Cindy gathered us all around and led us in prayer for better health and a speedy recovery for her brother-in-law and for Joann Smith, and also for the blessing of the friendship of our little group who all share the love of Mt. LeConte . As I gazed upon Little Duck Hawk Ridge, I counted all the blessings in my life and gave thanks for each and everyone of them.  I can’t help but feel close to Heaven when I’m on the mountain…………

For me, it is always such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when I get the first scent of the pine trees because I know I’ve reached my goal, Mt. LeConte Lodge. It was a comfortable 64 degrees, and we all reveled in the coolness as we rested and enjoyed each other’s company. I couldn’t ask for better hiking companions than the Wright men and Mr. Tillroe Smith…….they are legends of the mountain.

It was another happy and successful hike up and down Mt. LeConte with the Master of the Mountain himself, Mr. Ed Wright. I will be forever thankful for the wonderful blessing of being introduced to him and for every opportunity that the future presents for more hiking adventures with this remarkable man.  I was honored to have had the pleasure of celebrating his birthday with him on this Labor Day weekend hike! HAPPY 82nd BIRTHDAY, Ed!

PS:  I apologize for the unclarity of the photos, I am learning about my new camera and I didn’t realize I had the setting wrong.  No one is more disappointed than I am at the poor quality of the photos of this hike.  But I can assure you, it was a lesson well learned…………….