Oh my goodness.. I’m absolutely convinced there is no more refreshing place to be than out of doors.. especially in the woods, away from the hussle and bussle. The smell of fresh air, the feeling of the warm sun.. it clears the mind of everything! My sweet hubby David and I absolutely adore the outdoors.. it’s the perfect get away. When we’ve been couped up in the house for more than 2 weeks we get the strong itch to get out and play. Things have been extra crazy busy these days.. so this weekend’s trip could NOT have come at a better time! It was perfect!! Every once in a while, while hiking, we would catch a glimpse of each other and just smile, huge, ear to ear.
The best part of this little adventure was we didn’t make it alone. My mom is NOT the outdoor loving type, like a her daughter. She would much prefer a day of shopping to a day of hiking. This is why I was so proud of her for pulling herself up by her boot straps and agreeing to David, Larry [my stepdad], and my pleading to make the journey! She loved every minute of it and as did I. We adored being able to share something so special to us.. with her. Oh, and an adventure it was!!
Leconte Lodge is amazing. Once you’ve hiked the 5 miles to the top of Mt. Leconte, you’ll find about 10 cabins nestled in the woods with the most amazing view of the valley. The Lodge itself is full of folks at around 6pm for one of the best dinners you’ve ever had. People from all over the place, chat, laugh and tell stories to totally strangers. It’s beautiful. One of the COOLEST things we witnessed was the full table beside us. I met the ladies of the table later and she explained to me that every year her family has a reunion at the top of the mountain. The group was about 15 people strong with grandparents down to the babies of the family. Yes, a couple hiked the treck with their little one and we can’t WAIT to do with same. We decided right then and there we were going to do the same thing. One day we will be the grandparents looking around the table at our kids and grandkids.. telling stories, laughing, loving. We can’t wait. I’m so grateful for that vision
I could literally write about this for days.. but my favorite moment, by far, I must share [and is included in the images below].. right before we start the trail, mom reaches into her pants pocket and about 30 seconds later pulls out a handful of cosmetics. 2 lipstick colors and 2 matching liplines. The woman won’t leave the house without it. I love it, respect it and adore it. What an awesome weekend with awesome memories and stories to tell. Can’t wait to go back!!
