Smokemont Loop

After getting breakfast all cleaned up and all our hiking gear together we were off to make the loop around Smokemont. The trailhead was at the other end of the park so we had a nice little walk through the campground. 

We were not sure at first how much of the loop we were going to do. There was a discussion about just doing a few miles and head back. But we were all feeling good and we didn't have much else planned for the day we decided to go ahead and do the whole loop. 

The loop itself from this starting point was six miles. Since last year the boys did a five miles we thought they could do the extra mile this year. Eric had read a little bit about this hike in our hiking guide so we had a little bit of an idea what it was going to be like but we didn't come to realize that the first three miles you are gradually climbing. 

The first part of the of the hike we were hiking by the river. Like last year because the boys had their own hydration packs they were well hydrated. Because of this there were a lot of pee breaks so Eric and I were happy when we got past the river. 

After we crossed the bridge we thought it was time to take a little bit of a break and enjoy the views around us. We were in no rush so we were able to take our time and get some energy in so continue climbing up the mountain. Livvy decided that it was nap time ;)

Eric and I took turns leading with either Sup or Thomas. It was nice to be able to spend some time with them and talking with them more on a one on one basis. Sup is much more the talker where Thomas was more content just to walk. The boys did much better this year and the only concern they had was if we were going to ever make it to the down point. 

Every time we hit a little down hill or a more level spot they thought we were finally going down and then we would continue back up. When we did hit that turning point we were all pretty sweaty and we were able to take a break and have a snack before we headed back down the trail. When we were about a 1/2 mile away from the finish Sup tripped and fell. Nothing major but enough were he wasn't trilled about getting his picture taken.