Fall Getaway

The kids didn't have PDO last week for Fall Break, so James and I decided to go on a little mini-vaca, just the two of us! We headed to Waverly on Tuesday night to drop off the kiddos and then headed to the Smokey Mountains! We only travel at bedtime these days. It's just so peaceful and far less stressful than traveling in the daytime! 

We arrived in Cosby, TN at our wonderful bed and breakfast, Creek Walk Inn. We stayed here before, a couple of years ago. When I was pregnant with Emmy! We loved it then and it did not disappoint this time either!

Fuel for our 12 mile hike on Thursday!

James had planned a 12 mile hike to Mt. Cammerer for Thursday and the website had rated it as "strenuous." Great. I wasn't sure what to expect and it's been a long while since I went on a "strenuous" hike. And I must say that the first 3 miles were tough. Very steep and I had to take frequent breaks, but it got a bit easier after that but it was so worth it! The views at the top were amazing!!

We love going in the fall when the leaves are changing. It is just breathtaking!! And the chef at the Inn had packed us a lunch so we just hung out at the top for over an hour, chowing down, taking in the views and maybe even laying down to catch a few rays. The weather was absolutely perfect!!

Layered up and ready to go!

The old watchtower!

And as if the day hadn't been perfect enough already, we finally saw a bear on our hike back down! It was so close. About 20 yards away. It was not the least bit afraid of us. It was eating something on the trail and was in no hurry to move along so we just stood there and watched it for about 10 minutes. It. Was. Awesome. We have always wanted to see a bear on one of our hikes in the Smokey's and have been close a few times, but never had. We were thrilled!

Did I mention yet how delicious the food was? Oh man, it was so good! We certainly don't eat breakfast like this around our house! Back to Frosted Flakes and frozen waffles around here!

What a perfect little getaway. Great weather, beautiful scenery, challenging (but doable) hike, and great company!