Anniversary Weekend in Gatlinburg

To celebrate our anniversary, we decided to spend a few days relaxing at the cabin in Gatlinburg.  We arrived late Thursday night, unpacked the car and went to bed.  Mike had a few work meetings in east Tennessee Friday morning so I enjoyed a quiet morning reading on the deck, walking Ellie (on some pretty steep mountain roads), and making our traditional anniversary almond pound cake (my attempt at mimicking our amazing wedding cake).

morning view from the deck

reading on the deck

M made it home pretty early so we ate lunch on the deck and headed out on a hike in the Smokies.  We did the Alum Cave Trail to Arch Rock and the Cave Bluffs.

...next time I'll drag him up Mt. LeConte!

lots of log bridges

The trail was really pretty and followed a stream (river?) for the first mile and a half.  It was a little rainy but ended up being just enough to keep us cool.

The first big landmark is the Arch Rock.  It wasn't what either of us were expecting but it was still very cool.

the arch

climbing through the arch

After the arch, we began the ascent up the mountain.  This part of the trail had pretty views and lots of flowers starting to bloom.  It will probably be even more impressive in a few weeks.

Shortly after, we reached the "cave" which is actually not a cave.  It's more of a GIANT rock wall that leans over the ground. 

too big to get all in one pic (can you spot mike?)

awkward self portrait ;)

On the way back down, Mike somehow happened to spot the "pinhole rock" he read about online.  I seriously have no idea how he noticed it but it was pretty cool.

would you have noticed this?

a little closer

with the big zoom

We made it home and enjoyed a relaxing evening grilling burgers and veggies, playing games, and spending as little time inside as possible.

new brews (I loved the pale ale, M went for the somersault)

chair on picnic table = best views of the mountains

Saturday morning we had reservations for a horseback trail ride at Walden Creek Farms.  We kicked off the morning with our mandatory trip to Pancake Pantry.  It was the first time I switched it up and got french toast... I think I might be in love. 

not whipped cream... butter. yum!

M ordered my usual: pecan pancakes

Walden Creek Farms was a really pretty place.

We had a while to wait before our ride but were entertained by a visiting Golden.  Apparently she'd shown up at the farm yesterday and had no intentions of leaving.  They asked if we wanted to take her home.... hubs said no.

The trail ride consisted of us, one other couple, and our guide.  M and I both got really great horses that actually did what we told them (though Mike's ate every tree he passed).

The trail was pretty awesome- about two hours and we crossed quite a few streams and climbed a pretty wooded trail to the top of a mountain.  We both really loved the ride.

Mike with Larry

me with Domino

Saturday afternoon and evening were again spent grilling, playing Yahtzee and cards on the deck and relaxing as much as possible. 

ellie loves the deck as well

Sunday we went to our favorite local trail (the only one dogs are allowed on) for a run.  Every run here has me falling in love with running all over again.  It's so pretty and peaceful.

the running trail

the stream it follows

We hung out for a few more hours to cram in a little more mountain time before heading back to Nashville.

Both mornings on our way from the cabin we spotted bears crossing the road.  The first had an adorable cub with it but we were too excited to remember to take a pic.  This big guy was seen the next day.  They look so chubby and cuddly.  Too bad they would probably eat us if I tried to get a hug....

A few days in the mountains is really the perfect escape from normal life.  I loved every minute of our little vacation and want to get back as soon as possible!