The Great Smokey Mountains

The photo above was taken at Clingman's Dome in 2016. They say "Clingmans Dome marks the highest point of the Appalachian Trail". I've chatted with a handful of back packers there and it's a great view, and a stop they all enjoy for a quick, little rest - I hope to one day hike the Appalachian Trail. The view at the top is a lot for the eye to take in at first, but on a clear day, you can see for miles. It's miles of mountains with clouds hugging the treetops of some by the looks of it in the distance. I would love to see it during a sunrise or sunset!! 

I would love to live in the state of Tennessee. :') 

The first time I went to Tennessee, I was introduced into such a beautiful state I didn't know I'd fall in love with at the time. The mountains almost spoke to me, and revived my lust for travel all over again. I've visited Tennessee two additional times since I first went in 2012, and each time I discovered new, memorable sightings. 

I have been to Jonesborough, Limestone, and Gatlinburg. The hikes up waterfalls that seemed so challenging for me (back then) compared to most Ohio hikes proved to be worth it, even when I had to take off my shoes to cross a river with short notice (now when I hike, I generally don't mind getting my feet wet and no one is surprised either). The trees and the wildlife on some of the trails is so surreal to me sometimes. Sometimes I'd think to myself "Am I day dreaming?".

The last time I visited Tennessee was the most memorable. After realizing I had the weekend off of work, I got home around midnight and asked my significant other if he was up for the drive. Thankfully he was. Despite pulling an all nighter with only one hour of sleep in a parking lot in the back seats of my Mazda hatchback, the drive was pretty smooth. I don't usually mind sleeping in my car, but there was a lack of anything other than what we threw into our bags last minute out of excitement.

 It was super fun to show my significant other - Austin - around and hike the national park trails. Clingman's Dome was a fun experience; we hiked a few hours on the trail called "From Mountains to Sea" if I'm recalling correctly.  The views were breathtaking and I couldn't have felt more at home. It was hard being Ohiobound at the end of that weekend.

If you're ever thinking of taking a trip to Tennessee, I highly recommend Clingman's Dome. Gatlinburg is fun, and I've met some very unique/cool individuals there, but I prefer hanging out the outskirts of the area. Jonesborough is a cute town, I recall doing some shopping at an "old school" candy shop and hearing about some local hauntings. Limestone is low key and to me, down right beautiful. The second time I visited, I stayed in Limestone for a week and watched the sun set behind the mountains every night!