Spring Break: Smoky Mountains

I try to have a post on Monday, and I didn't make it this week.  That's because I took a "spring break" trip with Mike, Samantha, and Alex.  We had an action-packed five days.   A picture recap below, and I will try to keep it short.

Day 1: Paddling on the Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park.  We also did some running, wood chopping, cooking, and horseback riding.

(Mike and I paddled right up under the ledge)

Day 2: Doing a crawling tour in Mammoth Cave, and driving to Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  Camp at the Cosby Campground if you are swinging through, it is beautiful!

 (The natural entrance of Mammoth Cave- I didn't get any crawling pictures)

Day 3: Touring the Biltmore Estate and Winery.  We also went on a whitewater rafting trip.

(Beautiful Biltmore)

Day 4: Hiking up Mt. LeConte via the Rainbow Falls Trail.  We stayed on top of the mountain at the LeConte Lodge.  Nothing fancy, but warm and dry.

(The view from the top of Mt. LeConte)

 (Mike's first mountain summit)

Day 5: Hiking down from Mt. LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail, and returning home

(Alum Cave Trail Bluff)

(Alex and Samantha)

 (Mike and I on the rainy hike down)