Man, we're just getting settled back in from the weekend in Gatlinburg - and we surely didn't want to come back. Justin and I had an amazing little 3 day weekend in the mountains. We've been so busy with him in school, my running adventures, Meggan moving in and work that we have not had much time to ourselves - this weekend away was just want the doctor ordered!
We got to Elkmont Campground on Thursday evening around 11pm. I am sure all of the campers who were already snuggled in their tents enjoyed us hammering our steaks into the ground! Friday - we got up and had breakfast at the camp and just sat. It was so nice to just sit and enjoy the cool mountain morning air and relax without the stress of work and school looming over us. We went into Gatlinburg for a little tourist day. I ran the Gatlinburg Trail that morning - it was so great to be back for a jog after resting my foot for a week to nurse it back to health. We did a little shopping at Happy Hiker and went and visited the "Church Mouse Gallery" of Jim Gray - my favorite Smoky Mountain artist.
On Saturday, we embarked on our first 10 mile round trip journey to the top of Mt. LeConte. We got up at around 5:00am to hit the trail early and it was well worth it. We got to see an amazing sunrise on the trail and had the trail to ourselves for most of the way up. At 6,593' elevation, Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. LeConte Lodge is located near the summit at 6,360'. In other words, it's a steep and long hike. There are 5 different trails that lead up to the summit of Mt. LeConte - we took the Alum Cave Bluff trail that is said to be have the prettiest views. LeConte Lodge is a very primitive lodge that was established in the 1920's. One can stay there overnight and are provided dinner and breakfast and an amazing view - but, with no electricity. The lodge starts booking reservations a year in advance so we didn't get to stay. Nonetheless, they have their very on t-shirts that are only sold in the lodge for those who make it to the top - we made sure to get one!
Enjoy our photos! 
Snug as a bug in a rug!
My little camper :)
On the way up LeConte...
How can you not believe in God?
Justin in front of the dining hall at LeConte Lodge...
The cabins at the Lodge.
We made it to the top!!
Fall in the Smokies - ahhh!
Success!
No step for a stepper!
LeConte '08 - our first trip up!
Hanging out in the village - this leaf landed right on Justin's head!
Day 4 without a shower - Mmm coffee!
Apparently too much coffee... :)
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