Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains. Enchanting as the smoke rises with elevation. Majestic. Seemingly older than history. Overwhelming. I have never experienced more difficult but also more rewarding hikes. I say rewarding because the views and memories will never be erased from my mind. Granted I have never went on a multi-day hiking trip before this and the trails we went on were beginner level, but all three days of hiking were new challenges for me. The biggest thing that surprised me was the beauty and vastness of creation. These mountains have stood for centuries and hold more stories than I could ever imagine. During my hikes I would look over the horizon and put my location into perspective. I was hiking one mountain on one path for hours and thought I had seen so much.... yet, I was experiencing just one grain of sand on a beach. The mountains encompassed much more than just my one experience. I will probably never come close to hiking even all of just one mountain, let alone all of the Smoky Mountains. Heck, there's probably spots on the mountains that no hiker has EVER traveled. Is that good or bad? Is our human presence over crossing our boundaries? Regardless, I'm thankful I could take it all in. The crispness in the air, crackling water flows, sturdiness of aged boulders, and distinguishable colors of greenery. *Pictured Above* As I sat on a larger-than-life rock in the middle of a stream that flowed from a waterfall after a strenuous hike, I could not feel more in-tune with creation. I could feel its stories, voice, and peace. It seemed like 20 minutes that I spend pondering and reflecting on that rock. Reflecting in awe of my surroundings. Reflecting on how much I have to be grateful for. Wondering about the Creator of this creation. I was at peace.

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