The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and the Friends of the Smokies hosted a hike today at Cataloochee Ranch, a guest ranch located on Fie Top Mountain over 5500 ft elevation above Maggie Valley NC. There was a great group of 40 or so that braved the cold temperature (for our area) of around freezing to take a 4 mile walk in the woods on the Walhalla Trail, so named (I learned today) because from the summit of the first rise you can see into South Carolina, pointed toward the little burg of Walhalla (where btw we travel often for hunt tests). That is Sky in the blue coat in the middle of the people, my little social butterfly.
Our lead hiker was Judy Coker, daughter of the family that founded the ranch originally in Cataloochee Valley, which was taken over by the park service in the 30's; so the Alexander's moved to the top of Fie Top to continue providing a wonderland for guests to come and enjoy the cool temperatures and solitude of the mountains. Rich, from the conservancy, asked us to gather mid hike for a group picture, couldn't resist taking a picture of him taking our picture.
Leaving the ranch, had to catch a pic of Sky, she was tired and ready for a rest - the wind was blowing 20 mi an hour, she was so happy to get back into the car. Thank you Sky for posing for one last picture by the sign!
This pic and the following one are from the first hike we took at Cataloochee Ranch, Sky was 4 mos old and the weather was (obviously) damp and foggy, and very cool. She had a great time and it was then I realized what a wonderful, outgoing, and personable puppy I had the good fortune to bring into our home and hearts (not that I didn't fall in love with her from the get go lol!)
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