Last weekend we took some time to head to East Tennessee to really take in and enjoy fall. We busted out the new tent and spent a few days camping with friends. While we were there we wanted to take the kids on a hike, but our favorite hike in Cades Coves is 5 miles roundtrip…and we had 10 kids with us.
I knew going into it the hike would include a lot of this…
And even quite a bit of this…
But, Brewer’s 3… so it was to be expected. In fact he smiled the whole trip and even napped on my back for a few minutes. Yes, a nap. I felt a little like a momma monkey.
What surprise me the most was the 5 year-old who walked ever single step of the 5 miles. Every single step… he never asked to be carried. In fact Pete offered to carry him once and Gage refused the help. He was determined to finish on his own.
Gage was a trooper… At one point he walked to the front of the pack and was overheard telling someone that his mom and dad said “He was one of the best hikers they knew.” I decided quickly after that this photo of him at the trail head will hang in his room as a reminder of his accomplishment. Pete and I were both so proud of him.
Here’s one of the best trip photos. It’s all 10 of the kids right after the hike… and they’re still smiling!!
I have no doubt it will be a day they all remember… and remember with fondness. But heck, who knows, they could all refuse to ever hike again!
I bet they all slept well that night.
By: artbythepaintedbrush on October 27, 2009
at 7:26 am
I can’t even hike 5 miles. Way to go Gage!
By: Sarah on October 27, 2009
at 8:14 am
That’s awesome. We honeymooned in the Smokies and took the girls in 2006. I’d love to go back now that they’re older.
I remember Abrams Falls. Did you happen to see Gabe’s Mountain Trail?
By: Marla Taviano on October 27, 2009
at 8:16 am
i would’ve wanted to be carried — or to quit! you wilsons grow ‘em strong!
By: alece on October 27, 2009
at 10:36 am
great picture! Between the Wilson boys and the Bergstrom girls – what CUTE kids
They moved me from Brewer’s class to Mercy’s class – so I am becoming well rounded on the pastor kids
very proud of Gage – what a great job!
By: Brittany on October 27, 2009
at 11:25 am
Your stories like these about make my heart burst. You just have the sweetest family… whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. You’re raising such good hearted kids.
By: gitz on October 27, 2009
at 12:44 pm
Cades Cove and Abrams Falls are some of my favorite places on earth. My husbands brother and sister in law have a vacation home near there so we’ve had some wonderful times there too.
That picture in front of the sign is just priceless…what a face!
By: joyce on October 27, 2009
at 2:11 pm
What a great memory they will have! Your boys are precious.
By: pendy on October 27, 2009
at 3:31 pm
Great job Gage!!!!! Looks like you all had a wonderful time.
By: Mamaw on October 27, 2009
at 4:48 pm
I have great memories of hiking Abram’s falls as a child with my family!! My little brother is named Abe, so we always made a point of picking that hike!!
Thanks for sharing, your family is so inspiring to me!! BTW, your chicken pot pie recipe from awhile back is now one of our fam favs!!!
Love in Christ,
Abi Byrd
By: Abi Byrd on October 27, 2009
at 4:52 pm
I remember doing 10 mile walk-a-thons when I was in Jr high and it never being a big deal. Now… I want to die after I walk / run 3 ???? maybe if I could get someone to pledge me 10 cents a mile again I would be all about it
By: Jessica on October 27, 2009
at 7:59 pm
Oh that accomplishment for all your boys makes me so very happy!!! Its pretty cool to see them take those big kid steps.
Awesome pix!
By: Fran on October 27, 2009
at 8:50 pm
What a trooper! I love to see determination in kids.
Looks like a really fun trip…
By: The Secret Life of Kat on October 27, 2009
at 10:45 pm
What a great outing and great pix too! Thanks for sharing and you get the “every mom” award for hiking with a kid on your back!
~Kate
By: Katy on October 27, 2009
at 11:36 pm
Could you live anywhere more beautiful? Dang!
By: kristiapplesauce on October 28, 2009
at 11:18 am
Sooooo fun and beautiful!!!!!!
By: Lauren Kelly on October 29, 2009
at 8:48 am
How awesome is that?! And look at all those great smiles. It’s almost as if they could have gone for another round.
I have a 19 month old, and we took him for a 3 mile hike…. Honestly, he walked so much more than I would have every expected!
By: Sharon on October 29, 2009
at 11:40 am
I love Cades Cove! Beautiful!!!! AND I only live an hour and a half from there — ya’ll should’ve come on over through the park into NC — you’d have eventually landing in my little town =)
looks like a wonderful vaca!
By: mindymc5@gmail.com on October 31, 2009
at 10:22 am
I love Abrams Falls! I think we hiked there a week or two before you all. Our girls loved it b/c it rained most of the way back to the trail head.
Gotta love the GSMNP!
By: Abby on November 6, 2009
at 9:26 am