Exploring The Smokies

Usually when out hiking, Kelly and I simply eat bars, gels, and sometimes fruit or trail mix.

However, in a change of routine, today I decided to pack a backcountry stove and #mountainhouse meal.  Not sure why, but for some reason I thought a hot lunch might be a welcome treat – which it was.

A few hours into the hike, we enjoyed a warm lunch and hot tea in the shadow of a backcountry church (denominationn unknown).

Here in western North Carolina fall colors are in full swing, daytime temperatures are lovely, and the hiking has been wonderful during our first visit to Smokey Mountain National Park.