A warm December day and an eager bunch of young hikers created the perfect combination for a mountain experience in Big Greenbrier of the Smokies. Grand-Dad always picks the perfect destinations.
Today we plan to hike the Old Settlers Trail to an unmarked trail that will lead us to a path to the Parton cemetery.
Just a few yards into the hike, Emily pointed out a bear climbing up a very tall tree. We stood for quite a while watching to see how high the bear would go. I am always amazed that such a large ponderous animal can be so agile.
Cousins love being together especially on a pleasant hike.
Creek crossings can offer quite a challenge but even the youngest at 4 years old managed to get across without getting wet feet. I can't brag too soon because we have another wide crossing and then the return trip's 2 crossings.
Single file up the ridge.
Our bear scout was ever alert!
After hiking about a mile, we came to the marker indicating where the path led up to the Parton cemetery.
Grand-Dad explains that Dolly Parton's great-great grandparents are buried here.
Dolly's great-great grandfather Benjamin C. Parton served with the Union army as a private in the 9th Tennessee Cavalry during the Civil War.
And right beside Benjamin's grave lies his wife MARGET [Margaret] WIFE OF B.C. PARTON BORN 1835 DIED MARCH 13 1915. Enlarge the photo and you will notice a carved hand pointing to the right. I am always intrigued by the personalized style of grave markers and the unique designs often etched into them.
Grand-Dad also taught a family history lesson. His maternal great grandfather John M. Shelton also fought in the Civil War.
He further explained that many East Tennessee men fought for the Union.
Z noted that many of the grave markers did not have writing on them.
He pointed out how someone took a flat rock and hand carved the information on the stone. The carver did not take the typical shortcut in the dates but wrote out "bornd Feb the 13 1920 dide March the 31 in the year... [date omitted]"
The group had a decision to make: eat lunch at the cemetery or somewhere on the trail.
Z staked out his spot for lunch.
Nothing tastes better than lunch in the Smokies after hiking and exploring.
Griff showed off his Ninja skills.
I wonder what is under this small tuft of moss....
At first glance, Schaeff identified the hole as a buried PVC pipe and started to poke his finger in the hole, not a good idea in the wild!
The cap was perfectly round and exactly fit the opening. But look extra closely....
See the fuzzy legs and shiny eyes? That, my friend, is a trap-door spider hiding in its lair!
Our short hike of only 2.3 miles turned out to offer some exciting adventures and experiences.
Char asked Grand-Dad to identify the giant leaf. He "reckoned" it was an oak leaf.
On the only sizeable climb on the trail we caught a glimpse of distant mountain peaks.
Kids cannot resist exploring "caves."
What herculean effort is required to hold up a giant rock!
Nearing the parking area, we wondered if our bear was still in his tree.
Yep, way up in a perfect limb intersection!
Such a nice spot to brace for an afternoon nap and to watch the hikers pass by.
Returning home, I suggested we stop to snap a confusing picture. Are we going north or south? Both! And at the same time! Only in East Tennessee!
What a wonderful day spent with family in the Smokies!
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