Smoky Mountains

•5 days in the saddle

•100 miles

•In a shelter over night

•Beautiful scenery

And here we stand. Five old Hillbillies from West Virginia who hauled our horses for eight hours. We pause to absorb the sights. Big cities and bright lights do not impress us. This does. It is awesome to stand on the might mountain and literally see the haze that gave the Great Smoky Mountains it's name.

It is as though we have gone back in time and we can feel the spirits of travelers of old in the cool mountain air. A kinship is apparent with every rider or hiker we meet. We have all climbed the mountain. We are together. We are here alone.

But the trail was narrow and the rocks were loose and I was afraid to linger too long. Teege might resist standing still, and we join the ranks of 'they're still down there.' Besides, who knows how long it will be before Kenner joins us or if he will take a short cut and be waiting for us down the trail.

"Let's go," I said, "Kenner can take care of himself."

The adrenaline was pumping as we start back around the face of the rock cliff. We scooted under the fallen tree, over the bees, around the ledge and down the trail at a fast clip over the tree roots.

Old Joker got off balance on the slope in front of the shelter and Sam chose to abandon ship. With Joker stumbling around, it was funny to see Sam's awkward flying dismount as he hit the ground on his feet doing a Texas two step in a full run down the hill. We didn't know Sam could make the old cowboy boots scoot that fast. But we waited to be sure he was not crippled before we laughed.

But laugh we did, because it was absolutely hilarious to see Sam's elbows flopping and his face showing the full concentration he was giving to remaining in an upright position.

To order your copy of the 108 page book containing 24 black and white pictures, detailing the entire week of the exciting trip exploring the mountain trails of the spectacular Smoky Mountains.

Only $14.00 each plus one charge of $3.00 in continental USA for shipping and handling.

Send check or money order to

Zee Adkins

Route 2 Box 70

West Hamlin WV 25571

At one place on the Appalachian Trail we passed through a grove of small shrubs or bushes about the size of our local sumac trees. The leaves had all turned a strong red and fallen to the ground. The floor of the forest was carpeted in bright scarlet. The movement of the horses' hooves stirred the leaves into a spinning red swirl of color. The sight surprised and delighted me.

The men sat up late near the fire and again went over the events of the last two days. They recalled the details of the rides last year and the year before. They made plans for future years and future rides, both in the Smokies and other places.

The friends sat in peaceful satisfaction and did the review of great horses and great trails.

Tiny and I eased into sleep unbounded by the duties and responsibilities of civilization. We answered no phones, watched no television, typed no letters and cleaned no houses. For this week, we had no children or parents in our care.

We were free to sleep soundly.

To order your copy of the 108 page book containing 24 black and white pictures, detailing the entire week of the exciting trip exploring the mountain trails of the spectacular Smoky Mountains

Only $14.00 each plus one charge of $3.00 in continental USA for shipping and handling. Send check or money order to

Zee Adkins

Route 2 Box 70

West Hamlin WV 25571


				*wvhorse.com* *Smoky Mountains*



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