Funny how close friendships work. You can be away from each other for long periods of time then get together and feel like you just talked yesterday. Such was our Sunday afternoon with Sonya and Mac. We had not seen each other for almost a year, life had simply gotten in the way. Of all the things we could have done together, we chose to hike. Hiking is how I met Sonya and hiking has been the steady thread that has stitched together our 18 year friendship.
We hiked the Chestnut Trail in the Townsend side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is located on the outer edge of the park so it is easy to get to and parking is good, pluses during the busy summer months. We hiked 8.5-miles, 4.25 miles of mostly up, 4.25 miles mostly down.
Although the day was hot, steamy and sunny (typical June in these parts), we didn’t really notice. Our day was filled with stories of the past year, stories of adventures gone by and endless plans for adventures in the future. We laughed a lot, cried a little and talked non-stop. I would say the sound of our voices scared away nearby wildlife but we were lucky enough to catch glimpses of a raccoon and a family of turkeys.
Photos of the day didn’t seem important although I snapped this picture of a flame azalea…
And this one….
We ended the day with dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Townsend, followed by lots of hugs and plans to get together soon. Meantime, if life will just not get in our way….
Hope you are spending quality time with good friends this summer!
