vacation
Hey y'all!!!
Just got back from Ten. What a trip!! I went with my parents and my friend Summer.
Left on Friday and went straight to our mountain cabin in Erwin. The weather was a bit stormy at first, but by the second day, it was perfect!!! Chilly at night, say around 60 degrees, but during the day we could wear t-shirts.
On our first day, Summer and I went hiking all over the mountain trails. We saw all kinds of cool things- like a turtle, centipede, shotgun shells, a hunter's nest, an old barn, and tons and tons of butterflies.
Then we went horseback riding on a trail through the mountains. My horse was a dull black gelding named Duke. He was a bit ornery, but I kept him in check pretty well (until the end of the trail, that is).
The next day we went to Dollywood (our family makes an annual pilgrimage there). I had a great time riding roller coasters.
On the third day there, mom, Summer, and I went whitewater rafting!!! The rapids were really rough in some parts (Class III and IV). During one of the rapid runs, I noticed a water snake curled up around my feet. I yelled "Snake!!!!" and my mom tried to dodge it and fell backwards in the raft. She kinda got stuck with her feet straight up in the air. I kept yelling "The snake's right there, Mom!!" just to see her panic. I'm so mean, I know... The guide reached down and picked up the snake and hurled it into the air. It landed in the second raft. Fun times. I was laughing sooooo hard.
Then we hit a very rough spot where the guide said he usually portages around it, but this time we went through it. Reached a very large rock, the raft spun around, and I was thrown out into the rapids. That water was COLD!!! And forget about swimming- it's impossible to swim in rapids. I got smacked against one of the big rocks and my side is now nicely bruised black and blue. ouch!
Luckily, the rapid was circular and pulled me back within reach of my guide's paddle he held out. My side was really aching but I couldn't help but smile- it was SO FUN!!!! I went back to my position at the front of the raft and think I did rather well through the rest of the rapids.
Stopped at the Blue Willow restaurant on the way home. Delicious fried chicken and banana pudding.
Anyways...that was that. I can't wait to go again- I suggested hang gliding to my mom.
In other news, summer term starts next week. I only have one class this summer- Gustave Flaubert literature. Better break out "Madame Bovary".
I'm getting a NEW job in the fall at a used bookstore (I can't wait!!!), but I think I need a job until then. Friday I'm applying back at the Holy Land for an opening in Guest Services. Also, I'm playing the piano on the side for weddings, parties, etc.
Just got back from Ten. What a trip!! I went with my parents and my friend Summer.
Left on Friday and went straight to our mountain cabin in Erwin. The weather was a bit stormy at first, but by the second day, it was perfect!!! Chilly at night, say around 60 degrees, but during the day we could wear t-shirts.
On our first day, Summer and I went hiking all over the mountain trails. We saw all kinds of cool things- like a turtle, centipede, shotgun shells, a hunter's nest, an old barn, and tons and tons of butterflies.
Then we went horseback riding on a trail through the mountains. My horse was a dull black gelding named Duke. He was a bit ornery, but I kept him in check pretty well (until the end of the trail, that is).
The next day we went to Dollywood (our family makes an annual pilgrimage there). I had a great time riding roller coasters.
On the third day there, mom, Summer, and I went whitewater rafting!!! The rapids were really rough in some parts (Class III and IV). During one of the rapid runs, I noticed a water snake curled up around my feet. I yelled "Snake!!!!" and my mom tried to dodge it and fell backwards in the raft. She kinda got stuck with her feet straight up in the air. I kept yelling "The snake's right there, Mom!!" just to see her panic. I'm so mean, I know... The guide reached down and picked up the snake and hurled it into the air. It landed in the second raft. Fun times. I was laughing sooooo hard.
Then we hit a very rough spot where the guide said he usually portages around it, but this time we went through it. Reached a very large rock, the raft spun around, and I was thrown out into the rapids. That water was COLD!!! And forget about swimming- it's impossible to swim in rapids. I got smacked against one of the big rocks and my side is now nicely bruised black and blue. ouch!
Luckily, the rapid was circular and pulled me back within reach of my guide's paddle he held out. My side was really aching but I couldn't help but smile- it was SO FUN!!!! I went back to my position at the front of the raft and think I did rather well through the rest of the rapids.
Stopped at the Blue Willow restaurant on the way home. Delicious fried chicken and banana pudding.
Anyways...that was that. I can't wait to go again- I suggested hang gliding to my mom.
In other news, summer term starts next week. I only have one class this summer- Gustave Flaubert literature. Better break out "Madame Bovary".
I'm getting a NEW job in the fall at a used bookstore (I can't wait!!!), but I think I need a job until then. Friday I'm applying back at the Holy Land for an opening in Guest Services. Also, I'm playing the piano on the side for weddings, parties, etc.