It's done

Well, I just dropped off the 15 passenger van to its home in Zeeland, MI. The trip was absolutely fantastic, but I am very done with driving that van!

Last day in the smokies (try again)

Today was a great last day. We woke up and headed over to Cade's Cove. The Cove was absolutely gorgeous. We started by driving the scenic loop where we saw a small bear about 100 yards away. Plenty of people were stopped and taking pictures, so we couldn't. We kept on trekking and headed to the parking lot of the hike we planned on doing. When we arrived at the Abram's Falls trailhead the sun was out and it was about 82 degrees. It was amazingly beautiful (I've heard rumors it is not as nice in Kalamazoo today...). The hike was a simple one today. It was only a 5 mile loop with a beautiful stop at Abram's Falls. Kate led the way and I stayed near the back with Daniel (he stubbed his toe in the mirror maze last night in Gatlinburg and is still in pain). We weren't too at behind as the trail today was considerably easier than the hike on Saturday. It was mostly flat with only a few spots of rough terrain. Once we arrived at the Falls we stopped and ate lunch together while being in the presence of nature - everyone should have the opportunity to eat lunch with the serene sounds of a waterfall in the background.

After our break we headed back and all did a wonderful job with the last 2.5 miles of hiking while in the Smokies. At the end of our last hike many of us stopped to wade in the creek. The water was refreshing and exactly what our feet needed!

As we exited and headed home via the scenic loop we happened upon three bears (at a safe distance - and we were in our van). We stopped for about 5-10 minutes and took pictures and just watched the Bears in their natural habitat. People all around us got out of their cars to get closer pictures; we did not make that silly choice! But we did get some pictures from inside the van.

We are now back at the cabin packing, relaxing and hanging out. Oh, and some people are getting their nails painted as well...

Last Day in the Smokies

Today was a great last day. We woke up and headed over to Cade's Cove. The Cove was absolutely gorgeous. We started by driving the scenic loop where we saw a small bear about 100 yards away. Plenty of people were stopped and taking pictures, so we couldn't. We kept on trekking and headed to the parking lot of the hike we planned on doing. When we arrived at the Abram's Falls trailhead the sun was out and it was about 82 degrees. It was amazingly beautiful (I've heard rumors it is not as nice in Kalamazoo today...). The hike was a simple one today. It was only a 5 mile loop with a beautiful stop at Abram's Falls. Kate led the way and I stayed near the back with Daniel (he stubbed his toe in the mirror maze last night in Gatlinburg and is still in pain). We weren't too at behind as the trail today was considerably easier than the hike on Saturday. It was mostly flat with only a few spots of rough terrain. Once we arrived at the Falls we stopped and ate lunch together while being in the presence of nature - everyone should have the opportunity to eat lunch with the serene sounds of a waterfall in the background.

Night out in Gatlinburg

Tonight we all took a much needed break from everything by hanging out in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is extremely touristy with little shops everywhere and fun, crazy museums (Mirror Maze, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Guinness World Records, etc.). We split up into two groups - one group with Kate and the other group with me. Everyone was looking for different souvenir items, but we all were looking for food! I'm certain your children will come home with a plethora of unnecessary items, but they were having fun shopping for friends and loved ones.

Now, they are hanging out in the hot tub, relaxing and preparing their minds and bodies for sleep. We have a big day of hiking tomorrow and we need to be ready!

Rafting

Today we went rafting on the pigeon river and it was amazing. Everyone had a blast and everyone stayed safe! While rafting our guide was full of stories and barely anything he said was full truth. It reminded me that every good story has to be exaggerated. And as I reread my "adventure cut" story I was reminded that I love to exaggerate a story! Luke and I were completely safe throughout our adventure. I am an avid hiker and camper and I love being in the outdoors. I would never dream of putting one of my students in danger. But I do dream of telling amazing stories! I hope you have enjoyed the blogging so far and taken most of it with a grain of salt - if not, oh well. Maybe you will from now on. Keep reading and enjoy and don't take me or yourself too seriously! Hugs and kisses to everyone back home in Kalamazoo. We are having a great time in Tennessee and loving very minute of it!!

Dollywood

It's sunny...it's raining...it's overcast...it's sunny...it's raining...

This basically describes our day at Dollywood. But everyone is having a wonderful time. Many rides have been ridden and a lot of food has been eaten. The sporadic rain isn't enough to stop us!!

Rain...

Well, it started raining at Dollywood today...

Jayell Ranch

Today was a relaxing day of zip lining and horseback riding. Normally, that might seem like an abundantly busy day, but after what we did on Saturday it was a breeze!

The zip lines were exhilarating and exciting. All of them had different elements to them were all challenging in various ways. It was wonderful watching the students motivate and help each other through the various zip lines. Everyone was smiling and having a great time!

Zip lining

Hick Finn's Catfish

Smoky Mountain Climbing

Well, today was definitely an exciting day. We slept in a bit late and got a late start - but it was definitely necessary.

All of the students made their own breakfast and packed sack lunches for themselves. They even cleaned up after themselves when they were through.

We arrived at the smoky mountain trailhead around 10:45 and started out trek up the mountain. Our goal was to make it to the summit - 6.6 miles!! Everyone was amazing throughout the hiking. We were all in high spirits and extreme amicable. There were so many amazing sights to see throughout the entire hike. Nature truly is magnificent and it was great to hike with a group of students who have such a wonderful appreciation for nature. We stopped a few times on the way up to take pictures and eat snacks. But our first real stop was at the Falls for lunch. It was a much needed break and a great place to stop, eat, and hang out. Free eating we all climbed up to the falls and many proceeded to climb even further up, exporting the nooks and crannies of falls. Once everyone was sufficiently worn out we grabbed our bags and headed to the summit (which was still 4 miles away...)

The majority of the group made it to summit and I'm sure it was wonderful. Luke and I headed back with about 1 mile remaining to the summit. This is where the group split up and I am certain there are differing narratives as to what happened next...

Luke and I headed down the mountain and we knew we had some time to kill, so we took our time and walked down at a relaxing pace. But at one point I had a brilliant idea to take a short cut. It seemed like fun and I only saw positives coming from this choice. Well...I was wrong. We walked down into the creek and hoped we could go right across to the trail side, but that was not in the cards for us. Luke and I decided we would proceed down the creek and wait for a suitable place to head back up out of the valley to the trail. The first place we saw to climb up looked extremely promising. I went first and began to climb. There were plenty of strong roots to grab onto and the climb up was going really well. Then I grabbed for a root and tugged at it. It seemed as if it would hold my weight so I started to climb. I was wrong and I tumbled backwards, down the cliff, about 10-15 feet. It was a fun fall and one I won't forget anytime soon. No major bruises (except for my ego). W wisely decided to continue downstream and look for a more suitable place to climb up. After about 30 minutes we found another suitable place to climb - and this time is was a success!! We made it up and quickly found the trail and headed down the mountain. I, of course, quickly dubbed our time as an adventure cut instead of a short cut. I don't think Luke was buying it.

Luke and I are currently sitting in the van, recuperating and waiting for the rest of the group to join us. I'm certain they will have stories to tell as well and I cannot wait to hear them!!

Rob

Our View This Morning

Yes, as a matter of fact - this is what we woke up to this morning!

We Are Here!!

We have made it safely to our cabin - Mountain Blessing. We also did all of our shopping and are currently settling into our sleeping arrangements for the night. Everyone is pretty wiped out - that's for certain.

We had a great time at Kroger's and all of the students helped out with the shopping. The place was crazy packed and poorly laid out, but we were troopers and trudged on through. We got all of our breakfast food and lunch food and dinner food. The goal is to not have to go back this week...

Well, it's time for bed as we are waking up early to go hiking in the Smoky Mountains!

Rob

Selfies from the Van

All present and accounted for! Just stopped for a water and bathroom break! Everyone is doing really well. The students had a good discussion and lesson on compromise in regard to where we should eat lunch. They came to a decision on their own and no tears or blood were shed. First victory of the trip!!

ON OUR WAY!!

Smoky Mountains here we come!!!

Mobile updates

And don't worry - I can't set up mobile updates as well!!!! Stay tuned to hear all about our trip.

8th Grade Trip - Smoky Mountains

Kazoo School 8th Grade Trip 

We are so excited for our trip to the Smoky Mountains tomorrow. The students and I had a great conversation today with questions and concerns and last minute items that popped up. I am certain people are still awake packing tonight (I have not packed yet...)

I picked up the van from Zeeland tonight and when I got home I took out the back seats so we can actually fit all of our luggage and food in the back. This will make our ride a bit tighter, but that is part of the fun!

My goal is to write on this blog consistently during the trip so you can see what we are doing and so you can be jealous of all of the fun we are having! I also plan on posting pictures so you can see our beautiful faces throughout the week - we know we will be missed.