For the next couple weeks, I will be writing about the adventures that took place last month. A two week road trip exploring seven states, nine national parks, two state parks, a few major cities, and all of the experiences along the way. With an unexpected heart-warming response from feedback I have received on social media, I cannot wait to share this with all of you. Thank you for your support, and pushing me to do what I love to do.
-Demetrios
Clingmans Dome at the Great Smoky Mountains elev. 6,643 ft.
Every time I entered this park during my trip, I felt humbled and very spiritual. A place where the Indian Americans of the Cherokee tribe called this place Little Blue Smoke. @greatsmokynps The experience of making the drive all the way to the top was unforgettable. Air thinning, Helga (the rental car) was chugging, but without a doubt, made it. Arriving to the top of the Blue Ridge @blueridgenps you could get a 360 degree view, the fog swooshed in, but I quickly grabbed my camera to take some shots. Before taking the short, but steep hike to the observation deck. Climbing to the top wasn't so hard, but as the elevation rosed, sipping air felt like I had to enjoy a thirty year old fine scotch with a cigar. Alas, it did make it a little harder to catch a breath. One leg in front of the other, the sound was dimmed by the second, as a sign that something was going to happen soon. After reaching the highest point in the smokies at 6,643 ft. (2.02km) and 2nd highest east of the Mississippi River, then was caught in a full fledged storm cloud, making the climb down wearing my trustee blue poncho to the visiter center I needed a deserved break before heading back to Helga.
If you plan on visiting the smokies, take the ride all the way up to experience the drive with an endless amounts of overlooks for photo ops, and moments to reflect and taking it all in so you'll never forget that this land is sacred.
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Description: This is a combination of two images put together inside @photoshop where it automatically merges them together. I wanted y'all to know how huge The Great Smoky Mountains is, because one photo cannot justify this beautiful place, and I'm so dying to go back. ☺️❤️🏔⛺️🌄
After leaving Oconaluftee, (an Indian Village in Cherokee, North Carolina) I felt really humble to see in person what it was like to experience how 18th century Indians lived and learn more history of our land. Unfortunately, the white settlers brought some unfortunate events, but luckily the language, and people survived. It's important for all Americans to know our history of good and bad for it must be taught.
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This shot was taken from the Bunches Bald Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway