Category Archives: hiking

Mar 31 2024

So Much for Spring Break

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It is a good thing we took spring break last week, because we all got sick anyway. We drove to co-op on Monday feeling half back to normal, and we left earlier than usual. My son talked to his teachers and we just left. Gotta love spring allergies.

Gatlinburg sunset

The sunset at our house a few days ago

As we slowly recovered, we got a few more lessons done, but not much. This is one of the many examples where homeschooling has a clear advantage over institutionalized schooling. You do not need a permission slip to take a trip or a signature on a form which states you are ill and will take a few days off. Or whatever they do in school these days. I would not know.

Alum Cave Foggy Vista

Alum Cave Foggy Vista

Having said all that, I love that spring is finally here. We took a hike with our group the following week and things are looking up. All winter long, we did not get sick. I suppose we were due one illness for the season.

Mar 4 2024

Meigs Creek Hike

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Have you ever heard of The Sinks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? It is a splendid waterfall. Next to it, you can go on a spectacular hike called Meigs Creek.

The Sinks

The Sinks waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The kids and I joined our friends last week for a hike there. We crossed several creeks until we came to a wonderful lunch spot. After the picnic, we just hiked back to the parking lot. Continue reading »

Nov 17 2023

Week 14 – Done

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It is hard to believe, but this semester is coming to a close soon. Thanksgiving is this week. Last week, thinking about it, it felt like a big surprise. “Are you ready for Thanksgiving?” came the question from a friend at co-op. Absolutely not.

Mountain view

One of the vistas on the trail

The most excitement last week came to us on the hike. My son went back on the trail to help a friend connect with his mom, and the both of them took an extra hour on the trail. The group had finished the hike. We were all waiting at the trailhead next to the parking lot, not knowing what we should do. Continue reading »

Aug 28 2023

Second Week – Done

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If the first week flew by, the second one zoomed by at the speed of sound. We started attending co-op, so that took one of the days. Then, after book learning, we traveled to Knoxville for our violin and harp lessons – that took care of another day. Our hiking group met up on the usual day because the weather cooperated, so that was yet another day.

Big Creek trailhead

Getting ready to hike in the Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

On yet another day, our son decided he was ready to take the test for the learner’s permit. In Tennessee, one can do that online. I had to download an app to become his proctor and he took the test. He passed, so his dad took him to the DMV to get his actual permit.

 

Never a Dull Moment

Well, I was supposed to be there, apparently. As the proctor, I am the person who needs to sign all the paperwork and – get this – I am responsible for his driving until he turns 18. Nice job, mom! Continue reading »

Aug 28 2023

8th Grade Curriculum

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Our daughter has reached 8th grade (2023-2024 school year). She is “the baby” in the family, so this reality hits hard. How can this be? Anyway, here are her courses this year: English, Math, US History, Bible, ASL I, Performing Arts, Personal Finance, Sewing, PE.

Sewing lesson

Our daughter wanted to learn sewing so we found a friend who was willing to teach her.

For English, Bible, and US History she is taking Notgrass US History, a wonderful curriculum which offers enough content to grant three credits. That’s not just a good deal. We are very impressed with Notgrass in general and proud that they are from Tennessee. Continue reading »

May 8 2022

The Last Week of School

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It’s here, folks! The last week of school has finally arrived. As usual, I have mixed feelings. Homeschooling is my passion, so the end of the school year leaves me thinking, “What am I going to do with myself for the next three months?” On the other hand, I have been at this for nine years, so I know summer schedules can be even busier than the school year.

Mom and daughter holding hands

My daughter still wants to hold my hand while we hike. It’s sweet.

We have not finished all our textbooks, either. So this leaves us with a few things to wrap up here and there throughout the next 12 weeks. Actually, it is more like nine weeks, because three weeks will be spent in summer camps at different times. Continue reading »

Apr 10 2022

Baskins Creek Falls

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Last week we hiked to Baskins Creek Falls. In short, never again. The trail boasts all kinds of terrain. You go up, down, left, right, and you see views and, of course, the waterfall at the end. Tough, but worth it. Once.

The National Park has really neglected this trail. We had to jump over or go under many felled trees in the middle of the path.

Baskins Creek Falls

Baskins Creek Falls

Both ways it is about three miles, so not too bad as far as time, even if you go slowly. Off the path, one could also hike a bit to see an old cemetery. Continue reading »

Mar 6 2022

Courthouse Rock Hike

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Our first hike this year with the homeschooling group happened last week. The weather has been so uncooperative, that we barely had any hikes this year. And when there was a hike, we were either ill or doing Spelling Bee or some other activity that had already been planned.

Mom, daughter, son, waterfall

By the waterfall

This trail amazed us. Located only 25 minutes away from our house, in the National Park, it offers everything you might want in a trail. Some flat areas, some vertical terrain, views, boulders, creek, trees, wild flowers, everything. The weather felt like summer. I dressed in layers, which helped, but it shocked me how hot it got – 75F! Continue reading »

Oct 4 2021

Hiking Our Hearts Out

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Once a week, we go hiking with a group of local homeschoolers. It helps that we live five minutes from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, but we go other places, too. Last week, it was Panther Creek State Park. Next week, it will be Seven Islands Birding State Park.

Fern Branch Falls

Fern Branch Falls

The thing is, the National Park is so immense, some of the trails are still an hour from my house. So even if the destination is in the Smokies, we still have to drive for 30 minutes or longer. What can I say? America is big. That’s what this Israeli family told us last week, when we were at Grotto Falls and started chatting with them. “America is big.” They could not believe how long it would take them to get from point A to point B. Continue reading »

Jun 22 2020

Hiking in the Smokies

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We joined Wild + Free Great Smoky Mountains last August and it has been a great experience. These other homeschooling families may have different approaches and convictions, but we all respect each other and find common ground.

Mom and Daughter

Mom and Daughter at The Sinks

If nothing else, nature unites us. We can all find many things to discuss about the natural things we run into. Then, we talk about food. Some of them have older children, who have gone to college, so we talk about that. I always have lots of questions about scholarships, test prep, and the college atmosphere. Religion is another thing we can discuss, as long as we deal in generalities. We stay away from politics – it seems like this topic has gotten more volatile than ever in our country. Continue reading »