Gatlinburg Day 3

On Friday morning, we woke up and went to run at the Greenbriar entrance again.  This run was not quite as long as Thursday, and the weather was pleasant once again.

The freshmen men congratulated each other on a job well done...

As everyone stretched and relaxed on the rocks alongside the stream,

 became too much for several of the runners to resist...

But it was COLD, and the current was moving pretty quick!!!

We went back to the campsite, had breakfast, made picnic lunches, and rested up for the afternoon hike.  Last year we experienced the "strenuous" Ramsey Cascades hike, and decided that we needed to share that experience with the freshmen. 

Last year we learned (the hard way) that buses can not drive all the way to the trailhead... thus adding 8 miles onto an 8 mile hike.  This year, we came prepared... or so we thought.  We borrowed the campground owners' van to ferry us all to the trailhead. 

Not a good plan.  Coach's big idea to pile everyone in and save a trip resulted in a flat tire... and the realization that we would be walking an extra 4 miles down the mountain!!

The hike began along an old road, and steadily narrowed and became increasingly steep.  Near the end, we got to go through an old growth forest...

When we finally made it to the top, we were ready to relax for a while.  Kacie and Tuesdae had the right idea...

Here are the first seniors to run all four years for BMC! 

We had a little photo shoot in front of the waterfall, which was breathtaking!  (Literally... that water was COLD!)

 the way down, we stopped for one more group photo...

 When we got to the bottom of the trail, the senior guys repaired the flat and went to have the tire fixed in town.  For the rest of us, the walk to the bus seemed almost unbearable.  We started down the mountain, but managed to hitch a ride before walking the whole way.

Back at the campground, it was taco night!

 And an impromptu game of chubby bunny... Derek was the champion, but that picture was gross.  Here is Richard instead...

After tacos and chubby bunny, we went to participate in karaoke night at the campground!  Just about everyone participated in at least a song or two...

 The whole guys team got up and did Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.  Hunter convinced Richard to get up there, thinking they were going to dance and karaoke to "Bohemian Rap City..."  Boy, was he mistaken! 

 We shut the place down, and stayed around for a group picture and devotion.

 

 The next morning we went for a run, had breakfast, loaded the van... and said goodbye to Jellystone!  We finally arrived back on campus late Saturday afternoon.  What a great team bonding trip!