The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

As most of you know, Matthew and I spent last week vacationing with my parents at their cabin near the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (also known as BSF) in Tennessee. We had a great week hiking, horseback riding, and relaxing by the fire. My dad had to leave on a business trip for most of the week so Matthew ended up riding horses with my mom and I a lot more than he had originally planned! Here are a few photos of our travels.


One of the signs into the park

















Our first ride of the week, starting in front of the cabin. My dad was able to ride this day and one other day (which turned out rainy)















One of our hikes took us to an overlook above an old railroad bridge.














Matthew's Explorer Pose






















While my dad was out of town, I rode his horse, Bonner, and Matthew rode my horse, Rabi.














A nice overlook through the powerlines














Rabi is all geared up and ready to go. This year I used my equine heart rate monitor to check on Rabi's heart rate as we climbed up and down the mountains, he seems to be in pretty good shape!















Mom and I riding down the trails.
















Cooking s'mores over the fire, one of my favorite activities!
















Tribble, my parent's barn cat, enjoying a life of luxury in the cabin and a newly made cat toy.














Our next hike took us along the BSF river down to the railroad bridge we overlooked earlier in the week..

A cute falls along the way.














Matthew putting my walking stick to work.















Mom taking photographs of all the flora and fauna we found near the path.















Some type of centipede
















It had rained earlier in the morning and the red efts we all along the trail. Aren't they adorable?!














Our final destination, the old railroad bridge.






















The next hike we did took us along one of the rivers that later becomes the Big South Fork.














My parents in front of the river.














After many attempts, I finally captured one of the dozens of hummingbird moths visiting the azalea blooms.















On the way back from our hike, we saw a black bear crossing the road! This was my first wild bear and it was the first any of us had seen in the park.















For rainy days, Matthew and I brought the Wii. Here we are challenging my dad to an archery match!
















Here is another overlook we rode to on our last day at the park.