Julie's National Parks

Great Smoky Mountains National Park ~ Clingmans Dome (10/2011)

The trek up to Clingmans Dome is brutal; it's only about a mile, but it is a big incline. But, the view from the top is well worth it (and it's pretty easy coming back down). I was not the only one huffing and puffing; seems, there are a lot of out of shape folks! It was too perfect of a day NOT to climb up to the top. Spectacular!

I love to see dogs in National Parks!

Amazing views such as this along the walkway!

Yaaaah! The dome is within my reach!

Some snow on the ground, even tho it seem liked a warm day!

Finally, I reached the top!

EASTERN VIEW

NORTHERN VIEW

SOUTHERN VIEW

WESTERN VIEW

There's an easy portion of the Appalachian Trail here

The AT crosses in several areas of this park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park ~ Laurel Falls (10/2011)

Laurel Falls

The fall colors were fading fast, but still beautiful in some places.

Too bad you actually have to tell people to watch their kids!

This was a perfect hike - a little uphill and a nice paved pathway!

I was afraid that THIS trickle was the waterfall!

Beautiful trees all along the shady pathway

Finally, I reached the Falls!

Me enjoying this pretty day in a national park!

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (08/2011)

The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge stretches across 20.5 miles between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach along Florida's east coast. The refuge was established in 1991 and was named after the late Dr. Archie Carr, Jr., in honor of his extraordinary contribution to sea turtle conservation. The Refuge is a direct result of Dr. Carr bringing attention to the world's declining turtle populations due to over-exploitation and loss of safe habitat.

(Click on photos to enlarge.)