Events
A unique collaboration between the Writing Studio and the Outdoor Recreation Center, this trip was designed for backpacking enthusiasts interested in enriching their experience of the outdoors through writing and photography. While hiking and camping in the heart of the Appalachian wilderness, we took time to explore the Smokies in greater depth with cameras and journals. All participants received a copy of Edward Abbey’s and Eliot Porter’s 1973 collaboration Appalachian Wilderness: The Great Smoky Mountains as a memento of the trip.
Anna Maria Plonka
The mystery of old wood: rocks and felt down trees wearing the mossy clothes. This time will make unforgotten pats in my mind.
The moon is not so clearly seen among city lamps, covered by our rush and appointments.
Sunshine playing along the stream: lines of light on a big, covered by clean water stone.
The plant with beautiful white flowers is silently watching how passing water hugs mossy stones with her wet arms.
Smoky Mountains in Five Senses
by Ewa Anna Kowal
Sight:
A lot of colors: green and yellow, somewhere deep dark green. The forest is around me; the creek is very close. It is always a pretty and relaxing view.
During the trip – I saw tired and, at the same time, happy faces – finally we are close to nature. Ability to see the stars at night, pretty butterflies during the day and seeing a bear were the pay-off for the hard trail.
Hearing:
When we started hiking – we could hear our breath. From time to time we could hear birds and squirrels jumping from one tree to another around us.
Complete silence during night was incomparable with the bedlam in big city. We could hear only the creek – water flowing between stones. Only me and the Smokies and maybe bears around.
Smell:
I like most in the mountains the smell of the fresh air, trees, plants. The air is so fresh, that you feel healthier and better.
Touch:
I always feel that my skin is smoother in the mountains. Fresh air makes it new. The touch of the slippery stones in the creek while you walk in the cold water is like nothing you can feel at home.
Taste:
Everything in the mountains tastes better! The best thing to do is sit all together and cook and eat. We have time to eat with friends; we don’t have to hurry (maybe a little bit; otherwise bears will come).
Michal Kowol
The Great Smoky Mountains remind me of the Polish mountains called “Bieszczady.” I used to hike there with my parents and friends when I was in Poland. The trees are so old and beautiful. The water in the mountain creek is so clear. In the creek you can see many fish and crabfish. Here nature seems to stop in time. Here you can forget about all your problems, big city life and find a quiet and peaceful place. You can breathe fresh air, see different animals, and feel the adventure. Big stones lying in the creek seem to have thousands of years – they are huge and green from the grass. The water cools them from the sun. People live in peace with nature.