Page 4 - SMH 2017 2nd edition

On behalf of my family to yours, I am very pleased to bring you this fall edition

of Smoky Mountain Hiker. It has been an amazing season here in the Smokies

and I have met so many incredible people this year along the trails. Just listening

to your words have so inspired me. I am constantly in awe when I meet new

people and hear how the Smokies have either helped, healed, or transformed

their lives. It seems to be a common denominator with so many. I can testify to

this myself. In this edition, you will read these people’s incredible stories. I believe it’s something

about being in the Great Smoky Mountains fresh air, surrounded by its beautiful nature, forest and

the wildlife that inhabits this area that makes the Smokies so unique.

This 2nd edition is virtually filled with so many stunning pictures of the mountains as well as the

surrounding areas. The articles are very moving, and to me they really bring perspective on what

the Smokies mean to so many. I feel they will directly touch the hearts and very soul of all who

read them.

I would like to personally thank each and everyone one of you who contributed and assisted in the

creation of this magazine. It was such an honor to meet you and to hear your most heart-felt stories.

I am grateful to have you as a part of the Smoky Mountain Hiker family.

So I encourage you to explore the many glimpses of Great Smoky Mountains with us through the

next few pages of this publication and look forward to meeting you one day if I haven’t already

done so. Within these pages are some of the Smokies most hidden treasured gems!

I hope the articles and photographs touch you as much as they did me.

Many Blessings,

DF

4 Smoky Mountain Hiker