Attack at Andrew's Bald.

Today’s post is going to be about the hike we took to Andrew’s Bald last Summer.

It’s a short hike, but one of my favorites. The trail head can be found right off of the main path leading to Clingman’s Dome in the Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail features panoramic views and is only 3.5 miles round trip. The total elevation gain is only 899 ft (Easy). At the end of the trail, you will find a large grassy meadow overlooking some beautiful views of the Smokies, great spot for a nap or a picnic.

The day that we took this hike was a particularly warm and humid day. Lots of bug spray was worn on this hike. We saw lots of families on the trail and many small children. You also get to hike through a few small streams so if you are wearing sandals, it’s an open invitation to dip your tootsies in for a moment. You also encounter some pretty neat wooden planks to walk over. We pretended there was lava underneath. Haha.

When we finally reached the end of the trail, we stood in awe at the rolling mountains and beautiful open meadow. The meadow is called a bald because of the years and years of animals grazing in this open field and the weather wearing away at it.

We decided that we would set up the tripod for some photos.

Within minutes of reaching the bald, we started to hear buzzing. The further we got out onto the bald, the louder the buzzing got. We sat the timer on my camera and ran to get in front of the tripod with the glorious Smokies in the background. And then it happened.

Bugs, I’m not sure what kind, started zooming at our eyes and face. Darting at our heads and mouth. We were under attack. The next few moments were a blur.

The timer on my camera caught some pretty priceless photos of the attack. An attack timeline if you will. (see above)

I hope to hike Andrew’s Bald again this Summer with my family in tow. I hope you enjoyed today’s post.

Buzzing and bugs,

Spen’Sar

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