Hiking at Mt. Mitchell was very fun. We drove into the mountains with the dogs and got all of our stuff around. When we started out, we walked on a simple gravel path for a bit, and Mom and I were debating about the sound we heard in the distance. We knew it was either the trees blowing with the wind, or some distant water. At the end of the gravel path there was a stream running down the mountain, and next to that there was another path that was much steeper and rockier than most of the trails we had been on before. It turns out this was a harder path straight to the summit. Dad and Vivi walked up front with Bandit and Trixie, and Mom and I walked behind them.
About an hour into the hike Bandit was getting noticeably tired. He had been hopping around big rocks for an hour and was wearing down. We had three bags with us that day: Mom had a small bag she was using to carry small things, Dad had his hiking backpack with all of his stuff in it, and I had a backpack with all of our jackets inside. We stopped and decided the best way to keep Bandit at our pace and to let him rest was to put him inside my backpack. I carried him for maybe 20 minutes before he started to wiggle loose from the zippers that were holding him. After that situation, we flipped the backpack around to the front side of my body so that Bandit’s head would be level with my chin. I ended up hiking him up to the summit that way.
When we got up to the summit there was a big ramp leading up to a platform where lots of people were standing. The view was awesome. You could look in any direction and see endless hills and trees. On the platform there were signs labeled with every noticeable peak or hill. You could see Grandfather Mountain, a couple of lakes and even a small bit of Asheville in the distance!
Overall, this was one of my favorite hikes we have ever done and probably ever will do. It was super cool to spend Mother’s Day with my family and get to see one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast. Nathan
The Sutherlands 
Reading your story makes me want to hike on Mt. Mitchell. You’re a good story teller….hmmm two parents who are writers… I see where you get that skill 🙂 Thanks for sharing Nathan. We Look forward to your next adventure.
Nathan!
Love your impressive writing style too. Some of your descriptions made me feel like I was with you guys on the hike! LOVE how u were so accommodating to Bandit too! The picture of him in front of u was priceless! 💙
Why have we never hiked w you? Probably ’cause it is usually too darn hot when we r there! We will have to try sometime!
Love u and look forward to seeing you this summer! 😎
Great story! From the looks the dogs I’ll bet you’re glad it’s Bandit who gets tired and not Trixie.