Coach Kristi Ritter

Sunday - we decided to go for a hike to see Rainbow Falls. The sign said 2.7mi but it was more like 3.14. And that’s ONE WAY! There should have also been signs that say “Caution - steep terrain ahead”. It was elevation gain of 1,546!

At maybe the halfway point, I kept hearing “can we just go back” (Mainly from Cooper). And we said “let’s not quit, let’s persevere! We can do this! It don’t care how long it takes us”. Mason was our leader!

Well, we made it!! And we even hiked during a rain shower. The way back was better because it was a decline and we didn’t need many breaks. But it was slick and muddy in spots due to the rain. we saw a bear crossing our path on the way down. Cooper almost ran into it stopping him dead in his tracks and running back. He ended up at 15 yards away from us.

Started the journey at 1:24pm, got to the top at 3:40pm. Got back to parking at 5:30pm.

Mason was ready to be done on the way down since we didn’t really rest. We encouraged him through the last 15min. Our legs were dying after it!! They may never want to go on a hike again 😂

Day 1 evening.

After setting up the camper, we drove down to Gaitlinburg and had no idea what to except! It was great! We found Blake Shelton’s bar Ole Red! The wings were amazing and so was the atmosphere!!

Mason swam in an invitational tonight for 10 and unders. He had a great time drop in backstroke where he was a heat winner!! He also is improving in freestyle and getting closer to his end of season best!

Cooper was along since soccer was cancelled and he was helping out as junior coach!