For those who seek the thrill of adventure and the rush of adrenaline, the Smoky Mountains present a vast playground of untamed wilderness and exhilarating activities. This majestic region is not just for the serene soul seeking peace in nature but also for the adventure lovers who crave excitement and challenge. From the rugged trails to the rapid waters, the Smokies offer a diverse array of experiences that cater to every kind of thrill-seeker. Let’s delve into ten thrilling activities that promise to ignite your adventurous spirit in the heart of the Smokies. 1. Hiking to Alum Cave Bluffs The journey to Alum Cave Bluffs is one of the most rewarding adventures the Smokies have to offer. This 4.6-mile hike is not just a physical challenge; it’s a passage through the varying moods of the mountains. As you ascend through the dense forest, you’ll encounter unique geological features, like Arch Rock, and the sweeping views from Inspiration Point. The trail culminates at Alum Cave Bluff, offering spectacular vistas. It’s an immersive experience that combines physical exertion with the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings. 2. Jeep Ride Adventures For those who prefer their adventures on wheels, a Jeep ride through the Smoky Mountains provides an exhilarating way to explore the rugged landscapes. The winding mountain roads and off-road trails offer a thrilling ride with panoramic views that are simply unmatched. For Jeep owners, the experience can be further enhanced by customizing their vehicles with accessories from local outfitters like Smoky Mountain Off-Road Outfitters. Adding specialized Jeep badges not only personalizes your ride but also commemorates your adventure in the Smokies, making each journey as unique as the trails you choose to explore. 3. Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River Whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River is an adrenaline-packed activity that draws adventure-seekers from all over. The river features sections suitable for all levels, from the gentle flows ideal for beginners to the challenging Class III and IV rapids that test even the most experienced rafters. This exhilarating experience not only offers a thrilling ride through the rapids but also provides a unique perspective of the Smokies’ natural beauty, all from the heart of the river. 4. Ziplining Through the Canopy Ziplining offers a bird’s-eye view of the Smokies’ breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-try for anyone seeking adventure. Gliding through the canopy, adventurers can experience the forest in a way that’s impossible to do so from the ground. The sensation of flying above the trees, with the wind in your face and the valley below, is both exhilarating and serene. Zipline tours in the Smokies cater to a range of ages and thrill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the rush of soaring through the air. 5. Mountain Biking on the Trails Mountain biking in the Smokies offers an off-road adventure that combines physical challenge with the natural beauty of the mountains. The region boasts a variety of trails, from gentle forest paths to rugged mountain tracks that require skill and endurance. Biking through these landscapes offers a unique way to explore the wilderness, with the added thrill of navigating the terrain at speed. It’s an activity that appeals to both seasoned bikers and those looking to try something new and exciting. 6. Rock Climbing and Bouldering The rugged terrain of the Smoky Mountains offers prime spots for rock climbing and bouldering, providing both beginners and seasoned climbers with the perfect setting to test their skills. The region’s natural rock formations offer a variety of climbs, from short, challenging boulders to towering cliff faces that demand endurance and technique. Climbing in the Smokies is not just about getting an adrenaline rush; it’s an opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of the mountains, offering a sense of achievement and exhilaration that is unmatched. 7. Horseback Riding Through the Forest Horseback riding through the Smoky Mountains offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. It’s an opportunity to explore the dense forests and rolling hills at a leisurely pace, allowing for a deeper connection with the natural surroundings. Riding trails meander through the heart of the Smokies, offering riders stunning views and the chance to encounter wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you’re an experienced rider or trying it for the first time, horseback riding is a wonderful way to experience the Smokies’ serene beauty. 8. Fishing in Mountain Streams Fishing in the pristine mountain streams of the Smokies is an adventure that combines the thrill of the catch with the peace of being surrounded by nature. The clear, cool waters are home to a variety of fish, including trout, providing both challenge and reward for anglers. Fishing in the Smokies is not just about the sport; it’s an immersive experience that allows you to slow down and appreciate the subtle beauty of the mountain landscapes. Whether you’re fly fishing or using traditional methods, the streams of the Smokies offer a serene yet adventurous escape. 9. Exploring Caves and Caverns Delving into the caves and caverns of the Smoky Mountains is an adventure that takes you beneath the surface of the earth into a world of ancient rock formations, hidden chambers, and underground streams. Cave exploration in the Smokies allows adventurers to experience the thrill of discovery and the awe of natural wonders that have formed over millions of years. The cool, dark environments of these caves provide a stark contrast to the lush, vibrant landscapes above, offering a unique and thrilling exploration experience. 10. Camping Under the Stars Camping in the Smoky Mountains is the ultimate adventure for those who wish to immerse themselves fully in the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re setting up camp in a designated campground or venturing into the backcountry, camping allows you to connect with the wilderness in a profound way. Sleeping under the stars, waking up to the sounds of nature, and living off the land are experiences that not only challenge but also rejuvenate the spirit. Camping here offers a blend of adventure, tranquility, and a deep connection with the natural world. Conclusion: More Than A Rush! The Smoky Mountains are a treasure trove of adventures, offering a plethora of activities for those who seek the thrill of the outdoors. The best part is that these adventures not only provide an adrenaline rush but also allow you to connect with nature in an intimate and memorable way. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or looking to step out of your comfort zone, the Smokies invite you to explore, challenge yourself, and create unforgettable memories amidst their majestic landscapes.

The post An Adventure Lover’s Guide For a Trip to The Smokies appeared first on Geeky Traveller.

A selection of pictures on the theme of 'road trip'.

Dart Charge bailiffs have collected nearly £112m since 2019, it emerges.

The itinerary on my 13-day Norwegian cruise was too packed. Spending only two of the 13 days at sea left me exhausted, even as a seasoned cruiser.

Iif you're a new owner or just bought your first travel trailer, these are the must-have travel trailer accessories that may not have occurred to you.

The post Travel Trailer Accessories You Absolutely Need (Read This BEFORE Your First Trip) appeared first on Vagabondish.

Plan a trip to Rome, and you’ll wish you were there for weeks! From the Colosseum to the Vatican Museums, there’s a lot in the Eternal City to check off your bucket list.  But if you can tear yourself away from Rome’s top attractions, there are plenty of excellent day trips from Rome. Rome is […]

The post 18 Fun Day Trips from Rome appeared first on Adventurous Kate.

I’ve been to Las Vegas a handful of times for conferences and weekend trips. I don’t gamble, but I’d do some other Vegas-y things — graze the buffets, go to shows and nightclubs, and lounge around the pool. With the exception of the pools (I love the city’s extravagant pools), I was never a big fan of the […]

The article Getting Off the Las Vegas Strip originated at EverInTransit.com

15 July 2020

Around 3% of people are thought to hear voices when there is no one talking.

FAO and China have signed a two-year tripartite cooperation agreement worth about N$10.5 million (US$1.5 million) that will boost the efforts of local farmers in Namibia. The agreement, which is [...]

The food security situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Famine is imminent in the Northern Governorates and there is a risk of famine across the rest of the Gaza Strip, according [...]

Wildlife photographer Jason Leo Bantle recounts the moment he came across Banff’s most famous grizzly ‘The Boss,’ during the bear’s surprise visit to Canmore, Alta.

Chair Rick Petrella and trustees Dan Dignard, Bill Chopp and Mark Watson of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board were to Italy between July 8 and 15 to buy $100,000 in custom artwork for two new high schools. It's among trips by Ontario school boards that have come under scrutiny for the way public money is spent.

Ontario's Minister of Education has announced she will audit discretionary spending of all school boards in the province after reports of expensive trips by board officials in recent months.

Writer Nicole spent five days driving around Portugal this summer, hanging out with three Transform teams and listening to their stories.

Ministry opportunities in Hungary open up the mission experience for families with younger children.

Getting the whole family involved in a short term missions trip is an unforgettable experience!

Marcela (Argentina) experienced the power of God working through her while on a mission trip in Israel.

South Africa's unemployment rate fell by more than expected in the third quarter, declining by 1.4 percentage points to 32.1%.

Olger Morales shares his testimony of how he came to work in OM full-time after participating in numerous short-term outreaches.

A Chicago-based former Little League team has filed a lawsuit against Little League International over the organization's decision to strip the team's United States championship earlier this year.

Transform mission conference one year, outreach team in France the following year, the sisters from Mexico are eager to share the love of Christ, realising the audience was different from what they expected.

Education Week has teamed up with Roadtrip Nation to send a group of teachers across the country in a green RV. Here's what you need to know.

The first movie released in 2018 and featured Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter in the lead roles

Archana's son also joined her on the trip

Crispy veg strips are a versatile and delicious snack that can be enjoyed by everyonewhether youre craving something light or want to impress guests at your next party.

Pankaj Tripathi revealed a surprising ingredient that he adds to his tea to make it special.

DOVER, DE (Aug. 29, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Health Crisis Response (OHCR) is announcing it will begin including fentanyl test strips in Narcan kits it distributes to the public. The effort is part of a harm-reduction strategy aimed at preventing accidental overdoses due to fentanyl consumption.   Fentanyl is now the leading cause of […]

DOVER, Del. (May 19, 2022) — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is reminding drivers about the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt this spring, during the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement effort. Delaware is joining the national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the […]

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is reminding drivers why it’s important to buckle up during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national Click It or Ticket enforcement effort. OHS is partnering with local and state police to conduct high-visibility enforcement starting May 20, – June 9, to ensure drivers and passengers buckle up every trip, every time.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) ended this year’s Delaware Grown Week celebration by launching the “Delaware Grown Road Trip” to encourage residents and visitors to hop in their cars to experience Delaware’s rich and flavorful agricultural heritage, as they travel rural roads to explore Delaware’s many produce farms, farmers markets, and meet specialty crop farmers.

DNREC announced today that Delaware’s recreational striped bass summer slot size limit regulation has been revised and will be in effect for the July 1 start of the slot season. The revision changes the state's slot size limit from 20- to 25-inches to 20- to 24-inches.

EXPRESSWAYS in China will likely see a record traffic volume during the upcoming holiday due to travel demand, an official said yesterday. According to Wang Xiuchun, from the Ministry of Transport, the

GENEVA — The U.N. weather agency is predicting that the phenomenon known as La Nina is poised to last through the end of this year, a mysterious “triple dip” — the first this century — caused by three straight years of its effect on climate patterns like drought and flooding worldwide. The World Meteorological Organization on Wednesday said La Nina conditions, which involve a large-scale cooling of ocean surface temperatures, have strengthened in the eastern and central equatorial Pacific with an increase in trade winds in recent weeks. The agency’s top official was quick to caution that the “triple dip” doesn’t mean global warming is easing. “It is exceptional to have three consecutive years with a La Nina event. Its cooling influence is temporarily slowing the rise in global temperatures, but it will not halt or reverse the long-term warming trend,” WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said. La Nina is a natural and cyclical cooling of parts of the equatorial Pacific that changes weather patterns worldwide, as opposed to warming caused by the better-known El Nino — an opposite phenomenon. La Nina often leads to more Atlantic hurricanes, less rain and more wildfires in the western United States, and agricultural losses in the central U.S. Studies have shown La Nina is more expensive to the United States than the El Nino. Together El Nino, La Nina and the neutral condition are called ENSO, which stands for El Nino Southern Oscillation, and they have one of the largest natural effects on climate, at times augmenting and other times dampening the big effects of human-caused climate change from the burning of coal, oil and gas, scientists say.

Thai diplomats have been urged to take a proactive approach to attracting foreign investors following Donald Trump's US presidential election victory, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Tuesday.

Some of the creeping impacts of this triple crisis are possibly the most debilitating: Africa is the most severely impacted region by desertification and land degradation, with approximately 45% of its land area affected. In the Horn of Africa and the Sahel alone, it imposes food shortages on more than 23 million people. Just last […]

DNA analysis shows that people from Easter Island had contact with Indigenous Americans around the 1300s, and finds there was no population crash before the arrival of Europeans

Title: How to Use Ketone Strips to Measure Ketosis
Category: Health and Living
Created: 8/24/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/24/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Number of Young Non-Smokers Who Tried E-Cigs Tripled in 2 Years
Category: Health News
Created: 8/25/2014 2:36:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2014 12:00:00 AM

Title: Expert Advice for a Safe Trip Back to School
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2018 12:00:00 AM

Title: Coronavirus' Weird Trip Inside Cells Might Be Its Undoing, Scientists Say
Category: Health News
Created: 8/24/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/24/2020 12:00:00 AM

Intrapatient intermetastatic heterogeneity (IIH) has been demonstrated in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients and is of the utmost importance for radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) eligibility. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of IIH and RPT eligibility in mCRPC patients through a triple-tracer PET imaging strategy. Methods: This was a multisite prospective observational study in which mCRPC patients underwent both ¹⁸F-FDG and ⁶⁸Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–617 PET/CT scans. A third scan with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE, a potential biomarker of neuroendocrine differentiation, was performed if an ¹⁸F-FDG–positive/⁶⁸Ga-PSMA–negative lesion was found. Per-tracer lesion positivity was defined as having an uptake at least 50% above that of the liver. IIH prevalence was defined as the percentage of participants having at least 2 lesions with discordant features on multitracer PET. Results: IIH was observed in 81 patients (82.7%), and at least 1 ¹⁸F-FDG–positive/⁶⁸Ga-PSMA–negative lesion was found in 45 patients (45.9%). Of the 37 participants who also underwent ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, 6 (16.2%) had at least 1 ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE–positive lesion. In total, 12 different combinations of lesion imaging phenotypes were observed. On the basis of our prespecified criteria, 52 (53.1%) participants were determined to be eligible for PSMA RPT, but none for DOTATATE RPT. Patients with IIH had a significantly shorter median overall survival than patients without IIH (9.5 mo vs. not reached; log-rank P = 0.03; hazard ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1–6.8). Conclusion: Most mCRPC patients showed IIH, which was associated with shorter overall survival. On the basis of a triple-tracer PET approach, multiple phenotypic combinations were found. Correlation of these imaging phenotypes with genomics and treatment response will be relevant for precision medicine.

Health Secretary Neil Gray will address concerns around his use of a ministerial car to attend football games at Hampden.

Kelley's cat decided Christmas was over. Chris is scared to return to Vana'diel and hates Norrath, but is strangely interested in hanging out with river hobbits in Middle Earth. Meanwhile, Phil tries to recruit everyone into his multilevel Monster Hunter scheme.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 705: “Trip the Gold Digger” appeared first on RPGamer.

Movies can’t, by definition, be all things to all people, and yet Anora—winner of the Cannes Film Festival’s highest honor, the Palme d’Or—manages to vacillate between assorted registers with stunning, and ultimately affecting, aplomb.

Another of The Florida Project and Red Rocket writer/director Sean Baker’s tales of marginalized individuals struggling to survive and find themselves in an often-unforgiving world, the film is a character study, romance, crime saga, screwball comedy, and vérité drama all wrapped into one unique and dexterous package. More impressive than its nimbleness, however, is its poise and empathy, the latter of which is chiefly bestowed upon its protagonist, whose life is thrown for a rollercoaster-grade loop-di-loop thanks to a chance introduction.

Ani (Mikey Madison, in a star-making turn) is a Brighton Beach 23-year-old who lives with her sister and earns a living stripping at a local club. Anora, which hits theaters Oct. 18, introduces her at the end of a long pan along a bench where men are receiving lap dances from erotic professionals. Fixating on Ani’s face as she flashes the fake smile that her customers crave and her superiors demand, Baker’s camera creates immediate, intimate engagement with the young woman, and that continues as it presents snapshots of her daily (or, rather, nightly) routine at her place of employment.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 46 people in the Gaza Strip in the past day, medics said. In Lebanon, warplanes struck Beirut's southern suburbs and killed 33 people in the country on Tuesday.