Frozen Rainbow

Rainbow Falls that is, or frozen they are. Today I walked w/ a friend visiting from Michigan, to the sinks where she got to experienced some of the magnificent small parts of Southern Appalachia. And since she's only visiting it will not be consistent traffic in this location.
The frequent hikes I've taken along this route over the last few months have brought beauty and wonder in how as I've noted before, the familiar becomes new. It was also fun to note the changing temperatures as the wind blew from different directions and as we began the descent into the sinks. We passed a couple of folks coming out of the sinks as we made our way along one of the ridges on the spur and they were the only people we saw in the sinks. We both noticed squirrels throughout the walk foraging for firewood or maybe food. Peace

The School Outside

Hello, This walk on Friday, the 19th, began from the gate at which I park when accessing these trails via Redbank and Tuckaleechee Cove. From here I walked the quarter mile or so up the gravel road, enjoying the views, to the park boundary and trailheads for Chestnut Top/School House Gap and Scott Mtn. trails.
I'd already outlined; and told a friend, my route which included a walk from Schoolhouse Gap, to White Oak Sinks, a visit the "bat cave" and return the way I came. Before "descending" onto the sinks trail; which has been modified to allow foot traffic ONLY! I reviewed my map and looked at my compass in order to get some semblance of "where and what". The only other time I'd gone down this trail very far, over a year ago, it was not very well traveled, and being that it's not on the park maps I wanted to have at least a vague idea of what I was walking into (if you do not know where this is keep walking you'll probably find it). The trail into the sinks is relatively moderate w/ a gradual decline and along some sinks as it drops towards the "bat cave". This spur through the sinks and to the cave is approx. 1 mile+-, along the sides and over some small ridges w/ some cool rock formations and open forest under the canopy. Also lots of what looked like various colored Asters, among other flora, blooming along the way.
Once I reached my original destination I noticed a trail that continued up between two ridges, knobs, or whatever, which I followed. This trail took me to another cool site and like the trail in from Schoolhouse, had been recently maintained, cut back, ensuring my confidence that I'd find my way out. (Unlike my previous visit last year) After visiting this other area of interest I was curious as to where this trail I was on would end up or come out. I recalled a fellow hiker telling me of a trail which comes out of the sinks and connects back up w/ either Scott Mtn., or Schoolhouse Gap and I wondered , "hmmmmm?", is this the one? I stopped, looked at my map and compass again and made some observations and guesses then continued on, just to see where it might drop me. Now I'm not one that makes a lot of noise as I walk alone but this route became so "tight" at times as I followed the trail up a creek and what looked like an old road, "I whistled a few times" in order to notify any large animals that I was walking here. My main concern, as I assessed my current status then, was not that I'd be lost but more that I might come out 4 miles "off course". Which shouldn't have been a concern because I had water and some other assorted items for "unplanned contingencies". So I walked on. Eventually I decide to give myself about 5 more minutes before turning around because it looked like I was nearing a ridgeline; as it had appeared for the last 10 or 15, and I did not want to quit before the top. I was reminded of times I've been walking and began to doubt my location or route only to find, usually, that I was right on. Soon after setting this 5 minute limit I realize that I am cresting a ridge and dude! I'm like coming out of the woods in a very familiar area about 1/4 ml. from where I started. Another great day to learn! Ye' of little faith. Peace.

Meigs Creek Trail

This walk begins at The Sinks parking area; along Little River road, which also provides access to the Meigs Creek Trail. The relatively moderate trail was really fun, once out of the cluster of people and cars which double park in the area provided. After I cleared the stone and root staircase just out of the parking lot and the first hill, I saw no one until I returned. Over this first rise, along the side of a ridge, and back down I crossed a small marsh via stepping stones, previously laid in the dark mud. This was the beginning of a bunch of wet spots, which involved numerous medium to small stream rock hops, and given a time of "average rainfall", or a few days of steady rain this would probably be best done w/ old sneakers, water shoes, etc... According to the "lil brown book" at 1.8 mls. I got to experience the cascades seen in the photo, though it sure didn't feel like a much more than a mile. "Musta been having a bunch of fun". (I hope the guy from Michigan; who looked like he was looking for something to film w/ his camera, didn't follow my suggestion that he might want to walk the "mile or so" to see it.) I followed this trail the 3+ miles to the intersection at Buckhorn Gap and the intersection of the Meigs Mountain and Lumber Ridge trails. This crossroads offers a wide choice of options. I was doing a RT so I sat down, had some gorp and crackers, picked up someones disposable mustard packet and enjoyed the moments. At one point on my walk back I came real close to damn near stepping on what turned out to be two snakes (apparently copperheads) doing their thing, I guess. This could be seen as porn by some and if it offends you turn the channel! The return was cool, in how along this trail there are no drastic elevation losses or gains and so any serious "cardio exertion" I felt was because I chose it by keeping a steady pace up an incline. And there are some extended inclines. I must note in the future that these descriptions of trail difficulty are skewed somewhat to the easy side and that a novice hiker may find the same trail more difficult. Enjoy your walks, Peace.