West Prong

Dudes and Dudettes! Another great day in the woods!
West Prong was one of my default day hikes when I first moved to Townsend, some 10+ years ago.   As it was close to my house, I saw bears frequently on this trail and it was less traveled by visitors as well.
The rain was sporadic and the temperature was in the 60's around 11:30 when I began my hike.
Today it was as enjoyable as I let be, with several groups of hikers passed along the way to campsite #18, and a large group of children being led from the Institute at Tremont who were gathered at the intersection with unmarked manway about 1/2 way up. They were heading back to Tremont.

I continued past and on to the campsite where I enjoyed the rushing water and the calming sounds made by it's flow. After resting for a bit, having a snack and water I began my return up the trail.
About a 1/4 mile up I spotted 2 furry and fluffy bears trotting up the side of one of the ridges. They had seen me first. 
They moved out of sight as it began to rain again so I continued on my way grateful for the opportunity to experience this.

Some Suggestions for being outside...

Click here for some of the  Basics for Staying Alive  in the outdoors.
If you'd like to see reasons why the Park Service encourages folks to seek information on trails from a qualified park employee; they can usually be found in the Backcountry office in most Parks, before they start, read this article.
More Americans Head Into The Wild Unprepared For ... The Wild
Thanks and enjoy your hikes Wisely and Safely!

Road Closed...for now.

Good Morning!
US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is temporarily closed due to snow/ice. That is as of 7:44 am Wednesday Jan. 4th, 2018. 
Be careful folks, driving, hiking, and camping.

The Forecast was for clear and cold!

This hike up the Lumber Ridge Trail was on Friday the 8th of this month and the forecast was calling for clear and cold conditions. Well as you have probably noticed from the photo's things changed! Though it was a surprise to some degree to notice snow flurries as the "Mysterious One" and I left the house and to arrive at the trailhead where the snow was falling steady, we just got more excited and appreciative for the unique nature of the Appalachian Mountains.
That "unique nature" being that you just really never know what could happen with the weather in these awesome mountains.

So we began up the trail with the understanding that we would just go as far as we could in our hiking shoes and turn around if needed.  Our original thoughts were to hike up to the junction with Meigs Creek Trail (4.1mls), and then down the manway to Spruce Flat Falls (approx. 3mls+), and back to trailhead.

We had not worn footwear for hiking in several inches of snow which is what we were encountering as we made our way past the first saddle and continued towards the intersection with Meigs Creek Trail.
After hiking in about 3 miles we decided it would probably be smart to turn around because the snow was still falling and I was beginning to notice the weather in my feet. Also the light gloves we had on were intended for protection from wind and mild exposure, not the snowy damp conditions we were involved with.

So rather than put ourselves at some potential risk of frostbite etc...we turned around. 
We thoroughly enjoyed the hike and wished, as usual, that we had more time in the woods!

Some roads Closed in the GSMNP begining Monday November 7th

Our friends at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced temporary, single-lane closures along the southbound lanes of the Spur (US 441), the Gatlinburg Bypass, and Cherokee Orchard Road beginning Monday, November 6 through Friday, November 17.
This closure is being done during the removal of trees along the roadways.
In addition, roadside brushing work will take place during the same time period along the Foothills Parkway East between Cosby, TN and Interstate 40.

The roadways will remain open, but motorists should expect single-lane closures during daylight hours from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No work will be allowed on weekends from 6:00 p.m. on Friday through Sunday evening. 

For more information about temporary road closures, please visit the park website at site at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm or follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.

Rich Mountain continues to give!

This is a regular hike of mine for several reasons.  The physical challenge if you keep up a steady pace.  The potential viewing of wildlife, especially in the late summer, early fall, and, like much of this region of the country, the fall colors.

 Today the trail was quiet after a rain shower and no one was on the trail. Though there were lots and lots of vehicles coming out of Cades Cove! The rain was light when I began yet it quit all together soon after I started and I was given the opportunity to see a bunch of birds, squirrels and chipmunks gathering food, some up close as I hiked.
There was some fresh sign of bears, but saw none.  Next time I think I'll do the loop.

Rio Del Mar (Northern Callifornia)

On a short retreat to visit friends and family. The Mysterious one and I got to walk in the pacific; the water was cold, and hike a short bit in a state forest known as "The Forest of Nisene Marks".

And a couple of awesome sunsets!