This 10.4 mile walk which took us up to the AT and the Russell Field Shelter for lunch began at Anthony Creek trailhead. We, the "Mysterious One" and I, parked at the trailhead located in the picnic area to the left just inside Cades Cove a little before 11am with cloudy skies and temperatures probably in the lower 50's. With the clouds and damp air from the rain the night before it felt cooler. The trails were somewhat muddy at times but that's why they make good boots! As we walked the 5.2 mls to the shelter at Russell Field, we made a few brief stops along the way one of which was at campsite #10, where we admired someones work from the night before in how they prepared their sleeping area. The leaves from some rodo's and a small perimeter ditch probably payed off handsomely with the overnight rains.
After enjoying some leftover pizza for lunch at the shelter a through hiker (aka "The Yetti"), came through and asked about water availability between Russell and Spence Field shelters, as he had blisters and wanted to avoid hiking the .2 down to the water source for Russell. We told him that trailside water is scarce along this section and he'd probably be wise to fill up here. The "Mysterious One" offered to go fill it up for him but he went ahead and did it himself. She had spoken with his partner who had passed through about 45 minutes prior and who had told her of the "Yetti's" blister problem.
As you see in one of the photos there was still some snow on the ground despite the warmer temps and rain.
This route, in and out, is relatively moderate for those in good shape with a mellow incline most of the time, it has some views of Cades Cove in this season without leaves, and a not to much traffic. As we made our return down it began to rain lightly and we passed two men going up in jeans, cotton t-shirts and sneakers, one with a small pack?. I hope their day went well. Peace
After enjoying some leftover pizza for lunch at the shelter a through hiker (aka "The Yetti"), came through and asked about water availability between Russell and Spence Field shelters, as he had blisters and wanted to avoid hiking the .2 down to the water source for Russell. We told him that trailside water is scarce along this section and he'd probably be wise to fill up here. The "Mysterious One" offered to go fill it up for him but he went ahead and did it himself. She had spoken with his partner who had passed through about 45 minutes prior and who had told her of the "Yetti's" blister problem. 
As you see in one of the photos there was still some snow on the ground despite the warmer temps and rain.
This route, in and out, is relatively moderate for those in good shape with a mellow incline most of the time, it has some views of Cades Cove in this season without leaves, and a not to much traffic. As we made our return down it began to rain lightly and we passed two men going up in jeans, cotton t-shirts and sneakers, one with a small pack?. I hope their day went well. Peace
