June 26-28'09: Trip to the Smokies - Tracing Adam and Lou's steps

It turned out to be a wonderful trip - a great escape from the Hotlanta for three days! At the top of the mountain near Clingmans Dome it was very nice and breezy. After we passed the crowds near the Dome, the trail began with amazing ridge walks:



The first day we had only 4.5 miles to go - to the Silers Bald shelter. We were there rather early and me and Tatyana set out tents on a nice grassy spot, while Bill and David decided to stay in the shelter. As I convinced Tatyana that Eureka Spitfire is the best solo tent in the world (at least, for the money), now we have two twin tents in our group, her tent being 4 year younger than mine:



That night the shelter was pretty full - I guess there were about 10-12 people total: a group of hikers from Minnesota, a through hiker named Edward (he took my coordinates and said he might spare 10 bucks after all to join our group), and a couple of backpackers from Louisville, Kentucky - Chris and Vincent. The latte two were doing exactly the same loop we were on, but moving faster and spending the second night at site #68 and not 69 like us.



We had a very good evening chatting with the folks near the campfire. There was a cute salamander who wandered in the shelter, and some small mice, which were too fast to take picture of. The salamander did not mind posing:



That day we covered 5 miles and the shelter was at elevation of 5451 ft according to my yellow friend.

After having breakfast at the shelter, we took off and had a group shot not to far from there:



We walked back on the AT for about half a mile and turned on Welch Trail that was leading us downhill towards Forney creek. We passed the turn to Hazel Creek cascades as it seemed to be at least one mile away and quite a steep downhill according to our maps. As we were moving down, it was getting hotter of course, but not too bad.

At some point, the river crossings kicked in. Some of those were bridged, but most of them not. Anyway, they were not that difficult to cross and cooled us down a bit:



Well, may be some of the crossings were more challenging then others:



The first night we stayed at campsite 69 and even built a fire, even though it was rather warm. Everyone brought some booze (I remember especially well Tatyana's scotch and Bill's benedictine!). After that Bill and David retreated to their hummocks after not very restive night in the shelter around 9 PM, while me and Tatyana chatted near the campfire almost until midnight. I prepared so much firewood as it it was a long and cold winter night - should remember not to do it again before nights get longer and colder.



That day we walked 9.5 miles and camped at 2828 ft.

The next day (Sunday) was mostly uphill, but it was not too bad. We did a number of creek crossings and after two or three miles reached Forney Creek Cascades where we had lunch - a wonderful spot! This is where Johanna and Jason caught up with us after all. There were supposed to catch up with as at campsite #69, but started late and did not make it before dark. Lucky guys have seen a couple of cute bear cubs - I really wish I was there with my camcorder!



Above the cascades, the trail got steeper, but it still was not too bad (nothing like Tearbritches trail in Cohutta!). When we reached the junction with the Forney Ridge trail, we were surprised how wide and well used that trail was. Later on, we figured out that that trail leads to Andrew Bald - a very popular spot less than 2 miles from Clingmans Dome parking lot.

Near the top, there were some nice views:



We made 6.2 miles that day and finished our trip at 6339 ft of elevation. It was nice and breeze there as on Friday!



Overall, it was a wonderful trip - it was really nice to see our seasoned members Bill and David, and a great pleasure to have a new enthusiastic backpacker Tatyana. The timing and distance turned out quite well - even though it was quite mild in term of temperatures, still it was summer, and in summer it is better to take things easy, which we did.

Seems like this area is the right place to be when its hot and humid at lower altitudes. I am planning to get back on a nearby loop in July!

Here you can find more pictures from this trip: http://www.flickr.com...

Time for a public saftey reminder.

While bear cubs are very cute, momma is most certainly very near by. Do no get anywhere near the cubs. I'd be very sad to hear they had to shoot the mom for attacking you. :-)

Thank you Chris!

I was of the same opinion but Dmitry now is permanently convinced that I have a bear fear mania ;)

Come on, guys - I was definitely counting on the 20x zoom on my camcorder for such an occasion!

I've seen about four bears in the North Georgia mountains and the Smokies, and most of them just sped away amazingly fast as soon as they noticed me. The only one that did not seem scared was a mama with a cub - that one just did not care when I almost run into her on the trail. I have to find a video of that encounter that I should have somewhere. I was shooting it from a respectful distance of course - and even though I knew I was 95% safe, the camera shaking revealed me not being quite at ease (mostly because of the momma + cub combination).

Respect, don't fear.

Tatyana and her hat, very nice!

Come on, guys - I was definitely counting on the 20x zoom on my camcorder for such an occasion!

I've seen about four bears in the North Georgia mountains and the Smokies, and most of them just sped away amazingly fast as soon as they noticed me. The only one that did not seem scared was a mama with a cub - that one just did not care when I almost run into her on the trail. I have to find a video of that encounter that I should have somewhere. I was shooting it from a respectful distance of course - and even though I knew I was 95% safe, the camera shaking revealed me not being quite at ease (mostly because of the momma + cub combination).

Man, I don't think I'd feel 95% safe in that situation. When you see cubs, it's best to move outta there!

I definitely have to find that video! :)