My spring automobile accident still has it’s claws in me and I continue to be aggravated by a return of shoulder pain that led me to reluctantly receive another cortisone shot earlier in the week. My daughter’s partner, Patrick, advised me that this would be a perfect time for him to help with his expert massage therapy skills while the inflammation was at bay and I was out of pain, so eagerly back to Gatlinburg and the Smokies I went. Fortunately my trail legs are in good shape and the plan was to knock out some more trail in my quest to join the 900 miler club when not getting therapy! So as not to aggravate the angry muscles in my shoulder, I ditched my usual day-pack in favor of a shoulder bag worn across my back over the good shoulder plus a fanny pack worn on the waist.
Day 1: Ramsey Cascades Trail
A gorgeous in and back out trail with a big pay off! Enjoyed chatting with a pleasant young fellow, Marcel, at the Cascades! 8 miles today (4 toward 900 miles)
Day 2: Baskins Creek Trail and misc.
A strong thunderstorm erupted just as I arrived at the trail head so I sat in the truck and ate my delicious sandwich while it quickly passed. Really enjoyed this short trail which initially passed through some areas burnt by the great Gatlinburg fire several years ago but then entered some lovely forest. Hiked the side trails to the Baskins Cemetery and then the Baskins Falls. I was surprised by a young bear jumping up to the trail a few feet in front of me. It attempted to climb a tree but bound off as I yelled and clanked my hiking poles together. No mama bear in sight!
The plan was to road walk a mile or so up to the Trillium Gap Trail then to hike several miles that I had missed previously. Unfortunately Trillium Gap Trail was closed for renovation and I had a pretty long road walk though was able to jump on the trail for the last .6 mile. Another thunderstorm started to roll in near the end but I had packed an umbrella and stayed mostly dry! 7.9 miles today (only 3.3 towards 900 miles)
Day 3: Clingmans Dome and Andrews Bald
Klaire didn’t have to work until the afternoon so hatched a plan for us to get up at 5am and drive up to Clingmans Dome and hike out to Andrews Bald for the sunrise. Sometimes the best laid plans…….
Not exactly the epic sunrise we were hoping for but spending a rainy pre-dawn morning out in the natural world with my lovely daughter definitely rates high up there in my estimation! 4.6 miles today! 124.2 miles completed towards 900 miler club!
Wow, always at the helm of great hikes and beauty and courage and determination. Love that you post and share. Thanks Nemophelist!!💚