Joan, Michael and Sara planned a joint chapter camping and hiking weekend in the Cherokee National Forest, at Indian Boundary Overflow Campground. Those three plus Marietta, Joni, Paulo, Nancy, and me. Surprised so many wanted to go with cold nights forcasted. Most were there on Thursday and hiked around the lake trail. I got there on Friday morning in time to hike with them. It sure was a beautiful day to start hiking. Flatts Mountain trail had spectacular views of Citico Creek Wilderness. Back at camp the temperature dropped fast so we got a fire going before it got dark. Joni came in after dark and got set up.
Saturday's hikes were Falls Branch, which had old growth forest and a beautiful 70 foot waterfall; Mud Gap to Whiggs Meadow with 360 degree views and good spot for a nap in the sun; Huckleberry Knob which seemed to be really popular. Two balds and great views from 5580 feet up. Highest point on the Skyway. Also saw frog eggs in a mudhole! Michael, Paulo and Sara said their goodbys after the hikes. Another cold night with a good fire to enjoy the spectacular star show. Piled on the extra 0 degree quilt, expected temps in the low 20's. Woke up too warm during the night, but got to listen to owls while I cooled off.
Sunday morning, let's get that fire going. Not sure how cold it got, at 8 am it was 32. Pack up, caravan to Bald River Falls Trail, managed to find parking for all 5 cars. We found wildflowers blooming! hepatica and something we couldn't ID, plus trilliums with buds, no blooms yet. Very exciting. We hiked as far as the creek crossing and turned back. Had lunch at the campsite by the river. As we were leaving the parking lot, kayakers were in the river, some were going up the first drop of the falls to kayak down it. Very exciting!
I know we burned lots of firewood and I'm glad it was car camping so everyone could bring extra blankets and quilts. Nancy showed me her new van she bought for traveling. It will be outfitted soon with insulation, a bed, kitchen, and storage. Can't wait for the Van warming camping trip!
No comments:
Post a Comment