Tremont Backpack

Anniversary backpack in the Smoky Mountains. 20.8 miles over three days. Beautiful weather sleeping without tarps listening to owls. Only one other backpacker on the trail. We even cut our wedding snicker bar just like when we got married on the trail.

Day One: 5.35 Miles

Middle Prong trail 2.3

Panther Creek trail 2.3

Jakes Creek trail to #27 .75

Day Two: 6.85 Miles

Jakes Creek trail 2.25

Meg's Mountain trail 4.6 to #19

Day Three: 8.6 Mils

Meg's Mountain trail 1.5

Lumber Ridge trail 4.1

Tremont Road 3.0

Rookie mistake right away. We used the flat map to decide the route. Made reservations, then looked at the trail descriptions the next day. Dangerous Creek Crossings?? Luckily the water was down so we didn't have any problems with Panther Creek. Unluckily we had to search for water at the campsites and use a cup to scoop since the water was down. First backpack of the season, well basically hurt as we found out that we were out of shape. By the time we hit the road walk we were done. Luckily nobody gave us a ride so we could claim that we did the whole mile amount.

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Paw Paw Trail Fall Creek Falls

Today's hike was at Fall Creek Falls where we hiked the Paw Paw trail. 

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Roaring Creek Segment of the Cumberland Trail

Lora and I headed down to Roaring Creek to hike the Cumberland trail to the fall. There are quite a few trees down on the trail. Another beautiful hike.

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Dalton

 

Got some cousin time in. Took Lora's mom with us down to Mike's in Dalton and then we went to visit his mom. Riley brought in his guitar and another guy their played a harmonica. Good entertainment.

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Sale Creek

Lora and I got a day to enjoy on the creek. This was actually the first time we had the canoe out this year so we are way behind. It was a wonderful day and we enjoyed the wildlife with no other boats bothering us. 

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Montgomery Bell SP

Saturday Headed to Tennessee and stayed at Montgomery Bell State Park for the night.

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West Memphis

Friday Drove into West Memphis and visited with Melissa and Grandchildren.

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Lake Catherine SP, Hot Springs NP

Thursday we headed East and then changed plans and headed to Lake Catherine SP by Hot Springs. Then we drove in to Hot Springs NP to tour. We walked down Bath House Row and checked out the Hot Springs at the Open Springs. We walked into the Arlington Hotel and then drove to the tower on North Mountain. We walked around the campground and saw another Casita and an Oliver.

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Tinker AFB, Lake Fort Smith SP

Wednesday the 18th we tried to visit Fort Reno, but they were closed for road construction. We stopped at Tinker AFB and walked through their aircraft on display. Then we drove into Arkansas and stayed the night at Lake Fort Smith SP. There was a Casita, a Scamp, and an Oliver in the campground like a small egg rally.  

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Cadillac Ranch, Foss SP

Tuesday the 17th as we left the park we saw two different tarantulas crossing the road. Really, really bad!! We continued East, stopping at Cadillac Ranch to check it out. We headed out of Texas and stopped at Foss State Park for the night. As we were walking down around by the lake we saw four more tarantulas in the road. Not a good sign. At dark our camper was covered by some kind of beetles.

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