Saturday, 8/25/18
Since Salem is at the trainer this weekend, we decided to go to the GSMNP for some backpacking. We camped at site #50 near Smokemont on Saturday and hiked a loop course around there. This is the first time we've hiked in the lower elevations in the Smoky's. The hike started at ~2,500 feet and climbed to a little over 5,100, then back down. About 15-16 miles. Nice campsite along the stream. We sat on a log and soaked our feet in the cold water after the hike and before eating dinner. This is the first time we didn't worry about filtering water. I'm writing this on Tuesday and feeling good, so I guess we're in the clear.
Sunday, 8/26/18
Sunday we drove to Alum Cave trailhead and hiked up to Mt. LeConte and Myrtle Point. This hike started at around 3,500 feet and topped out over 6,600 feet. Love this hike. Pretty views along the way and Mt. LeConte is just really neat. The llamas were up at the lodge today which is always neat to see. We ate lunch at Myrtle Point and took in the views, but it was a bit buggy so we didn't linger too long. Plus, we still had a 4 hour drive home and it was getting late. About 12 miles, plus the 2 miles from campsite #50 to Smokemont campground where the car was parked made it a 14 mile day and about a 30 mile weekend. Getting in shape for the October trip.
Best part of the weekend, aside from spending good quality unplugged time with Sarah, was the bear cub sighting. On the way up to Alum Cave trailhead we passed 2 cubs and a momma bear. One of the cubs was at the edge of a brush line near the road eating berries. We pulled over and watched for about 5 minutes and got some good video. Really cute and neat experience. Mom and other cub stayed up in the deep brush.
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