Monday, Sept 27 - Adventure!
The day has arrived for our anticipated overnight camping trip to the Cataloochee Valley on the North Carolina side of the Smokies (GSMNP). We drove 2 hours to Exit 20 off I-40 in North Carolina. We took another 45 minutes to travel the 10 miles across the mountain over a road that included3 miles of steep gravel switchbacks. It is a nerve-racking ride for me, but we did not encounter any problems. We checked into our campsite #9, with a babbling creek behind us - the Cataloochee River. I realized along the way that I didn't pack the roast beef and cheese for sandwiches. We picked up some gas-station BBQ sandwiches, along with firewood, when we got off the interstate.
After our picnic and a little relaxation, we headed down the valley to the end of the road and the beginning of our hike to the Steve Woody homeplace. The hike is relatively level along a creek and included 3 log bridges over what once were stream fords. The house is typical of the area and time, its only current residents (that we saw) were some bats.
As we drove back along the valley toward the campgound, we passed many people and their vehicles lined up along the open meadows waiting for the elk to appear, kind of like tail-gating. We drove on to the campsite, picked up our cooler and returned to join the spectators. Unfortunately, the main herd with its dominant old bull were in the next field over. We had just one lonely young buck who was pining away, "wishin' and hopin'," (cue Dusty Springfield), but keeping his distance. Meanwhile next door, the old man was busy pursuing the cows and heifers and bugling his desire.
We were back at our camp just before dark. Bill made a campfire while I heated our leftover gumbo for a quick and easy supper. We ended a perfect day companionably by the campfire.
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| First stop at NC Welcome Center |
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| Entrance, at the ridge about half way of our 3 miles |
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| Supposedly this trail follows Bishop Francis Asbury's route across the ridge |
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| A small slice of the road |
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| Campsite #9, well situated with creek behind us but not visible |
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| Little Cataloochee River |
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| First crossing on the way to the Wood place |
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| Woody place coming into view, about a mile from the trailhead |
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| Bats occupying the front room |
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| Spring house |
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| A nice little walk across the creek. Maybe they had a footbridge |
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| Young buck |
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| He was this close to the road, very acclimated to traffic |
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| Another lone male |
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| Wishin' and Hopin' |
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| One of the herds |
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| Pursuing and bugling |
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| Gumbo supper |
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| Enjoying the campfire |
Tuesday, Sep 28
We slept well in the cool mountain air, no hurry to get going. After a leisurely coffee in bed, I made a full camp breakfast while Bill got the fire going again. After another eisurely cup of coffee in front of the fire, we cleaned up and packed up. It was almost noon when we pulled out. We detoured to the Palmer House where there is a room of old photographs and history of the valley.
We declared it a successful trip when we got back home safely.
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| A morning view of the Cataloochee |
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| The Palmer House |
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| Palmer Barn |
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