I am moving fast now, woke up early, and had almost 9 miles done by lunch time. I am in the zone now, I am moving quick and no longer getting tired.
I took a side trail in the morning to Mt Cammerrer fire tower, which is located a few miles from the north end of the smokies. It was worth it, I got to see it on a nice day and I thought the views were comparable to clingmans dome and others. On top of Mt Cammerrer, I met a young man whose grandfather worked for the CCC and was part of building the fire tower. The dude lived close to the smokies and was very familiar with the park. I took out my map and ha him show me all the cool spots in the smokies. Someday I might come back to the park and do the blue blaze trails to see the other spots.
The north end of the smokies have water that feeds into the large pigeon river. I stopped to make some calls there to find out that Ponda was running late, gave me a chance to hang out, enjoy the water, make calls and recollect my thoughts about the smokies. There some beautiful waterfalls at the end of the park and very deep swimming holes.
Smokies
As much as at some points, hated and cursed the smokies, I am very appreciative of the experience I was able to enjoy. The smoky Mtn national park is a national treasure. It was really cool to see a lot of the animals, that are protected there, walk around people and not be scared. The elevations made for nicer views and harsher conditions and the hiking was not all that difficult. In hindsight I am very thankful to be alive, having to experience both lookouts on clear days and the park making me stronger.
It was a bit surreal to come out of the smokes right under I-40. There is something about a busy interstate after coming out of the woods. It has a certain energy, like a waterfall. There are many happy emotions to see the highway after seclusion.
Views from Mt Cammerrer Fire Tower (end of smokies)
Davenport Gap - end of Smokies
Me enjoying waterfalls and huge Pigeon River at the end of the Smokies
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