Still on the TN/NC border

Pic from trail at Sam's Gap. I-26 crossing in the background. Trail goes through underpass.

Up in the clouds today.

Rain in the valleys today. Near camp creek bald and viking mtn north of hot springs.

Lover's Leap

Overlooking the hot springs spa and the French Broad River.

Hello from Max Patch!

Max Patch is a beautiful bald summit with miles of views in all directions on rare clear days like today. The view behind me is southwest back over Snowbird Mtn. Max is supposedly named after Maximillian, a prize horse who kept escaping his pasture to return to his favorite patch of grass up here on the summit. Warplanes used to land here on the summit. During WW I, German naval officers were interred in nearby Hot Springs, NC. That's where I'm headed now!

Yes, you see bears in the Smokies.

This guy (girl?)  has been hanging around the shelter all evening. First, it was smelling food from our dinner. Now, it is snacking on some of the plants about 25 yards away. Seems totally unphased by us. There are about a dozen people here. I've got better pics on the other camera but here is one from the droid for the blog. Sleep tight tonight!

Last night in the Smokies!

Back on the AT!

Thanks to Kirk for hosting a much needed 2 days of drying, healing, cleaning, and recuperating at his house in Cherokee, NC. Back to Newfound Gap and on north. Chill in air but the sun is shining!