Saturday we did some more hiking. We packed a lunch and drove to the trailhead for Kephart Prong. From the trail description we knew we would see the remains of a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) camp.
The trail followed a stream and we listened to running water for most of our hike.
We came upon the CCC camp not far into our hike. This looked like an old sign, maybe for the camp.
Next we saw an old chimney which had definitely seen better days.
The next sight on our hike was a foot bridge. It wasn't bad for having only one handrail.
Then, we came to a log bridge that I wasn't too sure about. Bob and I made it across which gave us good practice for the next two log bridges!
Of course, the second log bridge wasn't in quite the good shape as the first one!
Just before we reached Kephart Shelter we came to a crossroad in the trail.
The shelter had a fireplace to keep people warm in cool weather, but you aren't allowed to cook inside the shelter for fear of attracting bears. There was a campfire ring outside the shelter for cooking.
Bob and I explored the shelter and signed the book to let people know we had been there. Then we sat outside and ate our lunch.
From Kephart Shelter we retraced our steps to the car. After a shower and a rest, we decided we needed more walking so we went to the visitor center to the trailhead for Ocunaluftee River Trail. The trail follows the river from the visitor center to the boundary of Cherokee. We took a detour at the park boundary for a picture with the park sign.
The next day we were expecting friends to come visit. Before they arrived, we took a short trip to Mingus Mill. I was surprised to learn that the water turned a turbine, not a water wheel, to get its power.
You are allowed to go under the mill to see the mechanisms used to turn the grist stones and operate the wheat/corn elevator as well as the wheat cleaner.
We made it back to the campground in time for our special visitors! We hadn't seen Rhonda and her daughter Sarah in over 15 years! Sarah is married with three children. I think Gavin and Riley enjoyed exploring Sol--especially the basement storage. Of course when you are in the basement, you need to have a couple of flashlights.
Gavin is quite the photographer. He took this picture of Riley and Bob.
Adler didn't need to be in the sun so Bob got out our beach umbrella to keep him shaded.
Adler didn't get much play time as I needed to hold him for a while.
No visit is complete with such good friends without having a group photo.
Bob and I enjoyed our visit to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We had this beautiful campsite and good weather for our visit.
Tuesday was another travel day. We were headed to a campground close to Knoxville, Tennessee, to visit Bob's youngest sister.
No comments:
Post a Comment