AT to Watauga Dam

We finally got our crew together for a hike!  Vacations, reunions and sickness had kept this group of regulars from hiking together for quite some time.  So we didn't lack enthusiasm as we headed out and caught up with each other.  Even the the "bears are active in this area" warning signs did not deter us.  This was a nice, not too difficult hike along the AT to Watauga Dam, an earthen TVA dam.  The weather, though hot, wasn't terribly humid except for a couple of times when we were deep in the thickets of rhododendron.  There were nice scenes and it was interesting to see glimpses along the way of the many ways people enjoy the lakes in our region.  We saw stand up paddleboarders, jet skiers, pontoon fishermen, kayakers, mattress loungers, trail runners, backpackers, and of course, the common bass boat fishermen.  I think several of us were wishing we could frolic in the lake after being on the trail a few hours!

Shillalah Creek Road

The club had only one member willing and able to attempt this 10 miler!  The trail is actually the route that Cumberland Gap National Park staff uses when they take people up the mountain to tour Hensley's Settlement.  Bob said he made it despite the straight up hike without switchbacks to relieve the climb.  He also got wet, as we have had several days of storms in the area.  Bob returned with lots of good information though, because he got the opportunity to hike with the new Cumberland Gap Park ranger, and also because Bob doesn't mind asking questions. LOL!