Finally, a weekend backpack! We initially planned to hike Cold Mountain for the sunset views but were easily swayed when Will and Kim invited us along on their trip to The Cherokee National Forest. As an added bonus, they were leaving around 1:00 pm (we had planned to leave at 6:30 am) and planned to hike about 3.5-miles on a nice, level trail. Who could turn this down!!

The weekend weather was fabulous...40's at night, 70 during the day with a big dose of sunshine.

Will and Kim arrive at the trail junction, our turnoff from Trail 150 to Trail 98. Most of the leaves were off the trees and on the trail; we soon learned that unknown dangers lurked under the leaves...like rocks and roots and other slick stuff.

This dam is suppose to keep two types of trout from "intermingling." I asked John at what point the trout realize they are about to be swept over the dam and and exclaim to the other trout "dang, now we have to turn around and swim back." Poor John, he just shook his head and explained that the dam prevented the trout from migrating UPstream. I guess this was pretty much a "duh" moment.

The lower trees, along the creek, were almost leafless but we saw spectacular color high.

This is Kim navigating one of the seven crossing we made across the North Fork of Citico Creek. Will initially told us we had only two crossings but we know Will can't count where river crossings are concerned. The good news is that the creek was low enough that we did not have to don our water shoes and we only got the outside of our boots (and hems of our pants) wet.

Yum, blueberry crepes. We had dinner by firelight, it was dark-dark by 5:30 pm in the forest. Dinner was a tie as far as who was most creative....Will and Kim had veggie burgers and baked beans, John and I had shrimp, spinach and cheese quesadillas. Dessert was a whole different game! While Will and Kim spooned up a pot of butterscotch pudding, John and I dined on blueberry crepes! Hmmmm-butterscotch pudding or blueberrie crepes.

Sunday arrived after a great night's sleep. Another clear, beautiful day in the forest!

John and I were up a bit earlier than Will and Kim. John stirred the coals and got this great fire started. We lounged around camp for several hours enjoying a lot of laughter over a great breakfast. Well, John and I had a great breakfast (sweet potato pancakes and bacon). Will and Kim, on the other hand...well...just what can you say about Chef Will's creation of buckwheat pancakes mixed with last night's leftover banana flavored rum, blueberries and pecans. Did I mention burned on both sides? Their hash browns looked great anyway and Kim was a great sport, smiling as she ate the pancakes. Needless to say peels of uncontrollable laughter could be heard within the vicinity of our camp!

Our campsite in the woods, a nice flat knoll overlooking the North Fork of Citico Creek....two side creeks down from Indian Branch Camp. Perfect site selection, Will!

Will helping Kim across one of the seven crossings to get back to the car. Those rocks were slick!
John watching the river near the trails end and the end to a great weekend. Let's do this again soon!