This weekend was billed as a "winter backpack" and we were not disappointed. Our route took us from the Cosby area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Campsite #29, via the Maddron Bald Trail....a 2880' climb in 5.6-miles. Just a walk in the park!

We arrived at the trailhead about 10:35 am, on the trail by 10:45 am . Snow accumulation wasn't too bad in the lower elevations but the snow kept falling. Forecasters predicted snow all day and for once, they were right! From left Jim, Steve, Ron (green jacket) and Duane.

Maddron Bald Trail is beautiful in the spring when the massive rhododendron are in bloom. The vegetation also provides a spectacular backdrop for the snow and ice of winter!

This is about as Norman Rockwell as it gets, woodland bridge, creek, snow covered rocks and a snowstorm.

Tricky, tricky, tricky; a most uncomfortable water crossing! This was an L-shaped challenge, balancing on a log jam with only a few scrawny branches at the bend to hold on to. Thanks to Jim who stood at the end and helped us down the final steps! Stepping down the last log...Terri, on the log in pink, Robin.

The higher we climbed, the deeper the snow and the thicker the cloud cover. With old and new snow, we figured we were hiking in 7-8 inches of snow. Everyone was happy that Duane and Steve hiked ahead of us (except Duane and Steve). They left nice footprints so we didn't have to posthole the snow ourselves. Of course they could have taken smaller steps, some of their footprints were a reach for the girls! :-)

Terri in camp preparing a much needed hot drink.

Evening in camp, the clouds are thick but the snow finally stopped.

Morning arrived, the clouds cleared out and camp took on a much different look.

Ron (left) and Steve (right), prepare breakfast.

The sun hit the top of the mountain first so the melt proceeded top down!

Ah....halfway home!