May 6 again--Smokies

Today my hike was 8.7 miles long and it wasn’t enough!  I went out on the Deep Creek and Indian  Creek trails to the Sunkota Ridge Trail, and walked out on that until my time limit was up.  Once I got close to and on the Ridge Trail, elevation change was about 1300 ft.  It was a perfect steady climb.  I loved this trail.  Due to a forecast of thunderstorms and a limited amount of comfortable waiting time on Marilyn’s part,  I had to be back by 12:30.   I did not want to turn back.   Next time I won’t do the extra loop on the Deep Creek trail, and I’ll spend all my possible  time on the ridge trail.

After that, we went over to Nantahala to check out the Appalachian trail and the flagship NOC Outfitter’s store. It’s pretty fun, and I couldn’t resist getting a few more books on the AT.   There is a good hike there that I would like to do next year.

It didn’t start raining until we got back in town.  Just think how far I could have gone on the Ridge Trail!