Father-Son Hiking Trip, October 2018

Our trip this year took us on a lollipop route out of the Deep Creek trail head in North Carolina. We combined backpacking with a day of day hiking. The weather was favorable, with moderate temperatures and just one day of rain.

Kathy and I enjoyed a brief visit to Madison, Indiana, where we stayed overnight at the River Boat Inn. The Paddlewheel building where our room was located was once a button factory. We toured the downtown area in search of a place to eat, but ended up returning to the Key West seafood restaurant right by our hotel. The place was packed. Our dinner was decent, but served a little cool, probably due to the busy evening and over-stratched wait staff.

The following day we had a very scenic drive to visit Craig and Lora's place on "Smith Mountain." Lora gave us the grand tour, then we headed on to Mom and Dad's. It rained most of the day with the exception of our time with Lora (perfect timing).

Craig arrived the next morning. We helped Dad powerwash the back deck and scrub the eaves, then packed for our hike. Lora arrived that evening in preparation for the lady's shopping adventure.

Craig drove Dad and I to the trail head via the winding Dragon's Tail under overcast skies. We originally planned on heading over Newfound Gap, but Dad mistakenly thought we were heading to Twenty Mile Campground and directed us the more circuitous route.

Donning our packs, we took a nice hike up Deep Creek Trail, 4.8 miles to backcountry site 59. Not far into our hike we came across a lethargic Copperhead snake lying stretched out on the trail. It didn't even move as we carefully skirted around it. A little further, we disturbed a more lively Garter snake, who wasted no time scurrying into the trail-side brush.

A light rain developed before we reached camp and would continue through the night. We hid out under Craig's tarp for dinner and socializing that evening.

After breakfast, we packed our packs for day hiking and headed further up Deep Creek Trail to Martins Gap Trail (1.2 mile). By the time we reached Sunkota Ridge Trail (another 1.5 miles along Martins Gap), the fog and overcast sky was showing signs of sun and blue. Sunkota drops in elevation for most of its 3.8 miles. It was a very nice walk in pleasant 60 degree weather. We turned right at the Loop Trail, taking it 0.6 miles back to Deep Creek Trail. We then retraced our steps from yesterday back to site 59 (3.1 miles).

It was a nice cool evening. I enjoyed washing up by Deep Creek and changing into clean clothes. We ate dinner, then Craig did his best to keep a campfire burning with wet wood for a couple hours before we turned in. We listened to some coyotes calling further up the creek. After our 10.2 mile day, I slept well.

The next morning was cool and clear. We ate breakfast then broke camp. The hike back down Deep Creek Trail was uneventful (4.8 miles). We grabbed lunch at the Iron Skillet in Bryson City and our traditional post-hike ice cream in Wear's Valley before returning to the house. The women were back from their shopping marathon when we arrived.

The following day we repacked our clean gear, Craig left for home, and Dad and I ran errands while Kathy and Mom found a few more shops in Maryville.

Kathy and I revisited the little town of Yellow Springs on our way home. We had enjoyed it last year. This year it was packed with people for their art fair. We walked around town then once again enjoyed a nice dinner at the Wind's Cafe and Bakery. The wind and rain picked up just in time for us to make a fast dash back to the truck afterward.

The following morning, we traveled home via Rensellaer to pick up Betty. Chalk up another successful Father-Son trip!