On November 18, 2017, I headed towards Greenbriar in The Great Smokey Mountains National Park for a day hike on Porter’s Creek Trail. I had previously hiked out Porter’s Creek to Fern Falls twice. The first time was in January of 2015 with my beloved spouse, the second time I hiked it with my friend Rhonda. Today was solo and the goal was back country campsite 31.
The evolution of my journey along the trails in the Park continues. When I started hiking I wanted a destination like an overlook, or waterfalls or some other significant sight or relevant history. Now I hike for the challenge of the trail itself. If there happens to be a waterfall or an astonishingly beautiful overlook it’s icing on the cake. I have my 100 mile pin, my 250 mile pin and my 500 mile pin is within easy distance. From here the next challenge is to hike all the trails inside the park. As one hikes a trail one fills in their map. I have a lot of Park left to cover in order to fill in my map but I have begun with that intention and we shall see where I end up.
My jeep needed an oil change so I had scheduled the first slot for the job. I left Porter’s Tires here in Rogersville, Tennessee and headed towards Porter’s Creek Trail with a smile. The day was nice and warm for November. When I arrived at Greenbriar there were plenty of parking slots available. I geared up which for me includes my trusty backpack with my first aid kit, water filters, snacks and supplies and my awesome iron wood walking stick. The first mile or so is an easy walk up a gravel road to a round from which Brushy Mountain Trail and Porter’s Creek take off. A little ways up Porter’s Creek trail I met a lady who had driven all the way from Louisville to hike a few miles in the Park. Gotta respect that! I left my conversation with her feeling blessed. I only drove an hour and a half.
The sun broke through the clouds and I took pictures. It felt warm as it shone down through the canopy of remaining leaves and bare limbs. I met folks at the Falls and on the trail beyond. It was my first walk up the trail past the Falls and I saw where trail work had been done, leveling out a section and making footing more secure.
As I ventured on I climbed and wound my way towards a rolling misty cloudy mix that was coming in from deeper in the Park. It was covering far peaks and converging on my destination. The wind roared through the trees and whistled through the hollers, a constant sound in the deep woods. It was heralding the front that would dump copious amounts of rain over the next couple of days. I stopped several times to just watch the effects of the wind on the tall trees. I watched the mist roll in and I walked to meet it the dampness announcing its nearness. I had to stop and find a tree in answer to nature’s call and all and when I left I left my walking stick behind yet again. Argh!!! This is becoming a very bad habit! I made it to the campsite and stopped for a snack. I watched as a group of hardy adventurers set up camp and I looked up and over at the dark looming mass of clouds above already shedding a light mist.
I waved as I left to backtrack my steps hoping to find my Tree and my walking stick. Luckily, once again it was exactly where I left it. I walked out of the darkness of the cloud cover that gives the Smokies their name. I passed the beautiful waterfall speaking to folks there and headed to the Jeep. Another successful hike.
MrsSmithsLifeUnexpected 