My daughter was reminiscing about a backpacking trip we took when she was 20 years old. As I pointed out to her, I have always been bad with ‘when’s’ and am slipping with regards to ‘what’s’. So, she reminded me that it was in August of 2008 and that I had blogged about it (see “Casting Cares”). That former blog entry was more about a few impressions of the trip than a diary thereof. At her request I am posting more pictures. I can’t resist a little commentary, but I will keep it to a minimum. Check out the map of the route at the end.
You can’t hide forever
I like lichen for the patterns and color variety.
Beech Gap Trail
Mutual Support
Fir Cones
You can just resolve the fire tower on top of Mt. Sterling.
Water Filter Blues
New Style Shelter
Old style blogging (trail journal)
“Why do we do these things? I will tell you…Tradition.” Based on the elevation and approximate sequence of pictures, the location is near Eagle Cliffs (elevation 5781 ft.).
Remembering former days on the trail
A goodly sized Red Spruce
The Happy, Rested Crew
Bee Balm or Oswego Tea?
Hog Wallow (Russian Bore, that is)
Tired turns to fatigue
I don’t even know.
The Cucumber Magnolia seed pod begged to be photographed.
Occasional Surprises in the GSMNP
When it is sharp or slick or both, you have to watch you feet.
Watching the wading crew
Spores Galore
Cool looking mushroom; frustration of automatic focus camera
Trip began and ended at Round Bottom, hiking counter-clockwise. The first night we stayed at Laurel Gap Shelter. The second night we stayed at Pecks Corner Shelter.
CreatorWorship 
That looks like a fun trip😊 thanks for sharing