The Smokies

December 18, 2013

Preface:
I am determined be up-to-date on my blog by the end of 2013-if I can avoid being distracted by  contemplating the purchase of new travel accouterments; the most recent are foldable shoes highlighted on http://www.bookofjoe.com  
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November 4-5, 2013 

It drops below freezing in November in the Smokies so we have foregone filling the water tanks in our trailer. The upshot is that campgrounds must have a separate bathroom facilities for those campers with limited amenities. We arrived after dark at a private campground relatively close to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We selected a space, parked and then Tucker and I walked around to see if we could locate the "comfort station". In the interim, Steve contacted the campground owner and learned trailers needed to be self-contained and no additional facilities were available. Soooo, we unplugged from the power source, retracted the four stabilizer legs and traveled to another campground recommended by the previous campground owner.  With little light, a brown picnic table turned on its side is difficult and inflicted an unwanted souvenir on Steve's shin. Otherwise, Pride RV Park met our criteria.

Steve loves to fly fish and had read that Native Brook Trout lived in a stream in the Park called Straightfork. Tucker tried to fish too but his enthusiasm diminished Steve's so we decided to hike instead.

There are several trails that intersect with the Appalachian Trail but unbeknownst to me until reading the trailhead sign, dogs are prohibited. Plan B led us to a closed road and a chance to enjoy the autumn colors.