Backpacking!

Well we finally took some time away from paddling! Julie and I were guided on a one night backpacking trip into the Smokys. Our guide, Bob Sayer, is a big time Boy Scout fanatic and one hell of a guide. We went with him, his son and daughter, Zack and a friend of theirs. We headed out Saturday morning, and after some bad traffic we were on the trail.

We went on the Gabes Mountain Trail which was about 5 miles each way. The hike in was beautiful and the weather was perfect. Carrying all your gear in was quite an experience.

Once we got to camp we realize that we were really secluded. This site was beautiful and we were happy to set our tent up without the car in site.
We had some laughs and cooked dinner. It tasted so good! We then sat around the fire and had some laughs. Great conversations and plenty of relaxing.
Sunday morning we cooked a little breakfast, celebrated the fact that a bear hadn't eaten us, and packed up to hit the trail.
The five miles back to the car flew by and our first overnighter was in the bag. Again great crew and as always a wonderful place to spend the weekend. We're looking forward to our next hiking trip, after Thanksgiving!!