Interesting weekend...

Well we had a great time this past weekend... Julie and I are trying to get into better backpacking shape. We hit the trails this weekend logging 20.5 miles in two day trips. It was great and we're not even sore, for whatever reason.

This first 12.5 miles were in Pickett State Park North West of Knoxville. More west than north I guess. Great Park with just a few trails. Our trail was fairly flat and a 10 miles loop with a side hike to a waterfall. We plan on backpacking this trip if we ever have someone interested in a non-aggressive first backpacking trip. The spots for camping were great and had amazing access to water and side hikes. The terrain was varying. We hit arid dry spots with large sandstone bluffs, heavy forest with thick rhododendrons, and even a couple rock overhangs with small caves. We really enjoyed it.

On Sunday we saddled up with some friends and headed on over to the Smokies for a more strenuous hike. This trail had plenty of elevation gain and loss. It was a great loop with some amazing views of Cades Cove and the valley. Even some locals on this trail...All and all a great weekend and some great trails.

Rt