Day 3 - There's bears in them there woods!

Narration Here. 
This was a special day as it marked Theresa's 61st b-day. She requested to commemorate it with a 6.1 mile hike up to Rainbow Falls.

The route to the trail head guided the adventurers thru Gatlinburg then up into the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The team arrived at a reasonable 9:30AM and found that the trail head parking was fully booked, as well as any available spaces within the next .25 miles. Alas an unofficial parking spot was found that would suit the commander (Kevin) for the estimated '3 hour' tour. All accoutrements were gathered, Boot laces where threaded and knotted on ever-aging hiking boots. Onto the trail head, to begin the assent, 1500 ft of vertical climb over 2.7 miles. Kevin strided out with steps that doubled the distance Theresa took with each single step. Within seconds he was yards ahead forcing him to pause every quarter mile for Theresa to come into view. The hike continued with this tortoise and hare rhythm that seemed to accommodate both hikers styles of assent on the path.

One of the earliest groups headed down the hill that crossed paths, was a young couple with the Dad carrying a yearling in a back pack! This brought a smile to both Kevin and Theresa as it reminded them of similar treks with Kassel in the backpack and Kiehl foraging thru the Virgin River of Zion! Very fond memories! Families doing adventures together build life long memories. 

The trail paralleled a falling stream for most of the trail and on several occasions traversed the river either by stepping stone or 'log bridge'. After 2 + hours of steady climbing, the renown Rainbow Falls were reached! A brief stop enabled Theresa to off-load some of the ballast she had carried all the way to the top . Traditionally she has elected to carry food supplies that would have saved the Donner Pass Party. On todays trek she packed a grocery bag that consisted of apples, grapes and a full box of granola bars. She begged Kevin to consume the nutrients to lighten her load. Kevin was still full from the morning breakfast that was prepared by Theresa in her attempt to fend off any risk of starvation on the days climb. Kevin kindly agreed to nibble on some apple slices to make her feel as if lugging a grocery bag of goodies was indeed necessary for the short climb, and to lighten her load on the way back down.

As the team headed out there would be no more climbing, so one would think the down hill was easier??? Think again! Blisters had already formed on both of Theresa's heals and her knees where starting to wobble at each step downward. Kevin would stop and wait every .5 miles or so to allow Theresa to catch up. 

One stop Kevin reported that a black bear was on the trail in front of him! The Bear was observed by Kevin as it walked down the path only to stop due to a group it encountered on their way up. The Bear then turned towards Kevin who was busy reading his camera. The Bear then looked down the trail and again up the trail in an effort to determine the best route to take. Just as Kevin got his camera aimed towards the bear it elected to dash into the trees and down the slop out of site. Theresa was a bit jealous as she did want to see a bear in the woods! The decent continued with Kevin separated from Theresa by at least .5 miles. Theresa rounded a bend to find 2 young men heading upward waiting for the rest of their party. She bid them a howdy and then looked up to the oncoming trail to see a BIG BLACK BEAR around the next curve! She whispered back to the 2 dudes “Bear “ and pointed! She then got her phone out to take evidentiary pictures. The pics were not that good so please just take her at her word there was a BEAR! Or maybe it was Kevin mooning her, so she could see a Bear in the woods.

The downward slope continued with many more hikers headed both up the trail and down the trail. Some clearly not outfitted with proper boots or grocery bags filled with a weeks supply of nutrients and water. Finally a parking lot was spotted indicating the trail head was emanate. 

The last .3 miles was on the road now fully lined with parked cars for hikers making a similar trek. It was great to see this much enthusiasm for hiking such a strenuous trail!

At the car blisters where assessed, gear (cameras, hiking slicks, water bottles, hats, and a partially consumed grocery bag of goodies) were placed in the vehicle, and the car AC was turned on in preparation for the return to home base!

Upon arrival at the Smitanic, Zin was impatiently awaiting as she was not allowed on this Great Smokey Mountain park trail. She greeted the adventurers with her rawhide bone and a wagging tail.

Sweaty cloths were thrown into the Smitanic washing machine. Birthday Wine was pored. chairs were positioned in the shade, and the team took a full accounting of a great day.

As evening approached Kevin prepared a fantastic dinner of steak, corn on the cob and broccoli for the birthday feast, that was consumed while gazing at the flowing Pidgeon River! 

Tomorrow is a lengthy trek (249 miles) drive to Montgomery Bell State Park, TN.