Clouds appeared to be plentiful as I looked out the windshield but I knew in my mind that the sun would make an appearance this early morning and be with me throughout the day. My Jeep had not traveled too many more miles down the Interstate when my thoughts were proved correct as the sunrise began to make its appearance before me. True, the forecast called for a good possibility of rain this weekend but that was for tonight and on Sunday. Today would be a different story, a day of beauty that comes from a blend of scattered clouds, times of sunshine, temps that would make a nice warm day in the mid 70's, with some periods of good steady but gentle breezes thrown in to cool me down.

The morning was cool and shrouded in a heavy fog that had settled in overnight at the campsite. Sitting there by the tent munching on breakfast, feeling more relaxed than I had in a long time, I pondered the possible hikes I could do on this day before heading back to Nashville. I had read about several options before making the journey and today my mood was still one of wanting to just take in the views of scenery, the more challenging hikes can wait until another visit.   

The early Spring weekend was predicted to be warmer than usual, little to no clouds in the sky, and only mild breezes called for. I was headed to Big South Fork for my first camping trip of the year, sure it was car camping rather than backpacking, but that did not matter, it would still be fun and it would be my first full weekend outdoors since late fall last year. No challenging hikes on this weekend adventure, just a couple of easy enjoyable hikes that would be loaded with scenery and most importantly those elements which calm and soothe the troubled spirit within.

Cool mountain air flowed freely into my Jeep through the open windows this morning. Sure the sun was already up in the sky, its rays filtering down through the small young tree leaves held high above me from the many trees that lined the road, but it was still early enough the air had that morning chill that made it so fresh and wonderful to breath deeply into my lungs. Today I start on a new adventure in the Smoky Mountains, hiking and backpacking the West Prong Trail with plans to spend the night at Campsite 18 along the trail in the back country. I have day hiked plenty in the mountains, even camped in front country campsites, but this is my first ever true backpacking trip where I pack my gear to a site along a trail. I feel prepared but only time will tell if my planning, research, and application of good ole common sense will pay off.  

 

My enjoyment from hiking began early in life. On the farm hiking was somewhat of a necessity to routinely walk the fence rows keeping any obstructions from bringing the fence down and letting the cattle out. I always enjoyed just walking around the place, going across an open field to enter a wooded area and then just make my own journey as I wandered around. Using landmarks such as the creek and the direction it flowed, there was little concern of becoming lost, trusting in the. I put my trust in the reliable course of natures elements to guide me back out of the woods into the open fields and back home again. Deep in the farthest corners of the farm I even had a favorite tree that I would climb up in and sit on one of its large old limbs for hours, watching the deer come by and take a drink from the stream that ran near the base of it.

Some routes I took were traveled more frequently than others which allowed me to develop a sense of familiarity with the surrounding trees, rock formations, and...