Smoky Mountain - Day 3

Already day 3......we all gathered again after our belly were full from breakfast for another days hike.  I was planning on hiking to Charlies Bunion, but my hip was still rather tight from the day before.  Most of the group had also changed there mind about this hike and did the Alum Cave hike with Bill....a more difficult hike than I wanted today.  Nancy was on my pace as well as a few others, so we drove back over to the parkway and hiked the Kephart Prong trail of 4 miles.  It was a moderate hike because of the terrain and gently elevated slope.  The trail wanders for two miles beside a stream to the remains of a CCC camp and the Kephart Shelter.  A beautiful hike!

Afterwards we visited the Oconaluffee Visitor's Center for lunch and another short hike.  We had lunch along the river, but I stayed back and rested on one of the rocking chairs on the Center's back porch.  The rest was very welcomed and I also enjoyed the walking around at the Visitor's taking in all the displays and reading materials in the area.

From the pictures that Bill and Donna took on their Alum Cave hike, I have to plan that one for next time.

In Kephart's Prong

another creek pic at Kephart

Evan ready for Fall

Returning to the Inn around 4ish for another soak in the tub before the evenings events.  After dinner a quick game with Nancy, Tom and Arlene before turning in.