I decided this morning that about two hours of work was enough. James came up with the brilliant idea of watching the sunset from atop Mt. Camerer. Kelly B. had to be back for her 8pm appointment and gracefully bailed. So James and I grabbed flashlights, a couple liters of water, and some granola bars and drove to Cosby. Up about half way to Low Gap we see BigMomma Bear sitting on the trail. Being pretty excited, we stay put and make a bit of noise. Of course, three minutes later, baby bear crosses the trail heading up to the left after its momma. Waiting a while longer, we continue the climb. Up less than a quarter mile, we hit the AT and realize that we are heading straight towards the path the bears took. Fortunately, our singing was horrible enough to draw no other sightings.
Atop Mt. Camerer, about all we could see were haze covered mountains. The Smoky Mountains really needs to stop smoking, it bad for your health. With an hour to waste until sunset we continued the usual philosophical discussion on what shapes the clouds were. Then the skies filled with color as the sun disappeared into the haze.
The hike down became more and more disconcerting as each steaming bear-pile was crossed. These bears were obviously well fed the day before, but we weren't so sure about that night. Five miles in the pitch black is always a bit innervating, especially to your sense of sound. Upon arrival at the car, I realized even more how anxious I am to hop on the AT and start the real adventures.
