Cumberland Gal: Walland

Yellow Goatsbeard Dandelion on FHPW

Foothills Parkway Exploring

Dana Koogler

Saturday May 9, 2020

**I am doing abbreviated write ups of my back log of blog entries.

I am far enough behind that it is necessary at this point.**

Kenny had to work on Saturday. I had decided to sleep in and do something closer to home. I got stirring finally. We were in the grips of the corona virus pandemic as well as the chilly fingers of Blackberry Winter.

Once the day got warm I headed to Foothills Parkway and Top of the World. Today was the first day the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would reopen the trail system! I knew a lot of relieved hikers would flock to the trails. I figured I'd visit the Back Door and avoid the crowds.

The day had warmed up and was beautiful. Clear blue skies and sunshine. The air was the perfect temperature. I stopped at all the overlooks and took pictures and enjoyed the nice view.

Above: pretty pink shade of daisy flea bane

Above and below.. view from the first overlook to the east

above and below:mountain laurel blooming along the parkway

Above: We are fortunate to live near the convenient and beautiful Foothills Parkway.

I drove on along stopping and checking things out. Many wildflowers were already finished for the season in this area.

Above: Boyd Hopkins.. do you know where I was? :-)

Above: Proof we are in the Blackberry Winter.

I headed to my original destination. The trailhead that is what I call the Back Door of the Smokies. Goldmine Gap Trail.. up in the edge of a housing development. Top of the World. I arrived to find more cars there than I had EVER seen before. Not one parking space left. I was discouraged, but I had to laugh. I was just so glad to see things opening up again. I could hardly blame folks for wanting to get out. Apparently a lot of others had the same idea as me... try an out of the way location and spread out.
I figured that was enough people. The authorities had already threatened to shut things down again if folks didn't abide by the social distancing guidelines. I wasn't going to be the one to upset the apple cart. I pushed on to find something else to do. I am blessed to live very close. I can easily come back another day. It surely didn't help that I slept in!

I drove up to a tower site that Kenny had me look at with him recently. I enjoyed the view. I found a few pretty wildflowers.

Above and below: pussytoes in flower

Above and below: Wild columbine in bloom by the road

I drove by Top of the World Chapel. It is such a quaint spot.
Lots of folks fishing and walking.

I headed back out to the main road to figure what was next. I had a spot in mind. I doubted I'd encounter anyone there. Below is a view from the next overlook I came to on the east.

I had this trail to myself.

Above: I was able to ford this pretty creek and sit on a log and eat lunch. I listened to the stream and birds and breeze. I soaked up some sun. Then I walked back to the road and crossed to hike the other side a bit.