We took the MH 38 miles to one of our favorite places near Franklin NC, despite forecasts of rain for most of the time. We donned our rain gear and sweats each day along with chest waders and fished the Nantahala River and Kimsey Creek that flow through the campground. Despite higher and faster than expected water, we managed to catch several wild rainbow and a couple wild brown trout. We had the best success using Parachute Adams and Prince Nymph, and did better on Kimsey Creek. The nights got down in the 30s, but three micro-fleece blankets kept us warm at night. This campground has updated restrooms and showers, but the sites have no hookups. We had an opportunity to use the ramps we built, since the site had an appreciable slope and it keeps us from having the levelers lift the front wheels off the ground.
Click to view pictures:
.https://picasaweb.google.com/114754015214438395393/StandingIndianNRAMay1620
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Kayaking on Hiwassee River (May 13)
We met near the McDonalds in Murphy, NC and went downstream a short distance and went upstream on Valley Creek until it got too shallow. We then turned around and returned. It was perfect weather and good to be back on the water with our friends. We topped off the outing with lunch at Brothers in Murphy.
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Fires Creek (May 10-11)
We received two days of excellent instruction on small creek fishing from Steve B. from our Trout Unlimited Chapter. We fished several areas of Fires Creek in N.C. that are not stocked, but contain only wild trout. These fish are smaller than hatchery trout, but much smarter. We caught several fish each and learned a lot about reading a stream and hatches that occur here. Dry flies we found most effective were Adams Parachute and Female Adams Parachute. Wet flies that worked were Bead Green Weenie and Prince Nymph.
https://picasaweb.google.com/114754015214438395393/FiresCreekMay1011
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Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls SP (May 3-4)
We hiked the 4.8 miles into and out of the inn and stayed overnight with the Mountain High Hikers group we belong to. The inn is beautiful, provides excellent views, food, and service. Pam from the group will be putting pictured, including some of ours on YouTube. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBwCZIwfQUc
Close Call (Apr 27)
We spent the evening down in the laundry room that is below ground level watching radar and listening to emergency weather alerts. We took this one very seriously, since it was the same supercell that devastated Tuscaloosa, Al. It was huge and deadly. As you can see from the picture, it was a close call. Trackrock Campground is south of Blairsville, so that puts us on the picture just below the letters on the map. We thank God for protecting us and pray for those who were seriously affected by this monster storm.
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Waterfall Tour (April 23)
Visited today
De Soto Falls
Mountain Crossings Store at the top of Blood Mountain
Helton Falls
Vogel State Park
To view pictures click below:
Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness Area (Apr 18)
We met others from Mountain High Hikers at the rest stop in Andrews and then caravanned to the parking/picnic area at the trailhead. We hiked the memorial loop and poplar loop which together are about two miles. The poplar loop has some of the largest Tulip Poplars on the east and would take three men stretching their arms to reach around them. There has never been logging here. The wildflowers were spectacular. Many of the hemlocks have died from Wooly Adelgid infestation and were presenting a hazard, so to preserve the natural feel of the place, instead of sawing them, the blew off the tops at about head height with sticks of dynamite. It made it look like a tornado had passed thru.
After the hike, we returned to the picnic area and had lunch. The group then went on another hike, but we had enough for our first hike of the season, so we left to check out Snowbird Creek, which is nearby, and try some fishing. We drove back several miles on Snowbird Creek Road and passed a NF campground. We passed a hatchery truck with two men stocking the creek. By the time we got to the end of the road, we could see where they were putting the fish, so after they left we tried to catch them. We each lost more than we caught, but we each caught a nice trout, with Joan catching the larger one. We went thru trying most of our flies and found that the would at first take, then refuse a fly after they had seen it a few times.
Click this picture to go to photo album.
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After the hike, we returned to the picnic area and had lunch. The group then went on another hike, but we had enough for our first hike of the season, so we left to check out Snowbird Creek, which is nearby, and try some fishing. We drove back several miles on Snowbird Creek Road and passed a NF campground. We passed a hatchery truck with two men stocking the creek. By the time we got to the end of the road, we could see where they were putting the fish, so after they left we tried to catch them. We each lost more than we caught, but we each caught a nice trout, with Joan catching the larger one. We went thru trying most of our flies and found that the would at first take, then refuse a fly after they had seen it a few times.
Click this picture to go to photo album.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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