I took a trip south for a day, to do some picnicking and sight-seeing, and ended up driving back by the Smokies, following the Appalachian crest all the way back north into northeast Tennessee. Although I will remember this journey perhaps always, there is not much more I can say about it right now. 
Doc Watson was playing downtown here for the ‘Blue Plum Festival’, and I went to go see him pick his guitar. I have seen him play before, but wanted to see him again–he is a living legend. Saw several friends after the show (some who had come all the way from New York), and we all took in another show at the Down Home after the Doc show. It was a fun night, with lots of good music and friends.
Decided to go camping on top of Unaka Mountain for the Summer Solstice. No one else wanted to go, or could go, so I went by myself. It was very peaceful and quiet camping right on top of the summit in the pines. I built a fire, and was nervous, at first, about burning the mountain down (it has been very dry around the area for the last several years), until I realized that it would take near-constant care and fuel just to keep the fire going. It did look nice, and was comforting in the darkness, but died down as soon as I crawled inside my tent for the night. The next day, on my way back, I found a lost hiker, and put him back on the right trail with a quart of water (he was out).
Also, I have been on several day trips to the mountains (Curly Maple Gap, Spivey, Big Rock, Cliff Ridge, Hogback Mnt, ect…) and at least one work trip with Rat. Of course there is the big ‘Birthday Hike–2008’ to tell you about, but that will have to have it’s own page, and should be found in the ‘Trail Stories’. I am sure I am forgetting some things, and will re-visit them, should I remember.
————————————boulderman