We’re camping this weekend at Panther Creek State Park in Morristown, Tennessee, not far from the Smokies. Our little army green T@G Boondock is tucked into site 33, a wooded spot on a ridge above Cherokee Lake. One of the things we love about this park is that dogs are welcome on the trails, so Ghost gets to come along on every adventure.
On this 39-degree morning, Marty, Ghost, and I headed out right from the campground. We took the Point Lookout Trail, a loop that climbs about 400 feet above the lake to the highest point in the park. Then we added the trail down to Cherokee Lake and back. We spent about two and a half hours on the trail, and by the time we got back to camp, it was 4.38 miles.
I finally got to wear my Ibex Lizzi Tavern straight leg wool pants. I bought them before Katahdin but never wore them, because they were too thick for hot weather. I tried them on, liked them, and kept them for cooler days. I think these will be my go to hiking pants in the winter! They are amazing.
Today was the perfect day to give them a whirl. They kept me warm and comfortable the whole hike, and all day outside in the chilly weather. I liked them so much that I ordered a green pair today. I love wool! I guess you could say that this is the downside to having cell service and Wifi at a campground! <laughter>
Ghost was in his element all day. He loves cold weather, and the chilly air gave him the zoomies more than once. There’s nothing like watching a husky tear around in pure joy to make you laugh out loud on the trail. He had a great time!
We also stopped by the park’s aviary to visit Oliver the owl. It’s not every day you get to look an owl in the eye, and he was a sweet surprise at the end of our hike. He is blind in his right eye, so he lives in the aviary here at the park. He is such a beautiful barred owl.
Last night and again tonight, we sat by the fire. There’s something about a crackling campfire on a cold night that slows everything down. Moments like these remind me how good God is. He gave us this beautiful world to explore! After our hike, I cooked a mea, over the fire in my cast iron dutch oven, then sat to read a book. It was truly a perfect fall day!
We already love this park and plan to come back this winter.
Never stop exploring and never give up hope. Life is good!
