The view from the Deer Gap helipad. The helipad is simply a cleared area atop the spine of the main ridge that is used by helicopters during their frequent Search and Rescue missions. It offers up a terrific view of the Mt. Sterling ridge, the Big Creek watershed, and the Balsam Mountain ridgeline. Looking back to the southwest, I could see the summits of Old Black and Mt. Guyot. After spending so many hours down in the valley of Ramsey Prong, it was a genuine relief to kick back in the warm grass, enjoy the view, and grab a snack. The Sundowners came off, along with the soaked Smartwool socks, which were soon drying in the breeze and warm sunshine. I napped for an hour or so while waiting for Peter to return from his trip to the summit of Mt. Guyot.

I really enjoyed the walk back down the Snake Den trail to the Cosby Campground. We both felt great after the long day, but I think that Peter was probably sleep walking for the last 5 miles or so. He'd driven up to the Smoky Mountains the night before from Chapel Hill without any sleep. Now that the challenge of having to be aware of every step and movement was over, he was ready for some rest. We made good time off of the mountain, arriving at his car well before sunset. We made a quick trip back to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead to pick up my Grizbaru and then we were off to re-charge at the Best Burgers in the South snack bar east of Greenbrier.

It was a good day spent rambling through a superb slice of wild country high in the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee.