Write Up: The three of us decided to forgo the traditional holiday gluttony and take to the seas pilgrim style. Ok, so it was a lake, we were in kayaks and we don't speak with "thees" and "thous". Nevertheless, this was certainly Thanksgiving travel at its best.
After completing the car drop between Tsali and Cable cove we set off about noon. With the water having been drawn down 50 feet, we were soon faced with our first navigational challenge (leader disclaimer: this was billed as "exploratory"). Islands were no longer islands. Channels that appeared passable on the chart were now 30-50 foot vertical rises.
Soon we were back on course and headed for our first nights destination on Pinnacle Creek. We arrived with an hour until sunset and quickly set about making ourselves at home in our campsite that's typically underwater for half the year. We built a roaring fire and prepared our own Thanksgiving cornucopia. We finished feasting, tidied up camp and agreed it was time for the night paddle (Amy was a bit skeptical of the idea but figured if Andy could do it then she certainly could). While we were out enjoying the calm waters and countless stars, unbeknownst to us the fog was rolling down Pinnacle Creek and out onto the lake. As we paddled back we were engulfed. A truly magical experience. Soon, we found our way back to camp and settled in for the night.
The next morning (well afternoon really as our little cove was damp and foggy until noon!) we were up and discussing where to go next. We decided to check out Double Island campsite #78 a few miles further down the lake. Upon arriving there we all agreed it was a more interesting site than Pinnacle creek so we were quickly back in our boats to go break camp, pack the boats and move to #78. After the round trip we quickly set to work making camp, pitched tents, collected wood, built a fireplace. Amazing what can get done with a fresh pot of Espresso spiked with fine Tennessee whisky. We enjoyed the roaring (roaring!) fire, stars (and shooting stars), amazing views of the Milky Way and fine conversation. This night Amy and I had our tents above the waterline while Andy was still 10-15 feet under.
Saturday we were up, efficiently broke camp, packed the boats and set off on the final leg of the trip to Cable Cove boat ramp. The clouds were a nice break from the cloudless sky the previous two days providing a more appropriate early winter backdrop to the leafless austerity of the Smokies.
25 miles of paddling, three days and two nights. I'd do a Pilgrim Paddle with this crew anytime.
Since it was Saturday we were able to enjoy a leisurely return to Atlanta. Stopping at Fontana Dam and having lunch at the River's Edge at NOC.
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