Deep Creek H-T—2pd, Indian Creek--4.4pd, Martins Gap—1.5pd, Deep Creek—4.3n, Loop Trail—0.5n & 0.5 pd, Indian Creek--~3.0pd

Arrived at SVC at 7:15; much to my surprise Dennis, Marti, and Fran were waiting for me. (I had not seen their e-mail indicating that they would arrive by 7:20 instead of 7:30.) I had not hiked with Marti and Fran previously but they (particularly Marti) had hiked with Dennis previously.

We arrived at the Deep Creek Horse Trail trailhead ~9:00. This hike completes bits and pieces for both Dennis and Marti in the Deep Creek area; it also completes more than half of the bits and pieces that I have left in this area. Saw one coyote and several turkeys on the way to the South side of the park; for this hike one has to leave the GSMNP and travel to Bryson City NC. (Latter is new U.S. Representative from NC and former UT football player Heath Shuler’s hometown; he is a strong supporter of the GSMNP.)

This hike presented no unique challenges; however, coupled with the long commute to the hike and return, quite a bit of time was expended. The picture is our lunch stop at the beginning of the Deep Creek segment of our hike; from left to right are Fran, Dennis, and Marti. On the long drive back after we had re-entered the GSMNP, we saw 5 Elk shortly after we had passed the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Quite a few cars were parked on the shoulders of U.S. 321 at this time; although we did not see the buck, this "family" is believed to have moved to this area of the park from the Cataloochee area (the area that their parents were deposited in the re-introduction of Elk to the GSMNP). Although the number of offspring of the original herd placed in the GSMNP was originally disappointing, this year is believed to be a good one.