Ranger Ellen on Meigs Creek Trail 8

On November 30th of 2014, Rangers Ellen and Ricardo went to the Sinks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Sinks, an area of very fast water flowing over fractured ancient rocks, is located a short distance past the Townsend Wye in Blount County, Tennessee on Little River Road (Scenic TN HWY 73, US HWY 321).

A hike along Meig's Creek Trail would be aborted at the fourth of eighteen water crossings. After crossing the summit of the ridge, the trail would make the long descent back down the flank of Curry He Mountain, eventually returning to the parking area at the Sinks. The team would travel a total of three miles in the boot during the hike.

Ranger Ellen takes the leading position in the marching order during the final leg of the hike. The sun was starting to set low, shining upon the ranges beyond with golden light rapidly turning orange. Ricardo took up the rear because, as everybody who hikes in the wilderness knows, critters come out at night. He wanted to keep her safe and in sight.