Stratton Ridge (Elevation 5336’) sounded like another good place to go during this hot weather. Sometimes it’s referred to as a bald so who knows it might have a good view.

 

First thing we saw was the sign bragging about the quality of the road ahead.

 

The road wound along the mountainside in classic east Tennessee style, I mean, Classic North Carolina style with extremely steep drop-off from the non existent shoulder of the road.

 

Then we got to this! Hmm, it can’t mean what it says. Maybe it isn’t really closed.

 

Maybe I was right, it might be closed after the trailhead and we must be pretty close cause there’s the sign for it just ahead.

 

Um, I don’t think that’s a very good sign with that culvert pulled out. Oh, maybe they have put the new one in.

 

Then we came to a shiny rented excavator. I can spot an excavator a mile away.

 

Ok, I guess it’s time to start the hike right here.

 

First I took a minute to admire their work. It reminded me of the big culverts we’ve put in over the years. Each one a little different, the fun of the challenge to get in and get out before the rain, us against the water.

 

These guys have timed it pretty well, it’s been hot and dry.

 

Wait I see another excavator! This one looks paid for. I bet it’s seen a few culverts put in in it’s day. 

 

So we waived goodbye to the excavators. No, not really but I could have.

 

Wolf Laurel trail was pretty good, saw some other foot prints but didn’t run into anyone.

 

I don’t know what wolf laurel is, this looked like other laurel I’ve seen elsewhere.

 

Always nice to see these, reassuring that you are where you thought you were.

 

Once on the Stratton Bald trail it was looking less and less traveled.

 

Then there was a whole bunch of this! Shoulder high berry vines and the trail’s got to be here somewhere.

 

The flies were huge.

 

 

And this will do the trick once you get sick of being eaten alive.

 

Even though I didn’t really find much of a view up there it was 20 degrees cooler.

And that’s my story of Stratton Ridge,

The end.

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