Mt Cammerer Lookout

May 19, 2025

It rained on us a bit last night, and we heard thunder cracks all around. I walked through snag city–very steep with little top soil. I walked up on 3 deer crossing the trail, they spooked and took off. I saw some interesting coral things and mushrooms along the way. I felt better today, my feet are hurting less now, and I’m putting in good miles.

There have been lots of downed trees. I passed a root ball that was at least 15 feet tall. I took a 0.6 mile side trail that led to Mt. Hammered Lookout. It was built by the CCC and was an old fire lookout. On the way, I ran into Andre and his cousin, whom I previously met in Hiawassee at the hostel. I had lunch at the lookout and had the place all to myself. I caught a snail in the middle of the trail, munching on some dirt.

I had to descend 5000 ft today as well, which my knees screamed about in protest. I made it to Davenport shelter and used Andre’s phone to call Jerrica, who has been watching Bowen while I’ve been in the Smokies. She will drop Bo off for me tomorrow morning at Hiker’s Rest. I had rice and tuna for dinner. Poptart, 6-String, Thirsty Boy and Alpha came to the shelter and decided to go another 2 miles to get out of the Smokies. I saw a salamander while I was getting water and met 5 and Spoons at the shelter. Spoons and I plan to catch a hitch around I40 in the morning to go to Hiker’s Rest.