Photos and Text by Roger Jenkins

The lack of a newsletter and the need to use watercraft apparently dampened the enthusiasm for this trip, as there were only four participants. However, the enthusiasm was not lacking for those who went. The plan was for the group to canoe or kayak from the Fontana Boat Dock near the Dam to the mouth of Hazel Creek, and then paddle up the embayment to the point where the creek starts to flow, and camp at the Proctor Backcountry site. Two participants were so eager they left Friday night, and spent Saturday hiking the route of a new trail proposed by the Park Service to connect the historic Proctor area with lower Eagle Creek. The trip leaders paddled their rented sea kayaks the 6+ miles in a few hours, after taking time to explore Myers Creek. The kayaks were beached, and the gear hoisted onto backs and hauled the 0.4 miles to the campsite.

Beef seemed to be the choice of the gourmands this evening, with marinated flank steak grilled over charcoal, and filets sautéed in wine sauce comprising the main dishes. An hour-long downpour was repelled by a complex of tarps, the likes of which are rarely seen on backpacking trips. The rain stopped but the food didn't, as chocolate cake, iced of course, was baked in a "Bakepacker" and served to everyone. The next morning gourmet breakfasts were prepared, with pancakes topped with vanilla yogurt and fresh strawberries seeming to win the non-contest. The trip back across Fontana lake was breezy, but a spattering of rain held off until the watercraft were beached and on the car-tops. 

For more on the Harvey Broome Group Gourmet Backpack visit Roger and Susie's site:
http://www.twohikers.org/SE_Hiking/hbgGourmetBackpack.htm