July...Weather you like it or not!

As you can see from the chart above there is still a fair amount of rain fall in GSM during July so we'll need to pack our rain gear.

As you can see, in July temperatures are normally around 86-58 degrees, but could be as high as 95 and as low as 40. Knowing this is important because it tells you how to pack. I don't think I'll be packing a sleeping bag this time, but maybe just a nice bag liner.

It gets very hot, so you'll also be needing very light, sweat wicking clothing, and sunscreen.

We'll be camped near water most of the time but it's important to have good hydration gear with you!

The Bear Necessities!

So we are officially 2 months out from our big trip to the Smokies and I'm already thinking of our protection. Driving back from FL I dropped into Nashville's R.E.I. store and purchased a counter assault bear spray (Bear Mase). Not that this will work, but it makes me feel safer. This is a reminder that you to need to be thinking of the bear necessities. I recommend that you all buy small air horns and odor proof food sacks (OPSak). I will also be purshasing a bear bag for hanging our food (URSack) this year.